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Do most people use the mid-mark chart? Do you count your lefts? I see many people using different methods in meets. What is the best way?

i would have to say mid-mark is the best by far.

I count the number of left foot steps.
For leties it's the number of right foot steps.
That's just how my school does it

So I want to start using the chart. Should I just completely abandon any run length I had previously? What if I take short strides? How should I start to use it?

powerplant42 wrote:So I want to start using the chart. Should I just completely abandon any run length I had previously? What if I take short strides? How should I start to use it?

Don't change anything until you are done vaulting for the season.

powerplant42 wrote:So I want to start using the chart. Should I just completely abandon any run length I had previously? What if I take short strides? How should I start to use it?

Here's how i started. First find your takeoff mark with a certain grip. Then find your midmark with that grip and adjust it so it fits your takeoff. For example, if a certain grip says you should have a 9' 6" takeoff, but you find that you're under when you check your takeoff at 9' 6", just move your midmark back a little so that your takeoff is right. Then take 1 or 2 lefts back, from the midmark (do a runback) and start vaulting. You should probably start at 4 lefts, then move it back to 5 lefts once you get a little more comfortable.

Also another way to get used to the right run, use the midmark chart when doing poleruns. Use the chart to mark your midmark, and then use a slidbox or some sort of mark to mark the position of the box.

I personally believe in the mid mark... but i also believe you shouldn't use a mid unless you are on a 6 or 7 left approach as a minimum. Not enough speed from the shorter steps to establish a solid mid... just my opinion.

Yeah I've been flirting with a 7 step lately, and the pole switch I just made (and am really considering reversing) has really shown me how much work my run needs...

Ok so I need some clarification on this chart.

Ex:
Bar Height: 9'-6"
Hand grip: 10'-10"
Take-off point: 7'-8"
6 Stride Mark: 36'

Do I measure 7'-8" from the back/bottom of the box to get an estimated take off point and THEN measure my approach steps from that point? (It says above it may have to be adjusted).

Is it correct that the "6 Stride Mark" = HALF of your FULL approach run? So in this case when I travel to out-of-town meets I should be measuring about 72'?

and finally, what's the reason for the 6 stride mark? Is this just something to go off of?

It's three steps out. MID only refers 'middle' of a 6 left/right run up.

Give me your grip and I'll show you how to get your steps from the chart..