Because I am in a land far away, in another galaxy almost, I am disappointed I will miss Coach Baggett's clinic on gymnastics sequencing for pole vaulter.
The clear hip circle to handstand is even more relevant for pole vaulting than giant circles backwards. The timing and musculoskeletal cordination it develops I believe transfers extremely well to pole vault.
Clear hip circles to handstand establishes in particular, the trunk towards arm closure (reversal of normal anatomical action (Origin to Insertion) of the the usual shoulder joint extensor muscle in bringing the "dish" shaped body to the bar).
Similarly the trunk movement away from the bar by reversed action of the shoulder flexors along with shoulder girdle elevator muscles in driving into the handstand is also learned in performing the clear hip to handstand.
When there is powerful work done by the performer in the clear hip circle to handstand the horizontal bar bends upwards as the performer passes over the bar in the "dished" (not hollow backed posture) extended handstand body posture.
The clear hip circle teaches the timing of the "shoulder drop" and "hip drive" upward and back that the vaulter needs to complete the inversion in the pole support second phase of a vault.
Because of the amplitude and dynamic nature of the swing this technique develops the vaulter's work on the pole is enhanced ie the vaulter is able to supply energy through muscular effort through a longer displacement and time.
That is to say the more energy input the greater the chance of getting more of that energy back from the pole as kinetic energy in the vaulter at the pole release.
The clinic should be awesome. All serious vaulters who want to develop their technique in the pole support phase will be rewarded by their experiences.
