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 All questions and their responses will be posted to this section. Check back often and browse through the previously answered questions – you'll obtain new information and possibly find that your question has already been answered! QUESTION ARCHIVE. Question: How do you "break-in" a new pole? Are there any tips you can give me to "break-in" the pole? I have this "Mean Green" Gill vaulting pole - since last year I have been trying to get it to bend, but it wouldn't. Can you please help me? Answer: It is not necessary to "break-in" vaulting poles. Poles are made to be used effectively on the very first vault. It could be the pole you have is not matched properly to your handgrip, body weight and technique.Back to top. Question: I'm a junior in high school at 11 feet (as a sophomore). I can't seem to get my legs higher than a sitting position and I don't turn so good. I have good speed down the runway; I just have problems with my upper half of the vault. Are there any drills I can do or areas I can better focus on to improve these areas? Answer: Another way to re-phrase your question is to say that you don not "swing" from your top hand. Our first concern is to pay attention to where you land in the pit. Your priority should be to always land in the center of the pit. The problem of not swinging well can often be related to blocking with the bottom arm and/or holding too high. Straight pole drills from a short approach can help develop the feeling associated with swinging from an extended top arm. Good luck in this years track season. Back to top. Question: I am a freshman in high school and just started vaulting at school. I have vaulted in summer track before and have attended Bell Athletics camps. The trouble I am having is that I am turning too early so I am not consistent with my jumps. I am only vaulting about 9 feet at school but at camp I got up to 11 feet. What can I do so I don't turn too early? Answer: The "Earl Bell Track Camps" are some of the best in the country. It is a very good bet that Earl or some of his instructors will remember you so we suggest you call to follow up. Anticipating the turn and turning too early could be related to over planting and dropping the lower arm and shoulder. We suggest paying attention to keeping your head in a neutral position with the shoulders square and to finish a powerful take-off. Good Luck. Back to top. Question: I am looking for some easy-to-follow techniques to use for pole vaulters on the approach and determining their approach from the box. I am new to this event, I would appreciate any further information you could send on drills concerning the approach, plant and take-off. One of my athletes is in her 2nd year and has vaulted 8' 6" in the past, but because of coaching changes I must coach the pole vault this year. My background is limited on this event but I am aware of the basics and need a little positive input. Answer: As a general observation vaulters at the 8'6" level should practice and compete on an approach run of 8 steps or less. The approach, plant and take off are all integrated and beginning vaulters must practice hundreds of plant drills to focus and finish in a tall take off position below the top arm. Walking 3 and five step plant drills are critical for beginners. A carry position with top hand at the hip and bottom hand between the sternum and belly button and pole tip slightly above head height is suitable for beginners. The approach run and plant can be developed best within pole runs on the track to plant with a towel as a target. Simple drills practiced perfectly are very very important for beginning vaulters. Back to top. Question: I am a sophomore attending Wauseon High School, and I am doing an experiment on what makes a good pole vaulter. I need to come up with tests to run to see if a person is a good pole vaulter. I was wondering what you thought would be some good tests, or what you thought were good qualities of a good pole vaulter. Answer: Thanks for your question. Regrettably there is no one defining test to screen or profile pole vaulters. The pole vault however does require a variety of skills and abilities. It is desirable for vaulters to have "above average" speed, strength, balance and coordination. A basic background in track events such as sprinting, hurdling, long jump, triple jump and high jump can be beneficial. In addition any previous experience in gymnastics will also be helpful. Perseverance and commitment are particular qualities that are evident in all great athletes. Good Luck. Back to top. Question: Is there any specific weight you have to be in order to pole vault? Answer: In very general terms, most high school girls who pole vault weigh between 110 and 140 lbs. - and boys between 125 and 165 lbs. Poles from 10'8" up to 15' are typically the lengths used in High School and the test weight of these go from 90 lbs. up to 190 lbs. There is no "specific weight" you have to be in order to pole vault. However one very important rule is that the vaulter NEVER vault on a pole rated below their weight. Tell you High School coach about your interest in pole vaulting. They will determine the best introductory activities and whether they think you would have fun and progress as a vaulter. Back to top. Answered Questions • Next • Page 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 |
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