What's happening?

[bvpv07]

I'm looking for some different viewpoints here. I really don't have a problem getting to the rockback postition from a short run, but whenever I try to rock back from a longer run I feel as though I as swinging forward, kind of into the pole, before I come back. Does anyone know what this forward swing motion is caused by and how to eliminate it?
Thanks!

[vaulter0512]

there are many things that could cause it one that i know of that is kinda common is you're swinging with you're legs and not you're hips.

[KYLE ELLIS]

sounds as if you are loosing your hips at takeoff, I swing forward but I keep my hips underneath me until I rock back. When I say you lose your hips I mean your hips are moving out infront of your shoulders to early. It probably wasnt happening from your short run beacause there wasnt as much speed and force so it was easier to control. I would suggest staying down longer and not trying to swing as soon as you plant. You might also try driving your chest forward for as long as you can to keep your hips back......

[bvpv07]

So, what is causing this forward, out motion that is acting as a force against the rock back? I always feel as though I'm swinging out towards the pole (swinging forward and then back) instead of staying in one place and just doing the rock back. I like the idea of kind of driving with the chest though...thanks. As to the swinging just my legs idea...my hips are coming up (so it isn't a complete pike with legs up at the pole and hips down...I used to do that and that has been a focus to get rid of), but the forward swing prevents me from getting as far back as I need to because once I am in a position where my hips are going to get back the pole is already recoiling. On drills, etc. I sometimes feel this forward swing and it prevents me from getting back, but I always somethow get it to stop and I rock back quickly. Then, when I get on the runway, the forward swing starts again. *frustrated and confused*

[KYLE ELLIS]

Well I really think this forward swing that you are feeling is when your hips are coming forward to soon. If you look at some elite vaulters their back stays almost upright untile their trail leg has swung infront of them then they drop their shoulders. Ive even seen one vaulter who was about 90 degrees angle with his back when his trail leg had swung past parallel infront of him. My point is that if your hips come forward and your trying to drop your shoulders too soon then the pole will start to unbend pulling your top arm forward and dropping your hips where its nealy impossible to get them up from, and you will be kinda stuck in this position. I think if you tried to keep everything behind your chest while still getting in the pocket then this wont happen.