Vault / Definitions

Definitions

Fifty-eight terms, in the order the vault happens rather than alphabetically. Free takeoff, inversion and time on pole are in use worldwide — inside this model they mean something more specific than they have come to mean outside it. 27 entries are published; the rest are in preparation.

Block 1 — Framework

Ahead of the event sequence. Every other entry depends on this vocabulary.

  1. 1Continuous ChainThe vault understood as one uninterrupted input of energy by the athlete, from the first step of the run up to the release of the pole. The organizing idea of the m640 model.
  2. 2Active / Passive PhasesA phase is active if the athlete is increasing the energy in the vaulter-pole system, and passive if not. The distinction is about energy, not effort.
  3. 3Neural SwitchEvery point where an athlete must decide that one action has ended and another should begin costs time. A single switch can consume 7% of the entire post-takeoff window.
  4. 4Energy InputOnly the athlete puts energy into the vault. The pole returns energy; it never creates any. Everything technical is judged by whether it adds energy or preserves it.
  5. 5Positive Feedback LoopWhen the technical model is simple enough and its bottlenecks are removed, it can absorb more speed and more power — physical improvement then shows up directly in the result, which drives further physical improvement.
  6. 6SimplificationFewer motor units in each action. A simpler action holds up under speed, fatigue and competition — and it is what allows a model to absorb more physical input.
  7. 7StandardizationPerforming each element the same way, at full intensity, every time. Built through imitations — and impossible wherever the purpose of the action is unclear.
  8. 8Single Focus PointThe state in which every intermediate cue has disappeared and the athlete attends to one thing only. Not a coaching method — the condition simplification and standardization are aimed at.

Block 2 — Event Sequence

Carry to release, in vault order. Never alphabetical.

  1. 9Pole CarryThe pole’s position during the run-up, standardized to match the initial plant position. It minimizes turnover forces and allows an uninterrupted transition into the plant.
  2. 10Step StructureIn preparation
  3. 11Full Run Up (FRU)The full approach, from the first step to the beginning of the takeoff, run with the consistent step structure that does not require adjustment during the run up and reaching optimal maximum speed position for proper takeoff. The majority of elite men use 18 to 20 steps, elite women 16 to 18.
  4. 12Pole PlantThe transition of the pole from pole carry position into position for the free takeoff, beginning with the free pole drop and ending when the takeoff foot touches the ground.
  5. 13Free Pole DropThe descent of the pole toward the box under gravity alone, with no resistance from the athlete. Because gravity’s acceleration is constant, its timing is predictable — and it marks the beginning of the plant.
  6. 14Final Plant PositionThe single standardized position at the end of the plant and the start of the free takeoff. It is determined by the position of the bottom arm relative to the body with the top arm’s elbow pointing to the side.
  7. 15Free TakeoffA takeoff in which the vaulter does not actively resist the pole while still on the ground. It does not require an air gap between foot leaving the ground and pole resistance.
  8. 16Takeoff-JumpIn preparation
  9. 17Free JumpThe effort of the takeoff leg during a free takeoff. It creates the takeoff angle — a balance between friction energy lost in the leg and a takeoff angle too flat, delaying immediate rotation acceleration.
  10. 18Active JumpIn preparation
  11. 19Takeoff PointThe distance from the takeoff foot toe to the top of the back wall of the box. There is no single correct number — for the same athlete the optimal point moves often within a foot depending on speed, grip and jumping ability that day.
  12. 20Rotation AccelerationThe athlete accelerating the rotation simultaneously with the takeoff — a jump into rotation, led by the bottom arm. In the best vaults it follows takeoff by 0.10 to 0.12 seconds.
  13. 21Pull-Through InversionA continuous method of rotating up and over the bar in the fastest possible way, while maximizing the energy the athlete puts in. Led by the bottom arm.
  14. 22Body LeverThe body acting as a rotation lever around the top grip. It exists from takeoff until the center of gravity aligns vertically with the grip, contributing progressively less rotational energy as it shortens.
  15. 23ReleaseIn preparation

Block 3 — Measurement

Measurements are facts. The reference values are published in full.

  1. 245+5In preparation
  2. 253+3In preparation
  3. 26Final SpeedIn preparation
  4. 27Takeoff SpeedIn preparation
  5. 28Time on Pole (TOP)The interval from the takeoff foot leaving the ground to the pole release at the top. Between 1.10 and 1.55 seconds at every performance level — and shorter is better.
  6. 29Feet Over Grip (FOG)The vertical distance between the top grip and the feet at the moment of pole release. One of the key indicators in an m640 assessment.
  7. 30Push-offIn preparation
  8. 31Average Vertical Speed on the PoleIn preparation

Block 4 — Training Method

Definitions here; the application sits behind the membership.

  1. 32Rule of 7In preparation
  2. 33Rule of 85In preparation
  3. 34ImitationsIn preparation
  4. 35Consistency PlateauIn preparation
  5. 36TrainingIn preparation
  6. 37PracticeIn preparation
  7. 38DebriefingIn preparation
  8. 39Back from FutureIn preparation
  9. 40Negative ReinforcementIn preparation

Block 5 — Common Terms

Terms the model replaces, and terms in common use that the model defines precisely.

  1. 41RowingA sweeping action initiated by the top arm, rotating the body around the shoulders. The model does not use it: it shortens the body lever before the full body lever rotation has been accelerated.
  2. 42Rock-BackThe traditional name for getting inverted, describing it as a position to arrive at. The model replaced it because arriving somewhere requires switching to whatever comes next.
  3. 43Chest PenetrationDriving the chest forward after takeoff, historically taught to stretch the muscles for the leg whip and to keep the center of gravity lower for longer. It does not add energy to the system — it changes the timing inside it.
  4. 44Pre-JumpA term for the takeoff foot leaving the runway before the pole tip strikes the box. Named by Alan Launder from observing Bubka. It describes a different interval from the free takeoff, and the two are often confused.
  5. 45SwingIn preparation
  6. 46Driving the PoleIn preparation
  7. 47Covering the PoleIn preparation
  8. 48Catching Pole RecoilIn preparation
  9. 49Elevator VaultingIn preparation
  10. 50TuckThe shortening of the body during rotation on the pole to arrive at a deep, folded, upside-down position before extending along the pole.
  11. 51PocketThe deep, folded position reached by the tuck. Defined within the Tuck entry.
  12. 52Tuck and ShootThe tuck followed by the extension out of it. Defined within the Tuck entry.
  13. 53Passive JumpIn preparation
  14. 54UnderIn preparation
  15. 55C-PositionA bow-shaped body position at takeoff — takeoff leg extended behind, chest driven forward past the top grip — named for its resemblance to the letter C.
  16. 56Shoulder DropIn preparation
  17. 57Turn on PoleIn preparation
  18. 58Bending the PoleIn preparation