PoleVaultPower.com

On several occasions I've read that the petrov model utilizes a straight leg swing instead of shooting out because it keeps the continuous chain going AND it adds energy into the system. I'm curious as to how much energy can be gained from the swing. For example, if I was to do no training for the next six weeks except strengthen my abs, back, and hip flexors, how much more energy could I put into the pole? Even if it didn't put much energy into the system, would it shave a tenth of a second from the swing allowing the vaulter to get into a better position? I was hoping to get some thoughts on this.

Of course, said vaulter would need a very straight trail leg. I'm tempted to experiment (even though I probably have more pressing matters to fix in my vault ).
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lX6oO23eo4g

Think more important to work on step -- take-off -- 15 sec of video makes my old bones hurt -- it will take work because you probably feel comfortable where you are at

Ditto, Decamouse. Looks like your takeoff step is about two feet under. You should be able to draw a line from your top hand at down to your toe of your takeoff foot. Work on that and your swing will improve.

if you're looking for like scientific numbers, i doubt anyone could help you. But the long-short of it (the reason why MOST vaulters strive for a straight swing) is because the tuck&shoot adds ZERO energy to the vault. The swing continuously puts energy into the pole and in addition to allowing you to get on bigger poles, delays the pole from unbending and therefore allowing the vaulter to get his hips above his shoulders and work "ahead" of the pole and be in a much better position to fly off the top. But like Decamouse said, you need to get your step out. This will allow you to put more of the energy built up during your run into the vault but also put you in a better position to swing. Take-off first, then powerful swing to inversion and you're money. For real, I can see you going 16' with the appropriate fixes. -6P

Thanks 6P, that's what I was curious about. And to deca and vcpvcoach, I have been working on that run... Its probably the most ingrained habit I have, and its been a thorn in my side since day 1.

Include 20/20s in your training.

I thoroughly enjoy the fact that this thread immediately turned into discussion on my run. It was like a little wake up call that my mind was on the wrong things in classic pvp style...so thank you! I started doing 20/20s and hurdle runs (10 ft stride pattern) today. I suppose I'll just do 10,000 of these and see you guys in 5-13 years at the olympics.

Hey, pvcolt. Remember, the Vault is a chain of events. It's starts off the runway with choosing which pole to jump on, how high you will grip, and where you will run from. Next comes the run, plant, takeoff, and so on. If one of these events is off, everything after at will be effected. Most young vaulters only see that they didn't make the bar. Break down film of your vaults with a critical eye and you will improve.

Good luck.