sooch90 wrote:I have just a small question.
I was practicing some poll runs using a 12'7" pole, but the chart says the take of should be a 9'8"? For some reason, when I place my foot on this mark, and place the pole in the box, I seem to be very under? I don't know if maybe I just measured it incorrectly or something (my friend and I double checked it), but I was definitely under. Any thoughts?
thanks!
When you say using a 12'7 "pole" are you meaning a 12'7 "grip" measured from the top of your top hand to the bottom of the pole tip? That's how it is intended to work.
DJ essentially made the chart using the Pythagorean theorum, assuming a constant reach height, which I've figured is about for an athlete between 6'0-6'2. A taller athlete can takeoff "on" closer to the box because of a higher reach/angle to the ground than a shorter athlete. Therefore, the takeoff points will not match up exactly for most athletes that are shorter or taller.
The way to use this is to take that 12'7 grip, check your step with a perfect straight/plum line from the top hand to tip of takeoff toe, note where you are from the back of the box (example: 10'2"), and then add that difference to the 6 step/mid mark. So if you're at 10'2 (6" farther than DJ's takeoff point), move his mid of 42'0 back 6" to 42'6".
When you do pole runs and even takeoffs, take a white towel and lay it across the track/runway about 6" in front of your optimum takeoff point, and it will give you a visual to "get your feet down" behind it. You don't stare at the towel, your peripheral vision picks it up. If you step on it, your spikes will puncture through it and still hook up on the track. Just don't use a 2" x 6" board like Souleman!
This really does work, and brings you into the takeoff with a high center of gravity.
. But I think I still have a long way until I have to fine tune my run with this chart 
