Jumping at the Plant?

[mms]

I've been told that one of my problems is that I start to rock back immediately at the plant instead of "driving in", which keeps me from getting on bigger poles. My coach has told me that I can fix this by jumping into the pole, but I am still having trouble understanding what exactly that entails. Trying to jump up after running full speed down the runway just seems unnatural. What's the right thing to be doing at the takeoff?

[vault3rb0y]

If you are rocking back at the take off, i would assume its either because your take off is far under (too close to the box) or you are simply too quick to try to invert.

Look at the dynamics of a long jumper. Thats exactly what you want to be doing when you pole vault. Try to keep your hands tall, and go back to basics. get on a short run and dont even try to swing. Just take off the ground with your hands up, and your trail leg back, and keep your body upright in a position you would be in right before you swing. That way you can control when you want to swing.

You actually want to swing soon, but ONLY as soon as your body and the pole are in the best position to absorb the energy of your swing. This will come only after a powerful jump, just like a long jumper, into the pole. My guess is you are neglecting the power you can generate by jumping into the pole, because you are thinking about the swing too much. Do a short run drill where you dont let your hips come forward at all, and just land on your knees (NOT FEET!). good luck

[polevaulter08nw]

try to find some stuff about bubka and his take off.

[mms]

Thanks, guys. Keep the replies coming, everybody.

Can you explain exactly what you mean by the "dynamics of a long jumper"?

[baggettpv]

Gees....
From a 6 step approach. Get a standing grip heighth (pole beside you and reach up as high as you can, standing grip heighth) then hold 3 feet above this place and straight pole onto the pit from 6 steps. Keep holding higher and higher untill all you can do is get the pole to vertical. Be sure to keep the body BEHIND the pole. Lead foot under the thigh, thigh parallel to the ground. Takeoff foot pointing down towards the runway (finished the jumping action). In this drill you should be able to get the pole and you into the pit holding 5' above the standing grip. Thats what we mean by jumping onto the takeoff.

Rick Baggett
WSTC LLC[/quote][/u]

[master]

Very well described Rick!

- master