Gradual pole drop vs. drop at the end.

[Vaulter1080]

Yesterday at practice I started using a different pole carry. On a 7 step run I would count down from 5, only allow the pole to start dropping when I got to 1, raise the pole on the next step, and plant on the last. This fixed the biggest problem I had which would ruin the rest of my vault. When I ran with a continuous pole drop over the run, I would throw my right arm back with my left hand on my hip to help balance the pole. This also causes the strides to lengthen out, making it harder to keep up the acceleration. From there I would plant with my hand coming up behind my head. This combination put me under on my plant 99% of the time, and I would be unable to have much of a jump or a tall takeoff. Since I'm now just letting the weight of the pole drop itself, I don't have to worry abuot balancing myself with it and instantly I saw results. Previously with a PR of 13' at the league meet, I was able to hold about 8" lower than at leagues, and jump 13'6" easily. Then I jumped on a 14 foot pole holding abuot a foot from the top of the pole and easily got over 14'. Can't wait for districts now. So what do you think? Drop through the run, or drop at the end?