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[01]Pole Vault Takeoff Technique

Pole vault takeoff, broken down

Foot under the top hand

Most pole vault takeoffs fail because the foot is behind the top hand. The foot has to land directly under, the pole bends, your body swings up. Behind, the pole crushes flat.

Free leg drives forward and up

The free leg (non-takeoff leg) drives forward at takeoff, knee high. This drive transfers energy into the pole and starts the swing.

Body lean slightly back at takeoff

Body angles 5-10 degrees back at takeoff to load the pole. Too vertical and you can't bend. Too leaned back and you stall.

Pivot point

Frame your pole vault takeoff

AI extracts the takeoff frame and measures foot-to-hand alignment, free-leg position, and body angle. The takeoff is the pivot point, get it wrong and the rest of the rep is compromised.

Follow up in chat and ask questions. The AI remembers your analysis and speaks the language of pole vault coaching.

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Pole vaulter at the plant, pole bending, body inverted, Track & Field AI analysis (takeoff-graded)
Pole Vault · Sample analysis “Takeoff foot is 6 inches behind the top hand, costs you at least 6 inches of usable pole bend. Move takeoff mark forward 12 inches.”
[10]Common questions

Pole Vault Takeoff Technique FAQ

Common questions athletes and coaches ask about this topic.

Where should my takeoff foot land in pole vault?
Directly under the top hand. AI measures the alignment from a side-on clip.
Why is my free leg not driving forward?
Usually a coordination issue from a late plant. Drill the plant first; the free leg follows.
Should I lean back at takeoff?
Yes, 5-10 degrees from vertical. Helps load the pole.
[INDEX]More ways to dial in your pole vault

The full pole vault index

A directory of every pole vault page on the site, from broad analysis tools to specific phase deep-dives. Each entry points to a focused write-up.

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Check your pole vault takeoff.

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60s
Time per analysis
Free first analysisNo card
Coaching languagePlain English
Pole Vault modelEvent-specific