Posted by joshie216 on May 01, 2002 at 19:18:57:
This is my first year vaulting, and I am having a huge problem having the proper arm technique. My top arm (right) is pretty good; it remains straight and directly over my left foot when I takeoff. But no matter how hard I try, my left arm collapses when i take off. I know I am supposed to keep it firm, almost locked out throughout my jump, but I cant do it. Sometimes my left elbow actually passes the pole in my jumps. This makes my hips move forward after takeoff, and directs my weight backwards, killing all of my momentum and making my jump fall short. I get plenty of bend in the pole, in fact at times too much. I need to move up to a bigger pole, but my coach doesnt want me to until I can keep my arms straight. If anyone has any tips or drills that could help me, it would be much appreciated. I also have quicktime videos of myself vaulting if anyone cares to see them...