Beginner approach: 6-8 strides
Short approach used in first-season training. Allows beginners to focus on plant technique without managing a full sprint approach. Short-approach reps remain part of training at every level.
Pole vault approaches use 6-22 strides depending on level. Beginners use 6-8 strides on a short approach. HS varsity vaulters use 12-16 strides. College and elite vaulters use 16-20 strides; Petrov-coached elites typically use 18-20 strides over 42-46 m total approach length. Each stride is counted from the first foot strike after the start mark.
Short approach used in first-season training. Allows beginners to focus on plant technique without managing a full sprint approach. Short-approach reps remain part of training at every level.
Full approach for competition. 12 strides for newer varsity vaulters; 14-16 for state-class HS athletes. Length scales with sprint speed.
Documented in Petrov's coaching tradition. Sergey Bubka used 18-20 strides; Mondo Duplantis uses similar. Longer approaches allow more acceleration but require more consistency.
Approach inconsistency wastes the rep. Use the pole vault approach calculator to estimate your start mark, mid-mark, and takeoff distance. AI form check verifies whether each stride lands where expected.
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