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The Swing

Article By: Brian Yokoyama,
Mt. San Antonio College (Mt. SAC)

The swing (delay and rockback), is the phase which comes directly after the takeoff (plant) and precedes the flyaway (extension). It is responsible for transferring horizontal energy into vertical energy as well as generating additional horizontal and vertical energy. A the efficiency of the swing increases, a greater amount of energy is transferred to vertical energy, allowing for the use of stiffer poles and increased clearances.

The most efficient technique occurs through an extended leg (single or double) swing (Fraley, 1995 / Hirota, 1993). An extended leg throughout the swing will enable the vaulter to load additional energy into the pole.

Key points of an efficient swing include:
Proper Takeoff Sets up the vaulter in the proper position to swing fast and efficiently. (Trail leg behind)
High Bar Position Arms must reach an extended position directly over head. Vaulters/Gymnasts must reach this position in order to swing around the pole/highbar.
Extended Arms Both arms should be extended and rowing forward to the hips, allowing stored energy to be kept in the pole. Any collapse of the arms will release energy from the pole.
Extended Leg Single or double leg swing will generate horizontal and vertical velocity.
Shoulder Rotation Rotation of the body should mostly be through the shoulder and not the waist.
Fast Swing The shorter the time between the hang position (fig. 2) and vertical perpendicular position (fig. 4), the less drag on the pole. For example. a pole that is held parallel to the ground requires a greater force to hold, than a pole held perpendicular to the ground.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The following diagram demonstrates a four phase model of the swing (the model is a right handed vaulter).


Takeoff Phase
(Fig. 1)

Highbar Phase
(Fig. 2)

Swing Phase
(Fig. 3)

Vertical Phase
(Fig. 4)
1. Arms/body are fully extended and creating a 90 degree angle with the pole.
2. Both arms are extended and equally placing pressure into the pole.
3. All force is placed upward into the pole (arrows)
1. Both arms are extended directly overhead.
2. Both arms are placing equal pressure upward into the pole.
3. Trail leg is behind allowing for a faster swing.
4. Lead leg is in a well balanced position.
1. Both arms are extended and rowing forward, keeping energy in the pole.
2. Trail leg is straight (generates additional horizontal and vertical energy).
3. Rotation of the body occurring at the shoulders.
1. Vaulter is in a rigid extended position.
2. Both arms are extended (keeping energy in the pole) and actively moving throughout the swing.
3. Right arm is rowing toward hip (light box).
4. Lead leg extends.

 

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