How grip height connects to clearance
Peak bar clearance = grip height + push height (the distance the vaulter pushes above their grip at the top of the vault). Elite vaulters push 1.00-1.10 m above grip; HS vaulters push 0.50-0.80 m.
Grip height in pole vault is the distance from the ground to the vaulter's top hand on the pole at takeoff. It determines what bar height the vaulter can clear: peak height tracks grip height plus push height (the bar-clear distance above the grip). Elite men grip 5.10-5.20 m (16'9"-17'1"); elite women 4.50-4.70 m; HS varsity 4.00-4.30 m.
Peak bar clearance = grip height + push height (the distance the vaulter pushes above their grip at the top of the vault). Elite vaulters push 1.00-1.10 m above grip; HS vaulters push 0.50-0.80 m.
Beginners: 2.50-3.00 m / 8-10 ft. Developing HS: 3.20-3.80 m / 10'6"-12'6". Varsity HS: 4.00-4.30 m / 13'1"-14'1". College: 4.50-4.90 m. Elite men: 5.10-5.20 m. Elite women: 4.50-4.70 m.
Grip height scales with sprint speed and technique. Use the pole vault grip height calculator to estimate your starting range from your 100m PR. Move up only when you bend the pole consistently and land deep in the pit.
Grip height is bottlenecked by takeoff velocity. Use the pole vault grip height calculator to convert your 100m PR into a recommended grip range. AI form check verifies your actual takeoff velocity from phone video.
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