too wide a grip

[VTechVaulter]

Hey there
so somehow over the course of this last year, my grip has gotten really wide. Im wondering what the drawbacks are. I still can get dead vertical on a stick, so its not hurting rockback. But im wondering what else i might be missing out on because of it.

[OAKPV2004]

One thing I have noticed having looked at Bubka's grip (narrower than most) is that it seems to create a power full swing and I think that it might bend a pole easier? Im not sure but I noticed a big diffrence in his swing and rockback with his narrow grip and when he flew off the pole it looked a bit diffrent. But I also never saw him vault with a wide grip so I doubt you could really compare. Some american vaulters, Elite, that i have seen dont have the same rockback style but have got over 19', and some with the same style as bubka with a narrow grip. I think what ever feels like it works for the individual is correct.

[vaultguru6]

its gonna cause a tendancy to block out more with the left arm, and lose your hips really quick. A narrower grip encourages the vaulter to press more up, instead of in, hence keeping your hips back longer in the drive phase of the vault. A narrow girp will also give you more rowing power. You may be able to get vertical on the pole still, but i'd be willing to bet that your hips get stuck for a moment or two and you're later on the pole than you could be. A narrower girp will allow a more aggressive row which will put you in a position where at the end of your swing, your hips are already above your head. Toby has a textbook row and ends up with his hips in an incredible position at the end of his swing. So in conclusion narrow girp allows for a more aggressive row, which puts your hips in a better position which will allow you to get more energy out of the pole. Phew.

On the other hand a wide grip gives the vaulter a sense of security and comfort. I know that from personal experience. Feels like you have more control i guess. But in the end i think you'd be better off gradually narrowing it up. Thats my plan at least.

[VTechVaulter]

yeah, i know i want to narrow it. Im just lookin to learn more as i go. never heards to have more info.

and yeah, i agree it is a comfort thing

[jhesch]

I'd have to agree with the security statement. I have a pretty wide grip which does give a better feeling of control, but I think it might be a significant factor in my crappy rochback these days. At the beginning of the year i would jump on a 13 6 and 14 ft. poles, and I would be able to get upside down pretty darn good, but now im workin on gettin on a 15 foot pole, and i have a really strong takeoff and plant but my swing/rockback blows compared to earlier in the season....back then i would also swing like right off the ground which made for a hard habit to break, but now my main problem is trying to swing upside down. I guess ill try narrowing my grip today, a wider grip def. makes me feel more comfortable when getting on bigger sticks, but i tend to block it out with my bottom arm. and for those wondering about that transition of poles, here goes:

13' 7" (176 lbs.)ESSX, 14' 1" (176 lbs.)ESSX, 15' (160 lbs.)Pacer , 15' (160 lbs.)Pacer CARBON, 15' (175 lbs.)Pacer

I weight 175 lbs. On the 15 footers, I would grip at 13 6 to 14 from a 5 left, my 7 left being my full run. yesterday, w/ grip of 14' 4 (more or less) on the 15 ft. 175, i was vaulting from 5 lefts, but with box to jump off and a push from my coach (though normally my full run pole). whats pissing me off is that earlier this year I would vault over my handgrip, but im not able to w/ the 15 footer. perhaps a bad progression...? i would greatly appreciate any tips, last meet of my high school career is this friday......State!!

[Bruce Caldwell]

One thing I have noticed having looked at Bubka's grip (narrower than most) is that it seems to create a power full swing and I think that it might bend a pole easier? Im not sure but I noticed a big diffrence in his swing and rockback with his narrow grip and when he flew off the pole it looked a bit diffrent. But I also never saw him vault with a wide grip so I doubt you could really compare. Some american vaulters, Elite, that i have seen dont have the same rockback style but have got over 19', and some with the same style as bubka with a narrow grip. I think what ever feels like it works for the individual is correct.

Yes scott that is right if the vault is bending the pole with the top handgrip as a result of a very high plant the pole does not need help with the bottom hand to press, results a more powerful swing and the swing will bend the pole. Look forward to your fine jumping at the state meet

[Atleetwinvaulter]

YOU GUYS ARE AMAZING> Im so gald i read this board. lately ive been having the same issue (blocking out kinda with my left arm and jsut popping out of jumps) so i went back and looked at some footage of me when i wasnt blockign out to my recent stuff and i noticed my hand grip and how wide it had gotten compared to when i was swinging up real well. Lets jsut say im going to try it out tomm and ill get back to ya pronto on how it works out @!