Adjustments You & Your Vaulter Should Know Incorporate these adjustments into your practice and competition programs. Keep in mind that these adjustments are on-going and occur on a jump-by-jump basis. Lower your grip if you are not penetrating deep enough into the pit Lower your grip if you are landing near the side edges of the pit Lower your grip if you are over-bending the pole (more than 90 degrees) Raise your grip if your are not over-bending the pole but are landing deep in the pit Use a slightly stiffer pole if you are over-bending the pole and landing deep in the pit Use a softer or shorter pole (but never less than your body weight) if you are not bending the pole