approaching a crossbar

[dhut]

I am about 5'5" and weigh about 100 pounds. I have been using a 101.2 pound pole. I grip at 11 ft of a 11'6". My best has been 9'6". I am having an issue though, which is i slow down a lot when vaulting with a cross bar, and thus i do not get vertical and go over the bar. Any tips on why as soon i have a bar, not a bungee, i mess everything up?

[WestonVaulter]

You are probably having a staring contest with the crossbar as you jump. I used to have the same problem, and the way I solved it was by following my top hand with my eyes, to bring my focus away from the crossbar and to my top hand, which is where it should be. You don't want to whip your head backwards, but you want your head to follow in line with your shoulders when you drop them to invert.