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I was wondering what is considered to be a "high" grip for straight pole drills.

An optimally high grip is when you roll the pole over ... but you don't get excessive horizontal distance when you land. A grip that's "too high" is when you stall out and therefore can't execute the drill properly.

Remember that the grip is dependent on your takeoff speed and impulse as well as on your reach. It varies for each vaulter, and it will vary as your technique improves (or deteriorates) thru a practice.

The best way to determine your optimal grip for straight pole drills is to simply move it up or down a fist after each rep, depending on whether you're getting too much or not enough horizontal distance past the when you land.

You asked a "Beginning Technique" question that really belongs in the Beginner's forum. If you didn't understand any of the terms that I used, please let me know, and I'll be happy to clarify.

I understand the actual procedure of determining grip height, but I was looking for more along the lines of bubkas grip height, or other elite vaulters.

Bubka could grip 14ft, elite jumpers can grip 13+, elite girls probably 11ft +...

Measure your grip height above your standing grip (this is for the 3-step stiff pole, stay-behind drill...no swing, just move the pole into the pit):
4 feet is mandatory
5 feet is good
6 feet is amazing

Once you establish your maximum grip without swinging you can move your grip down a fist or so to do the swing drill. Most people who do the stiff pole swing drill grip way too low and "preload" the bottom arm to get it around the pole...this is a mistake because it teaches you not to finish the takeoff. Better to get really good at the stay-behind drill before you try the swing.

Good luck,
Tom

Good Tom, You learn well!!

Rick Baggett
WSTC

I thought you'd like that response, Rick!

I've had some pretty great teachers...thanks

Tom