Long Run

[OUvaulterUSAF]

Can someone explain to me when the appropriate time is to go to a long approach (i.e. 8 to 10 lefts)?

[hallvaulter]

i obviously have no expert opinion, but i always thought from how my dad and coach shank talked, that 8 is about as far as most go indoors, and outdoors is the time to go to 9 or 10 lefts that is

[mjaubbs40]

Don't do it just to have a longer run. The longer the run, the more room for errors. If you have an OUTSTANDING and CONSISTENT run and feel that you aren't maximizing it--you aren't quite reaching top controllable speed, backing up a left or two MAY be the answer (although you should analyze your current run to see if changes need to be made to correct problems first). I would think reasons to do this would be that you're jumping has maxed out with your current approach, poles, grip and push off. With the longer run--more velocity and strong takeoff, you SHOULD be able to get on bigger sticks (not necessarily longer sticks or more grip)
BUT make sure you are very consistent with your approach--lots of pole runs. sliding box drills, etc. Also, be sure that you aren't slowing down with a longer run. Just some of my 2 cents...

[nitro]

move back when you are ready to move back....if you can jump good from 8 and you jump worse from 10 you are making too many mistakes so it would be too early but if you move back and your not making mistakes normally you will jump higher and get on bigger sticks

[vault3rb0y]

Move back when you are getting everything possible out of a shorter run, and the only limiting factor is less speed that you can generate compared to if you went back farther.

[ashcraftpv]

it really depends on what you are trying to accomplish. If you're just transitioning from your short run back to a long run you've done before, then I'd say whenever you feel comfortable. If you've never run from 8-10 before, then you should only move back to a longer run if you've maximized your jump from 6-7. In that, I mean you're technique is on and you've run out of poles to jump on. Like I said before, it really depends on what you're trying to do.