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Okay, let's say you're a 12 foot vaulter (female) and you are competing in a small local meet where the next highest vaulter is, say, 8'6". Normally you would choose an opening height of 10' or 10' 6". Would you consider it poor form to open 2' higher after everyone has dropped out?

While we're on the topic, do you always continue to take all your attempts and try to PR regardless of whether everyone else has dropped out?

varska wrote:Okay, let's say you're a 12 foot vaulter (female) and you are competing in a small local meet where the next highest vaulter is, say, 8'6". Normally you would choose an opening height of 10' or 10' 6". Would you consider it poor form to open 2' higher after everyone has dropped out?

While we're on the topic, do you always continue to take all your attempts and try to PR regardless of whether everyone else has dropped out?

No, it is not poor form to open that much higher than everyone else. And yes, assuming you are healthy and such, you should always try to PR if you have the opportunity.

Just be nice to everyone and the officials and you'll be fine.

As a coach, I would not tell my vaulters to change their routine according to the level of competition. Coming in significanly lower than what you usually jump could lead to problems as well. You could sky the bar and then knock it off on the way down as you rotate to land on your back.

Of course, if they are waiting for you at the high jump or the hurdles, I do not suggest taking 3 attempts at a PR.