2nd half of vault

[andy94566]

I have vaulted 10' 6" with a 13 foot 140 UCS Spirit pole before but I want to get better. The problem with me is that after I swing, I can't get my legs really back which makes me kick my feet out at the top towards the bar and not above it. So I want to look like this http://web.mit.edu/6a26/www/people/dbush/4.jpg but I just can't seem to get back further. Is there anything that will help me with this problem?

[KirkB]

I ... want to get better. The problem with me is that after I swing, I can't get my legs really back which makes me kick my feet out at the top towards the bar and not above it. ... Is there anything that will help me with this problem?

You have a few years to get that good ... but I don't blame you for wanting to get there as soon as possible.

Just be patient ... and work on the FIRST half of the vault ... and the 2nd half will come without hardly trying. I know this sounds a bit implausible and counter-intuitive, but it's true. The secret to pole vaulting is in the run, pole drop, plant, takeoff, and downswing. Get those 5 things down pat, and the upswing to inversion will just "happen".

At 10-6, you have a ways to go. In addition to the five 1st-half parts that you should work on, you should also do as much gymnastics ... on highbar, rings, and rope ... as you can. That will give you the strength and body coordination that you'll eventually need ... and it's part of the secret of improving your athleticism so that the top half of your vault will improve like you want it to.

But as far as specific technical actions that you should do while vaulting 10-6 or 11-0, don't worry about it yet. It will come ... just be patient.

Meanwhile, buy BTB2 and read it cover to cover.

Kirk

[baggettpv]

You guys need to get my little bok on Beginning Pole Vaulting. It would help alot!

Rick Baggett
WSTC