Pole Progression Help

[erickrvargas]

Hey everyone.

Currently a high school vaulter. Here are the stats:

Wt: 153lbs
Height: 6'0"
100m: 12.0secs

currently using a 14' 160 pacer, holding at approximately 13'1", but having difficulty jumping on it. can jump on it during competition and easily clearing 12' but having difficulty at practice. any other pole i can use?

currently have a 14' 165 carbon fx, 14'6" 155 pacer, 14' 155 pacer (cannot clear 12' with it, holding at the top) and I don't know what to move into. i want to get to 13' by next month and I have the potential to clear 12'6, just haven't been at a competition.the first two i have not tried using yet.

Please help!

[rainbowgirl28]

Can you describe the difficulty you are having with it in practice?

[erickrvargas]

The approach and takeoff are fine, it's just I don't get good penetration into the mat and I'm coming short. It's difficult to get the sweep and invert in because I lose momentum as I get to the top of the jump, so I'm landing on the bar/bungee instead of clearing the height and landing on the mat. Previously at a meet my adrenaline and speed were good enough to get over 12' and land appropriately, but in practice I just can't seem to get a full jump in.

[rainbowgirl28]

Lower the grip in practice.