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Sometimes the issue is overcompensating for looking down at the ground at take-off.

13'6" 160 UCS/Spirit for sale in Kentucky. Used, some light damage. Comes with tube. $100. For pick up only. PM for more information.

I agree with Kirk! Focus on having fun for a while. Almost any strength training that is appropriate for now can be done with bodyweight.

Browse these forums for good ideas for a basic training schedule for a relative newcomer.

I believe there was a young man who died a few years ago after warming up with taps... Got stood up by the pole - go figure! Seems to be a better idea to grip down and build REAL confidence while practicing with a NATURAL vaulter-pole system: the kind of system that exists in a competition! Perhaps ...

Buy or borrow a pole that makes sense to progress to. (There are usually some good deals here on this site in the "Sales Forum": http://www.polevaultpower.com/forum/viewforum.php?f=10) Get a 13' 140 maybe. A 2' increase is not feasible - you will eventually get hurt enough or frustrated en...

Wouldn't the natural time to take a break be right after the end of the outdoor season for a few weeks?

I see... I did have a misconception then. (REAL WORLD!) That adds another disadvantage to the system. That is very unfortunate! Is the case similar in Europe? What is being done - if anything - to fix that?

I will say that you have one major advantage altius... it's the same as your major disadvantage: you only have one program. Here, a new vaulter must get lucky in high school to have a good coach, must then get lucky to have a good coach in college that coaches in a way similar enough for the vaulter...

Any idea when Minneapolis will be roughly? Will it at least be after mid-June?

On the contrary, you could try taking a break. That is sometimes very beneficial... Pretty soon you will probably be itching to vault again, which will let you come at it with renewed zeal.

Just a thought.

I am hoping charlie does not think the major benefit of the introduction of the flexible pole was increased push-off! It was obviously increased grip height!

You could also try gripping down (and/or using a much softer pole) and slowly building toward where you want to be with your take-off (and back up to the appropriate grip)... This can be a powerful psychological tool.