Common Problems & Fixes

"Blowing Through"

The Issue: The vaulter lands deep in the pit, often hitting the bar on the way up, or the pole doesn't reach vertical.

The Cause: The pole is too soft for the amount of speed/energy, or the grip is too low.

The Fix: Move grip up 2 inches or switch to a stiffer pole.

"Rejection" (Stalling Out)

The Issue: The vaulter gets picked up but thrown back onto the runway.

The Cause: Not jumping at takeoff, taking off "under" (too close to the box), or the pole is too stiff.

The Fix: Move takeoff step back, focus on jumping UP at the plant, or lower grip.

The "Flat" Takeoff

The Issue: Vaulter is ripped off the ground without jumping.

The Cause: Late plant timing. The hands weren't high enough before the pole hit the box.

The Fix: Walking plant drills. Ensure hands are moving before the foot leaves the ground.

Flagging Out

The Issue: Legs drop down immediately after the swing.

The Cause: Failure to drop the shoulders or weak core engagement.

The Fix: Rockback drills and focus on looking back at the runway during inversion.