Help, getting sucked into the pole

A forum to discuss pole vault technique as it relates to beginning vaulters. If you have been jumping less than a year, this is the forum for you.

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slpolevault
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Help, getting sucked into the pole

Unread postby slpolevault » Wed Jan 17, 2007 11:03 pm

Hello, I am a highschool junior and I have a problem. I don't know why, but recently once I plant, I keep on getting sucked into the pole. To the extent that sometimes when I plant, my body and my bottom arm is infront of the pole, which is a really bad thing. Then when the pole unbends and reaches 90 degrees, I'm basically stuck at the top with no momentum and I fall down. It is sometimes scary because I can fall right into the box or land on the standards. My coach tells me to drive through, however, I don't know how to do that. I don't know if it's because of late planting, not stiffening the bottom arm, or not jumping. I really want to know what is causing this and how to prevent this from happening. Please help, Thanks!

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sooch90
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Unread postby sooch90 » Wed Jan 17, 2007 11:49 pm

You need to get a video of yourself and post it on here.

I learned that you must always land in the middle of the mats. That means if you're not landing in the middle of the mats, then lower your grip untill you do, or get a lighter pole.

When you plant, your arms should be outstretched

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theczar
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Unread postby theczar » Thu Jan 18, 2007 2:06 am

make sure you are getting a good punch with the bottom arm, and drive in with your chest. Keep your chest up and your trail leg long, and jump off the ground. Tall plant, big punch, big drive...to put it simply.


...some video would be really helpful too. google video or youtube are good sites to host your videos.

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superpipe
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Unread postby superpipe » Thu Jan 18, 2007 10:59 am

Getting sucked under is generally caused by two things:
1. Collasping the bottom arm too much
2. Take-off step is under ( probably by a decent amount, like 4" - 6" or more )

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rainbowgirl28
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Re: Help, getting sucked into the pole

Unread postby rainbowgirl28 » Thu Jan 18, 2007 12:24 pm

slpolevault wrote:Hello, I am a highschool junior and I have a problem. I don't know why, but recently once I plant, I keep on getting sucked into the pole. To the extent that sometimes when I plant, my body and my bottom arm is infront of the pole, which is a really bad thing. Then when the pole unbends and reaches 90 degrees, I'm basically stuck at the top with no momentum and I fall down. It is sometimes scary because I can fall right into the box or land on the standards. My coach tells me to drive through, however, I don't know how to do that. I don't know if it's because of late planting, not stiffening the bottom arm, or not jumping. I really want to know what is causing this and how to prevent this from happening. Please help, Thanks!


It sounds like you are also gripping too high.

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Unread postby newPVer » Thu Jan 18, 2007 9:12 pm

gripping too high and getting ripped off the ground.

and yes, video would be very helpful
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achtungpv
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Unread postby achtungpv » Thu Jan 18, 2007 9:26 pm

If you're not consistently landing in the pit, you are overgripping. Drop your grip 6" and see what happens.
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