The Run

[vaulter870]

What length run do you want to have twards the end of your season. in lefts please. i can currently jump from 6 lefts and i am planning ahead so that when the bigger meets roll around that i am at my peak. i am looking at maby an 8-9 left run so that i will be able to get on my HUGE poles and maby even jump high haha any advice suggestions please post them

[Vault&Flip]

It depends on the individual...Some people don't gain any speed by moving back to 8 lefts from 7 or to 9 lefts from 8. In fact, some people actual slow down because the run is longer. So if you feel like you have speed that is untapped, go ahead and move back one left at a time, but if your take off starts to become long, under, or one big overstride, you may need to reconsider the length of the run.

[jomrus]

Definitely good advice... it all depends on whether or not you can handle the longer approach. On the other hand having a longer run does let you relax a little more, so your approach doesn't look like one big drive phase.

[izzystikchik]

I try to get to 7 at least, but i'm only at 6 right now. I don't need anymore energy cause i don't think my pole will be able to handle it...

[VaultMarq26]

I go from seven lefts. My step is at 99'. I bound out the back a little, but I am able to get a turnover the last couple steps. As long as you can carry top speed into the last three steps, it doesnt really matter where you are coming from.

[altius]

We believe that run ups of different lengths -ie 12/14/16/18/20 - cause we dont think of lefts down under - each have a specific rhythm, This is especially the case if you use a high carry and structured pole drop. So we believe that you should decide what length run you are going to be using in the major meets of your season and - at least once a week for the entire year - work on that run on the track planting into a towel or a sliding box. You can start the season off a shorter run but you are always preparing for the longer run - obviously you should move to that in training and then in competition at a sensible point prior to the key competitions. This of course assumes a mature and competent vaulter who can plan ahead and train all year. Note that this is not the process many dormer Soviet coaches use -they often do build up through the season.

Thought for the week "What is technically desirable must be physically possible"

[vaulter0512]

Im at 7 lefts and it's at 84 ft.

[dj]

I feel that 10 strides (5 lefts) is a little close, even for beginners…. And of course I use a “MIDâ€Â

[CrossBarHOpper]

I go from 8 lefts, 110 ft that is what I am most comfable with.

[csuvaulter]

I also go from 8 lefts, which is usually around 93 feet for me. You are only at 6 lefts right now? I would suggest starting to move it back! You shouldn't just be using your long run at the end of the season; you should have it pretty much perfected for the big meets. At this point I don't think you'll be able to get all the way back to 9, but I don't really think that's necessary...I've only really noticed elite athletes running from so far back.

[altius]

I go from seven lefts. My step is at 99'. I bound out the back a little, but I am able to get a turnover the last couple steps. As long as you can carry top speed into the last three steps, it doesnt really matter where you are coming from.

.

Clearly it is waste of time suggesting that people read what Petrov wrote or note what Bubka did! In this day and age with all the information we have how can anyone write "it doesnt really matter where you are coming from". Of course it matters because as Petrov said 20 years ago and more, "the pole vault begins with the first step" and by implication you must get that first step right or it will be impossible to 'carry top speed into the last three steps'. Read Nikonov's article which was published in the pole vault standard last year.

Thought for the day "The barber learns his trade on the orphan's chin."

[CHC04Vault]

Is it bad that i only take 5 lefts at 79' and jump 15'. Im really fast with or without a pole and it seem if i move back, my speed would be useless because i couldn't control it.