What is Pole Timing with the Double Pendulum

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All Illustrations on this page are produced & given permission for use BY David Bussabarger. 

Timing on a pole requires that the pole swing & the vaulter swing cumulate together to produce a conversion in motion energy.  In a bending pole, the energy is stored in the pole & transferred to the vault at a later time frame allowing the vaulter to move to the position to receive the return energy. 

A vaulter can lower this center of gravity by extending the trail leg to create a power swing! The vaulter swing, timed with the pole swing, gives the vaulter the best ability to push off over their handgrip.   Moving the handgrip too high slows the vaulter's swing & the pole returns to vertical too fast; the vaulter cannot catch up.  

Quoting David Bussabarger: 

"The take-off must be powerful, executed in a precise & controlled manner!"

Different styles of take-off convert energy differently into the pole. The key is timing the swing & the swing-up ( Rockback ) to meet at a point to receive the maximum upward lift.  Grip & speed are not the only variables. It is important to bend a pole that has more upward lift. We have made the pole bend easier to use a stronger weight load. The secret to giving the pole a way to bend with less resistance has been the Bruce Caldwell designs from day one; the predicted soft sides aligned up in a significant pre- Bend allows one with some experience to use a pole rated well over their weight. Resulting in lots more hip-lift!

It is always better to go up to a stiffer pole than it is to move up to a long pole. A rule of thumb is if you are not clearing 12 inches over your grip, you need more lift, a stronger weight load, and less pole length. Getting your grip at the top of the sail wrap is optimum for better performance. Moving the grip lower on a longer pole forces the hips to flatten over the bar, not allowing a big push-off or pick position.

 A David Bussabarger Illustration of a 6-meter Jump. Notice the center of gravity of the vaulter is with the upward return of the pole. 

Master Vaulters have, over the years due to the costs or availability, chosen a long pole with a softer load rating and held the grip low. The problem has always been the pole load is the key. If you weigh 160 lbs., you need a more robust load rating to lift your hips, making up for the slower approach you have gotten over the years.  We make a pole that is durable and easy to bend so you can accommodate an accurate weight rating load above your weight.  Getting a pole to bend is our secret, just do not get too long of one and you will PR the first week! 

Thank you, Chris Corteen Maven PV, for the video comparison of Two vaulters.' 

Left & Right Comparisons!

L=Vaulter weight=179lb 7-Step 13'-3 grip 

14-1-180 Essx Pole 12'-0" bar.

1 lb lift power 

R=Vaulter weight=175lb 7-step run

13'-3" grip 13-7 190 Fibersport pole 13'-6" bar

15 lbs lift power

See the hips time with the pole to provide lift. Right=This position is more favorable to hip lift allowing more potential push-off power of the handgrip. Higher bars with a shorter pole having the same grip! Visually you can see the shorter pole Right rolling at the top more than the longer pole Left. The optimum

bend curvature goal is an upside-down "J." Many pole makers make a pole bend in a "C" curve. Often, with a "C" Bend, one must leap off the ground to take advantage of this type of bend.