Indoor track begins! and I need help

[mcminkz05]

I agree with SinCity, yes sprinters lean, but part of a vaulters objective is to be as tall as possible at takeoff, sprinters don't need to worry about that. I vault for a very good coach at a D1 college, and we are taught to begin the run with a tall posture and keep that the entire way. Of course you can run with a SLIGHT forward lean, but your chest should stay above your hips for the most part the entire run. You can be extremely powerful out fo the back without having to lean at all.

[AVC Coach]

One thing I notice is that as my younger vaulters start to mature a little more, physically, they are capable of running upright with speed, power and confidence.

I've seen good vaulters lean forward a little to get the run started and then transition to an upright posture. I've also seen some maintain the same upright posture the entire length of their run.

I think you just have to evaluate the needs and physical limitations for each athlete at whatever stage of development they are in. The posture during those last 4-6 strides is what really matters to me.

[sooch90]

Hm, so I guess I'm leaning too much in the beginning?

[vault3rb0y]

I can definitely see how what i said could be misleading. If you are leaning past about 5-10 degrees at any point after your first 2 steps, i would say there could be a problem. I agree you should think about being tall and explosive upward as well as forward during your run. It probably would be better suited for the technique forum than the video forum, so for this purpose i think you should never "try" to lean forward during the beginning run. It just might happen a little during your first step or two, but its an effect and not a cause of being balanced during your run. so still be thinking about being as tall and upright as you can.

[SinCity]

AVC, I believe that is the hardest and most looked over aspect of coaching sport, not just pole vault is being able to individualize technique and specifics to each athlete. Even though it says in a very famous book that all man was created equal, when it comes to athletic ability they are not.