My High School Pole Vault Career

How I made it from a clumsy freshman to a state record holder.

[@Yuimie]

I don't know who you are but you're a damn badass keep killing it

[@katieho1870]

I'm actually watching this the day of my first meet and for some reason they put me in pole vault when I can barely clear 5',, but I love watching this video because it actually inspires me to try my hardest even when I'm nervous. So for that, thank youu.

[@sasharazi]

same! but my meet is in 2 days😔

[@lexi744]

Comments like this keep me going when I feel the same way about vaulting in college. Guess I need to focus more on trying my hardest even when I'm nervous. Thank you for that!

[@upsettingrock1]

I was put into Pole Vault with 3 days of practice, and managed to clear 6’ and almost did 6’6. It’s been a while after that and I’ve practiced more at meets than I have at school 💀

[@gabrielmiller78]

@@upsettingrock1awesome just curious to see where ur at now?

[@cassidyacosta5701]

I hope I can be as good as you someday. I recently started and I'm now doing 7 feet quickly progressing because I love the sport.

[@atrbulldog5955]

1:40 my god where do you live it is beautiful, those mountains 😍

[@galabnasadachisenbocker1933]

i have to say, this video is so inspiring! i make very similar form errors as you used to when you were younger, and the fact that you were able to correct them so nicely is really motivational🖤good luck in college!!

[@lexi744]

Thank you so much! Its funny because now I'm facing new form errors that I'm hoping to see the progress as I move towards my senior year of college hehe. But you've got this! Good luck to you too!

[@barkleychristopher88]

You're progressing well!! I'm not sure what strategy your coach has in place, but the next thing I'd say you'd benefit most from is forming a stronger plant a take-off! You allow your left arm to collapse and absorb all of that kinetic energy from your approach, and it shows in the lack of penetration into the pit (not to say that it's bad! I struggled with the same issue before clearing my high heights!) Once that plant is mastered, and even in the background while you work the plant, your vertical is SO CLOSE! When you drive your hips up, you push your legs down and start your turn when you're coming horizontal. As you master your vertical, new avenues will open up! You did great on that bigger pole because you fought back against it! Now push harder! My story is similar. Broke my knee my senior year of high school, recovered JUST in time for districts, made it to state in one of the most stacked fields of vaulters in state history (9 guys in at 14'6" lol). Finished the summer at 15'. Within 2 months of working with a coach who prioritized MY failings (vertical and turn), I was up in the 17' range. You've definitely got the foundation, so drive hard, lift good weights (deadlift and pull ups/bar dips are your friend lol) and you'll be 14'+ in no time!

[@lexi744]

You are spot on! My plant and take-off are my number one focus right now. I've actually been talking with my dad a lot about how once I get my plant up and my left arm out, it could change my vaults completely. I'm hoping that will give me a better inverted C position at take-off to give a better swing with my trail leg for a better vertical position. I've created bad habits, so I'm in the process of breaking them. Thank you so much for the advice! If you know any specific drills or exercises then please let me know. :D

[@barkleychristopher88]

@@lexi744 off the top of my head, slide box drills are always a GREAT start! Two and three stride take-offs, delayed swing vaults, both work wonders. If you aren't already, practice rope swings as well! That'll help the natural C and as you get more comfortable, follow through on the rope to a complete invert. 💪💪

[@amandajones1287]

Lexi, this made me cry! Sooo proud of you! Keep on being Amazing! Love you!

[@leahhill458]

This video always keeps me positive I go to a very small school and we don’t even have our own pole so we borrow and practice at other schools this makes it really hard and gives me a disadvantage when I compete but this video inspires me and always helps me do my best

[@lexi744]

I actually started out in a similar situation! Luckily we had a few poles and a pit, but I struggled to have the resources I wanted to improve. I got lucky enough to have AMAZING coaches that helped me get poles, but in all, you've gotta realize that it is totally possible to improve and get big heights no matter your circumstances or resources! Don't give up girl. You inspire me :)

[@leahhill458]

Lexi Wightman are there any exercises or something that you would recommend? I want to make sure I’m working on pole vault even when I’m not actually able to vault

[@lexi744]

@@leahhill458 Theres 2 things I'm always trying to work on year round, especially when I don't have access to a pit. CORE AND UPPER BODY. I specifically like to work on doing handstands for my upperbody, and working on swingups for my core. But any exercises that strengthen these two muscle groups can help you progress SO much faster. Also, if you can work on sprinting mechanics and develop more speed in your approach, that helps a ton too. If you wait for a pit, you won't progress as fast!! You've got this.

[@EZequestrian88]

You are such a talented vaulter! You are very humorous, too! Such an inspiration! I just went to my first meet a little while ago doing pole vault and ALMOST cleared 6”.

[@lexi744]

I started at 6' too! Stick with it! You never know just how high you can go :)

[@treydeveraux1664]

Good to have you on the team Lex :)

[@hannahn1081]

I love these videos. Good job!!!

[@tombryant52jumpscoach]

Fantastic video. Keep working on it and good luck in your career.

[@doubleoxxer]

This is so cool to watch!

[@sorrym8421]

You make me look weak. Lol. I'm vaulting 12'6 as a junior right now and I'm a guy. I was hoping to pit that up atleast another foot or so but I sprained my ankle. Good luck at college!!!! You'll do fucking amazing!

[@graysonadams2485]

Hey! I'm also jumping 12'6" as a junior. Hope your ankle gets better soon, pole vaulting is too much fun to be missing out on.

[@JustinWong307]

@@graysonadams2485 I'm almost there; got 12' two meets in a row!

[@javierdelarosa2772]

Hell yeah, good job👏

[@alexisrose5744]

I joined my schools pole vault team three days ago so we haven’t done anything like actually pole vaulting yet but I’m rlly scareeeddd but not as scared as I was

[@tilerboston5973]

I’m in the same boat

[@artofplanets]

That's so great!

[@Junebug-xm9ui]

since its towards the end of the season, I've been feeling really discouraged, but seeing this is really pushing me to keep going! I'm a freshman and I finally cleared 7ft at my last meet :) my goal is to clear 7'6" at my varsity league championship next Friday!

[@veronicarathbun5381]

I just started pile vaulting so this is inspiring to me to keep going.(in already able to jump 7 pretty easily)

[@selftaughtgymnast8850]

Just found this video after searching for pole vault progressions. I just started pole vault, had my first ever meet and jump 6'6. This stuff is hard. I am in 7th grade. I am hoping to break our school record of 7'6 this year, and i need tips. I have absolutely no clue how to bend the pole and all of that stuff. How did you learn so fast? You rock!

[@lexi744]

Dang I wish I could've started in 7th grade! It's definitely not an easy sport, but it's SOOO worth it. 7'6" is nothing, I definitely believe you can get that. I didn't learn to bend the pole straight off, its something that comes with more time and experience. My main tip is to work on improving speed. When you plant at full speed, not only will you get higher and father in, but that will also lead to a pole bend. Work hard, and don't let bad days get you down. Dedicate yourself, and I promise you will go far! Thanks so much :)

[@selftaughtgymnast8850]

@@lexi744 Yeah its not easy. In practice I jump like 9 or 10 feet but I touch the bungee a little. Yet in meets I can't clear 7 feet. I hope to get better as the season continues. Thanks so much for the feedback.

[@tomadamo3226]

Check out Shawn Francis or team hoot pole vault on KZbin

[@graysonadams2485]

Your goal is not to bend the pole. That will just happen, and if you try to make it bend you're not going to do well. I straight poled 12' so it's not super important

[@semple9967]

Where do you go to middle school? Cause at mine we don’t have pole vault and you can only do it in high school

[@kadenhanson5628]

Amazing

[@elimarshbank5704]

Lol you jumped in Idaho falls😂 I used to live there a couple years ago

[@Gavino76]

It’s my first year ever pole vaulting and I’ve been doing it for 2 weeks now and my pr is 12 😂 I’m a sophomore and I just started so hopefully I’ll keep improving

[@realwhoasked]

I know I am 3 years late to comment. Somehow this made me emotional (yes, I teared up). Even though I am at the peak of my career currently and having the feelings you had at your 12' jump on a weekly basis, I already miss this feeling. I hope you are still out there competing :)

[@bellamarshall146]

Love this😍

[@sammyharvey9380]

Hi Lexi I just wanted to say that you are awesome and your whole progression was amazing. I just started pole vaulting myself this year and when I got really down and had a bad practice I would always come home and watch this video. This video has honestly been a huge inspiration for me and as I freshman I broke the record at my school with a jump of 9 feet!!

[@lexi744]

I cannot tell you how happy this makes me. I never imagined my simple story could be so inspiring!! But people like you inspire me to keep going. So way to go with 9 feet! THATS AMAZING! And it sounds like that is only the start for you :)

[@sammyharvey9380]

Thank you so much! Are you thinking about doing anymore progression videos of you in collage??

[@lexi744]

@@sammyharvey9380 Well due to the virus canceling our season, I sadly don't have a progression to post :(

[@sammyharvey9380]

It’s pretty sad that everyone’s season was cancelled, I wish the whole virus thing hadn’t happened :(. Also I just wanted to say thank you for responding to all my questions!! Sorry for annoying you Lexi but I just have one more question, how important is it to have that left arm straight? My coach is always getting onto me about not having it straight but when it’s bent it’s easier to swing and get my legs up.

[@lexi744]

@@sammyharvey9380 Haha its not annoying at all! And thats honestly a great question because I heard the same thing from my coach for years. The things is, applying pressure with your left arm completely changes how it bends. It loads up the power so that once you invert, it shoots you up. So don't freak out if you're not pro at it yet, but start to think about really engaging from your left shoulder. Don't just swing on the pole. You are the one bending it! :)

[@AngelTorres-vu7wj]

Good job Lex

[@kanecissell7639]

I'm planning on making a video like this for this summer, yours was make very well

[@lexi744]

Do it! It's so fun to be able to see your own progress. I'd love to watch it when you do!

[@wgd101]

nice i just started like a couple weeks ago and am clearing 8’6 as a freshman

[@flashbackstudios249]

This is awesome! I’m a jr high pole vaulter with a pr of 7 feet, is there any advice I should know?

[@GodpeopleareidiotsUgh]

What did you have your standards at? When its too close you have no time to swing but when its too far back, I land on the bar coming down. You are amazing! Please post more!

[@lexi744]

Well my standards would somewhat change depending on the pole I was on, or how I was jumping that day, but I'm pretty sure they were always around 22-24 inches. My top end form is pretty bad, so keeping them up enough allowed me to try to get my hips up, but also gave me time to get my hips over the bar. If you're landing on the bar coming down, I would definitely bring them up a bit, and work on getting your hips up, with a good turn in your inversion. And thank you SOO MUCH! I've got some more videos in the works :)

[@GodpeopleareidiotsUgh]

@@lexi744 Thank you for replying! I cannot wait to see your videos! You are going to go places!

[@Me-ts3dl]

🚨REMEMBER🚨 God loves you and has a plan

[@santiagojonguitud4512]

I’m a freshmen doing 10ft I hope I get better !

[@lexi744]

10ft as a freshman is awesome! Keep it up, and you've got some high heights ahead :)

[@swfsecurityman1]

great job young lady. what city and state? Looks like Tucson,Az.

[@ryleehamby7271]

I had my first meet today, I couldn’t get over 5’6 and I’m really upset with myself. I was getting over 5’6 and almost 6’0 at practice, I think I was just overwhelmed with the crowd. How do I block the crowd out, and focus on the pole vaulting without over thinking?

[@lexi744]

Whenever I needed to clear my head, I did handstands! It was just a way to surprise my nervous system with something different and make me feel all cool haha. Find something that will clear your head, make you feel like you, and help you have fun! If the crowd scares you, it will overwhelm you. But if you feed off of it, it will help you jump higher! You've got this!! :)

[@joshtanner9107]

Honestly I jump higher but at the same time I’m still jealous cause you’re form seems better then mine

[@atticusjackson722]

R/humblebrag

[@tilerboston5973]

In a couple of months I’m gonna start pole vaulting, I was in cross country this year and last year(I’m a sophomore in high school). Any tips? Or exercises I should be doing?

[@lexi744]

Yayyy that's so exciting! The main things I would suggest make a great a pole vaulter are speed and strength! If you can start building some upper body and core, it will definitely benefit you. I would also suggest that you trust the process and take it slow! Pole vaulting takes some time to figure out, so don't get discouraged if it takes a bit of time to get it down!! Keep me updated on how it goes :)

[@StreetPullsTV]

my friend never done it and got 6foot 4inch

[@ellabella9439]

What state do you live in how is your state record so low

[@shredwithdignity1378]

1:27 Where is that filmed?? Also, nice progression video!

[@lexi744]

I think it was Timpanogos High School near Orem Utah?

[@shredwithdignity1378]

@@lexi744 Thats really cool! By the way, this is my first year of pole vault and I'm working towards vaulting on the varsity team. Do you have any advice on getting more height?

[@lexi744]

@@shredwithdignity1378 yes I worked so hard my first year and made varsity and got to go to some fun meets 🙌🏼 my main tip is working on speed and making that last step a strong jump and you drive in. The more to commit to each jump, the higher you will go!

[@squidlandiaofficial153]

I’m starting to peak at 11’6 and my school record is 12’6. I want more help😭😭

[@lexi744]

I got stuck at that same height! I started working on my speed and strength to be able to get on bigger poles. That can always help!

[@squidlandiaofficial153]

Thank you so much

[@canigetuuh9217]

hey im a sophomore in highschool who started pole vault freshman year. all through freshman year i struggled really badly with pole vault, but this year has been a lot better so far. I ve built muscle and gotten faster, but i still can't get over 6'6". my swing is decent but i can't seem to keep my leg together and straight (my left leg does this weird thing where it trails on my side like a really bad hurdle trail leg... it's sad really) do you (or anyone for that matter) have any advice to help me start really getting up there? I want to be as happy as you were every time you cleared the bar

[@lexi744]

I think when you are in your first few seasons of pole vault, it takes a lot of repetition to get comfortable with relying on the pole, and figuring out the feeling of getting upside down. It definitely helps to improve speed and strength, so keep that up! If you wanna DM some videos to my insta, I could always look and try to help! :)

[@GodpeopleareidiotsUgh]

@@lexi744 Also, when can we expect another video? You rock!

[@GodpeopleareidiotsUgh]

Ok sorry this is late. I had the same problem not a month ago. I cleared 6'6" on my first meet, but just barely, because my trail leg couldn't get to the top of the pole like my other leg did. Here's my tip for you (my coaches did this to me and I got my PR up to 8'6" by the end of the season). So take colorful, bright tape (or sticky material) and put it on your right wrist. Then take your left leg and put the tape a little bit above your ankle. Then, (as my coaches say) try to make the two tapes kiss each other, get your left leg up, and your right wrist to your ankle. This really helped me, and I hope it will help you as you continue pole vault.

[@nicolassouto3341]

What state do U live in that the record is only 12

[@sydneyiola8230]

What school I am from one of those schools in video what school r u I do pole vault im sophomore

[@audreyc9634]

So I'm a freshman in high school and am clearing 8 ft 6 right now and my state meet is tomorrow. Got any tips on pole vaulting?

[@lexi744]

At this point you can't make any major changes, but give it your all, run fast, and have fun! Don't limit yourself before hand, just let the meet happen and get some high heights! Sorry if I was too late for your state meet :(

[@oscardan7977]

Bruh this comment scared me for I sec like I thought you were a dude going 8 6 and making it to state I was like bruh

[@audreyc9634]

@@oscardan7977 yeah, although the boys went to states with only clearing 9 ft. Yeah the state I'm from isn't exactly a very competitive state when it comes to most sports😂

[@audreyc9634]

@@lexi744 I ended up getting 9th in my state meet on pole vault which was really exciting! Also, do you compete any other events other than pole vault?

[@CybericXL]

9 foot was the school record for girls??? What????

[@emileepham8757]

this is so lame but last season before every meet id watch your video to hype myself up before i had to jump haha

[@lexi744]

AHHH oh my gosh really?? That makes me so happy! That is not lame at all, I had my own videos like that. I hope your jumping goes well, and I'm glad that my story could help :)

[@horseman4c]

I jumped 9’6 as an 8th grader

[@lexi744]

Berzerk Reloadz that’s amazing for 8th grade! I wouldn’t be surprised if you get another foot or 2 as a 9th grader. Stick with pole vault, sounds like you’ve got serious potential for high heights 👏🏼

[@thebach9231]

I had 9' in 8th grade, 11'6" as a freshman and my first sophomore meet is tomorrow, hoping for 12'

[@katomatic_]

Berzerk Reloadz Damn you really out here tryna flex

[@orionbergstrom4285]

Well i am in the background at 4:13. so i guess you could say im famous

[@kathrynnicole7698]

This is my first year ever doing pole vault and I can only clear 6, any tips??

[@lexi744]

In my first year, my dad always stressed my speed. You can't be afraid to attack it and run fast. When I was struggling he would yell at me to speed up and that always helped me get higher. So make sure you have a solid run and jump! :)

[@kathrynnicole7698]

@@lexi744 okay, and does bending the pole actually help? My pole doesn't bend

[@lexi744]

@@kathrynnicole7698 I wouldn't worry about that in your first year. That takes time to develop, and you really want to make sure you have the basics down before starting to bend. I didn't do that, and I ended up with a lot of bad habits in my form. So no need to worry about the bend, it will come in time!

[@boyjimbo4941]

Wait not trying to be critical but your high school record was 9'0?

[@lexi744]

Haha no, I jumped 12'2" my senior year!

[@katomatic_]

Boy Jimbo Lmaomy school is only 8’6. we just have no athletic girls who are fully committed to pv

[@roshi6677]

our girls school record is 13’ lmao. boys is 16’6”. my PR as a first year is 10’

[@dannydylong537]

What state?

[@lexi744]

Danny Dylong Freshman through junior year was in Idaho, and my Senior year was in Utah!

[@dannydylong537]

Lexi Wightman Cool, right now I’m a sophomore in NY, my pr is 12’3 from freshman year. I recently made a video, you should go check it out and see what you think!

[@wannabolic]

Boi, what the heck

[@blizzard6364]

what state?

[@lexi744]

First 3 years were in Idaho, and my senior year was in Utah!

[@blizzard6364]

@@lexi744 nice

[@blizzard6364]

@@lexi744 How is college treating you?

[@lexi744]

@@blizzard6364 Im LOVING it. So much better than high school. The work load is crazy, but its totally worth it. :)

[@remixbackstep1577]

Qaulity

[@Jamammo]

yo school must not have girl vaulters.... 9 foot 6 good job tho

[@arturopatone9382]

bro ur insane so y u going to a trash college. u could do sm better then weber

[@lexi744]

Haha I know Weber doesn't seem like much, but that school the place to be! I love it!

[@arturopatone9382]

Lexi Wightman haha okay. good luck with everything