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when i start my approach the pole starts kind of swung out to the left (im a righty). and i eventually correct it and bring it to the center between my shoulders, but that doesnt happen until about half way through my approach. i dont really have problems planting or any thing but i was wondering if that would effect the speed of my first couple steps and in turn make me slower when it counts. any feed back would be appreciated.

The pole shouldn't be disgustingly left... whatever angle it's at when you're hands are in the correct positions (high hip and chest).

ok so ideally i shouldn't be carrying like this, but will it ever affect anything negatively?

It'll slow you down a little bit and could cause some plant problems or take-off alignment problems I would assume.

When you take your first step, your pole tip should not be inbetween your shoulders. In fact, (if you are right handed) it should be off to the left a little bit.

Any video of you jumping....what you are asking/doing may be different than what I am seeing in my mind.

VaultMarq26 wrote:When you take your first step, your pole tip should not be inbetween your shoulders. In fact, (if you are right handed) it should be off to the left a little bit.

Agreed. It actually helps your speed because even though your pole is not centered, your shoulders are square to the runway. That allows you to generate power from each leg.

Just be sure that you do center the pole about 7-8 steps out then allow the pole tip to fall into the box over your last ~6 steps.

thanks. sorry i dont have any good footage... but the pole dose gradually fall into the right spot and i run the end of my approach with it in between my shoulders. its just the first couple steps where it is comfortable to have it out to the left.