Month 1: 5-7 ft (1.50-2.10 m)
Learn the stance, grip, and reach-grip vault on a short approach (4-6 strides). Most beginners clear 6-7 ft in the first few sessions with a soft pole and reach grip.
Beginner pole vaulters clear 5-9 ft (1.50-2.75 m) in the first 1-3 months of training, with most clearing 7 ft (2.10 m) by the end of month 1. By the end of year 1 with consistent training, most HS-aged beginners clear 9-12 ft (2.75-3.65 m). Year-2 ceiling typically reaches 12-15 ft for boys and 9-12 ft for girls.
Learn the stance, grip, and reach-grip vault on a short approach (4-6 strides). Most beginners clear 6-7 ft in the first few sessions with a soft pole and reach grip.
Approach lengthens to 8-12 strides. Vaulters begin to bend the pole at lower bar heights. Clearances of 8-9 ft are common by end of month 3.
Full approach (12-14 strides) emerges. Reliable pole bend, swing-up, and clearance technique. Most year-1 ceiling falls in this range for HS-aged athletes.
Beginner pole vault changes fast. Film week 1, week 4, week 12, then week 26. AI form check compares the side-by-side and tells you which technique pieces locked in.
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