PoleVaultPower.com

Ok, I'm a freshman with a pr of 8'6. My problem is every time I go for opening height, I scratch my first attempt but can make it after. Also, I had a meet today and I didn't even do 8'0. Some of the seniors kept making my grip higher up but I kept sliding down the pole. I also feel like I don't have a lot of upper body strength to push off. I don't have a weight set to work with, but I plan to get one, but for now, any pointers?

If your grip is sliding down, those seniors probably told you too grip too high. If it starts sliding again, lower it back down until you are consistently gripping the pole at the same place every time.

Becca is right, you need to get your grip back down and then once you start landing deep in the pit then you can slowly raise your grip up bit by bit.

Yeah, I figured I was holding to high.

How high are you holding? Find the chart that dj made up, copy and paste it take it with you. It will tell you where on the pole to hold at what height and steps etc.........Find it and try it see if it helps you improve. Good Luck..................Later..............Mike

anyone got the link?

go to www.polevaultpower.com and look down at the lower right hand side of the page. Click on Mid Mark Chart. Use the numbers and trust it. I recommend that you take you grip height and mark the take off l-r-l-r-etc marks to the mid. If you are running 7 lefts start at your mid and run (away from the take-off) four lefts and have someone catch your steps. Run back and hit your mid (actually your coach should check to see if you are hitting your mid). You will be really surprised at the results. You should hit every l-r-l-r-l mark righ on target!! Practice plantin high and taking off!!!! You'll go up almost immediately.

http://www.polevaultpower.com/docs/djmidchart.doc There it is. Good luck! Later.....Mike

Also, I basically rely on my momentum and swing to get me up. I know you're supposed to be jumping somehow I think, but how and when?