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For a long time I have been holding the pole with my lbottom hand curled around the pole. Kind of like the opposite of revving a motorcycle. I did this so that my palm would be under the pole when I planted. It's kind of uncomfortable and I think it inhibits my pole control during the run-up. I have seen some of the better vaulters around here hold their (bottom) wrists perpendicular to the pole, and I've seen videos of elite vaulters who use the V of their hands as described in BTB. I'm afraid that if I hold the pole in either of the latter positions that I will end up with the pre-bend to the side, instead of in line with the runway. My question is should the ole be allowed to spin in my bottom hand during the early plant, and then grip once I have gotten to about my ear? Which is the best way to hold the pole and what's the best way to get comfortable that way?

don't overgrip with the bottom hand. If you relax the fingers of the bottom hand the pole will simply rotate in your hand. Let your top hand perform the plant not overgripping with the bottom hand the you won't plant with the soft side down.

try using the V method as Alan describes. Keep your hand relaxed and your elbow near or at your side. Just try it! Check out some of Mack's vaults and see how he starts his runup!

I just wanted to say that I tried the V method described in BTB and I intanly felt a difference in my pole control and run up speed.