Email Questions 3: Pole Vault Education.org

ANSWERED QUESTIONS!!! Continued...

Question: This year's track season is pretty much over and I am planning on doing summer track. This was my first year to pole vault after a camp I went to where Don Hood sponsored it. I am wondering if you can make any suggestions on any camps that are available in my area at the moment. I am also using a 11"6 pole vault pole and am clearing 11'. I am wondering if I can buy a 13' pole and work with that this summer. What do you think?

Answer: The best way to research pole vault camps that we know is to visit www.trackandfieldnews.com. Another option would be to contact a local university and talk to the track coaches. As for your vaulting pole, it would probably be a better and safer idea to move to a 12' pole first, instead of going straight to the 13' pole. Back To Top.

Question: What do you thinks of the free take-off concept?

Answer: Please look at Sergey Bubka's comments on this subject in the ROUND TABLE WITH SERGEY BUBKA article under the "Coaches' Special" section of this website. Back To Top.

Question: What are some other sites that you would recommend visiting for instruction on vaulting technique and/or exercises that pertain to the sport?

Answer: You could try www.pvei.com and also www.stabhochsprung.com for great film and photo sequences of the worlds best vaulters. Back To Top.

Question: Due to polio as an infant I don't have full use of my left arm, e.g. I cannot raise it beyond shoulder length. It might be an atrophied rotator cuff.

I am a newbie to the sport so I am not clearing heights yet. In practice, my left arm is holding on to the pole - but due to lack of strength in guiding the pole - the left arm is pulling the pole to my left side where it lacks the strength to prevent the pole from hitting me in the chest.

To prevent this my coach has suggested vaulting with one arm.

Any suggestions on one armed vaulting techniques or materials showing how to compensate for my left arm would be welcomed.

Answer: First, we ask that you contact your Doctor to ensure that pole vaulting is a safe activity for you, As for suggestions, we regret to inform you that we are unqualified to provide advice on vaulting in this way. Good Luck in your search. Back To Top.

Question: How do I get colleges to look for me and how do I shoot up, more than out at the bar?

Answer: Shooting "out at the bar" may be related to over-penetrating. Pay close attention to where you land, it should be in the center of the landing area. As a basic guideline, NCAA Division I schools generally will consider vaulters at 15'6" (boys) and 12' (girls) as College potential. However "walk-on" athletes who are good students with pole vault potential will always be considered by schools known for developing athletes without necessarily great high school results. Back To Top.

Question: I am a Freshman pole vaulter for my high school's track and field team. I also love to run and do other things, especially run the 4x800m, 800m open, 1600m open, and the 4x400 on some occasions. But along with track I also play football for my school in the fall season. If there are any drills that would keep muscles in tone and in good strength so that I will be ready for next season, please let me know as soon as possible. Also in my Freshman year (this year) I pole vaulted 10'6" in OCC.

Answer: You are a very versatile athlete and we must assume you are already in an above average of fitness and conditioning. Your question is quite broad. We suggest you talk with one of your coaches or PE Staff about a running program and perhaps the chance to take gymnastic classes. Back To Top.

Question: I have a junior vaulter that vaulted 13' at the state meet last weekend using a 13'6"pole. Other coaches say that he needs a much bigger pole. He weighs 158 pounds, has great strength and speed. He's been using a Skypole 160lb./13'6". Any suggestions?

Answer: You may consider the following options:
1. Big bend with deep penetration – move to a stronger stiffer pole same grip and same pole length
2. Big bend shallow penetration – lower the grip
3. Small pole bend with deep penetration – raise the grip
4. Small bend with shallow penetration – move to a softer pole yet not to be less than the vaulters body weight.
Back To Top.

Question: My son has indicated some interest in pole vaulting. He is starting high school in the fall. What kind of training can he do to prepare for next season? I have no poles or pit. Is rope training still used?

Answer: The overall fitness level of vaulters is always a valuable and important component. All activities involving support of the body weight such as "rope training" and gymnastics will be helpful. Any and all sprint and running activities will benefit vaulters. The approach run with good sprinting mechanics and a consistent stride will offer a great transfer to actual vaulting. Back To Top.

Question: Do the mats have to be attached to one another? Specifically, is it ok to simply push an extra set of mats against vaulting mats to make them the proper length and width of the new standard?

Answer: All base units should be attached and linked together. Additionally, a "uniform" top pad should cover all base units. We suggest you look at the National Federation of State High Schools Association rule book. Their website is www.nfhs.org. Back To Top.

Question: My pole doesn't bend much when I vault. I've tried moving down (from 140 to 130) but my coach told me not to. But, at a camp, they told me I should. I'm confused.

Answer: The first principle of vaulting is to move the pole to a vertical position. In the beginning stages pole bending is of very little importance. Young vaulters who learn to swing and vault above their top hand grip usually progress in their vaulting very well. Often times when vaulters "try to bend the pole" it is done at the expense of a good swing which creates momentum at the end of the vault. Try to be patient and learn good approach, run, plant and take off mechanics first. Back To Top.

Question: I have been vaulting for 2 years, I am getting 10 but I can't get any higher because my top hand slips when I plant my pole. Is there anything you think I am doing wrong or something that could help me get out of this habit?

Answer: Our first suggestion is to lower your grip. It is very likely this will help solve your top hand slipping. Additionally always pay c lose attention to your take off position, you may be leaning back and/or are taking off too close to the box. Back To Top.

Question: I have been pole vaulting for two years now. I want to know how I can go higher, because my best is 8' and I have to go 9'3 to make state. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Answer: Patience and perseverance are very important qualities for a successful vaulter. It is important to follow your coaches advice, work and on you technique and better heights will come. Back To Top.

Question: I have just started up pole vaulting and I don't know how to jump and bend the stick to make me go up. I'm also scared of going up in the air. Can you get me over this fear? Message me back ASAP as I'm sure day I will be an Olympic Champion.

Answer: It is quite typical to have uncertainty and fear when learning new athletic skills. It is very important for coaches to follow a skill progression that is appropriate for the athletes ability level. Your confidence will grow as the simple skills are learned, repeated and practiced perfectly before moving to the next level. We encourage you to talk to your coach if your fear of the sport continues. However we like you ambition, good luck in you Olympic quest. Back To Top.

Question: I'm trying to get a few of my students into pole vaulting as I feel it is a great way to keep fit and I used to be a national hero back in my native Iceland!

Answer: Good luck in "recruiting" athletes to pole vault. Pole vaulters do need to develop multiple skills. All the elements of strength, speed, endurance, balance and coordination play an important role in becoming a good vaulter. Back To Top.

Answered Questions • Next • Page 1 2 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 • Back


ANSWERED QUESTIONS!!! Continued... Question: This year's track season is pretty much over and I am planning on doing summer track. This was my first year to pole vault after a camp I went to where Don Hood sponsored it. I am wondering if you can make any suggestions on any camps that are available in my area at the moment. I am also using a 11"6 pole vault pole and am clearing 11'. I am wondering if I can buy a 13' pole and work with that this summer. What do you think? Answer: The best way to research pole vault camps that we know is to visit www.trackandfieldnews.com. Another option would be to contact a local university and talk to the track coaches. As for your vaulting pole, it would probably be a better and safer idea to move to a 12' pole first, instead of going straight to the 13' pole. Back To Top. Question: What do you thinks of the free take-off concept? Answer: Please look at Sergey Bubka's comments on this subject in the ROUND TABLE WITH SERGEY BUBKA article under the "Coaches' Special" section of this website. Back To Top. Question: What are some other sites that you would recommend visiting for instruction on vaulting technique and/or exercises that pertain to the sport? Answer: You could try www.pvei.com and also www.stabhochsprung.com for great film and photo sequences of the worlds best vaulters. Back To Top. Question: Due to polio as an infant I don't have full use of my left arm, e.g. I cannot raise it beyond shoulder length. It might be an atrophied rotator cuff. I am a newbie to the sport so I am not clearing heights yet. In practice, my left arm is holding on to the pole - but due to lack of strength in guiding the pole - the left arm is pulling the pole to my left side where it lacks the strength to prevent the pole from hitting me in the chest. To prevent this my coach has suggested vaulting with one arm. Any suggestions on one armed vaulting techniques or materials showing how to compensate for my left arm would be welcomed. Answer: First, we ask that you contact your Doctor to ensure that pole vaulting is a safe activity for you, As for suggestions, we regret to inform you that we are unqualified to provide advice on vaulting in this way. Good Luck in your search. Back To Top. Question: How do I get colleges to look for me and how do I shoot up, more than out at the bar? Answer: Shooting "out at the bar" may be related to over-penetrating. Pay close attention to where you land, it should be in the center of the landing area. As a basic guideline, NCAA Division I schools generally will consider vaulters at 15'6" (boys) and 12' (girls) as College potential. However "walk-on" athletes who are good students with pole vault potential will always be considered by schools known for developing athletes without necessarily great high school results. Back To Top. Question: I am a Freshman pole vaulter for my high school's track and field team. I also love to run and do other things, especially run the 4x800m, 800m open, 1600m open, and the 4x400 on some occasions. But along with track I also play football for my school in the fall season. If there are any drills that would keep muscles in tone and in good strength so that I will be ready for next season, please let me know as soon as possible. Also in my Freshman year (this year) I pole vaulted 10'6" in OCC. Answer: You are a very versatile athlete and we must assume you are already in an above average of fitness and conditioning. Your question is quite broad. We suggest you talk with one of your coaches or PE Staff about a running program and perhaps the chance to take gymnastic classes. Back To Top. Question: I have a junior vaulter that vaulted 13' at the state meet last weekend using a 13'6"pole. Other coaches say that he needs a much bigger pole. He weighs 158 pounds, has great strength and speed. He's been using a Skypole 160lb./13'6". Any suggestions? Answer: You may consider the following options: 1. Big bend with deep penetration – move to a stronger stiffer pole same grip and same pole length 2. Big bend shallow penetration – lower the grip 3. Small pole bend with deep penetration – raise the grip 4. Small bend with shallow penetration – move to a softer pole yet not to be less than the vaulters body weight. Back To Top. Question: My son has indicated some interest in pole vaulting. He is starting high school in the fall. What kind of training can he do to prepare for next season? I have no poles or pit. Is rope training still used? Answer: The overall fitness level of vaulters is always a valuable and important component. All activities involving support of the body weight such as "rope training" and gymnastics will be helpful. Any and all sprint and running activities will benefit vaulters. The approach run with good sprinting mechanics and a consistent stride will offer a great transfer to actual vaulting. Back To Top. Question: Do the mats have to be attached to one another? Specifically, is it ok to simply push an extra set of mats against vaulting mats to make them the proper length and width of the new standard? Answer: All base units should be attached and linked together. Additionally, a "uniform" top pad should cover all base units. We suggest you look at the National Federation of State High Schools Association rule book. Their website is www.nfhs.org. Back To Top. Question: My pole doesn't bend much when I vault. I've tried moving down (from 140 to 130) but my coach told me not to. But, at a camp, they told me I should. I'm confused. Answer: The first principle of vaulting is to move the pole to a vertical position. In the beginning stages pole bending is of very little importance. Young vaulters who learn to swing and vault above their top hand grip usually progress in their vaulting very well. Often times when vaulters "try to bend the pole" it is done at the expense of a good swing which creates momentum at the end of the vault. Try to be patient and learn good approach, run, plant and take off mechanics first. Back To Top. Question: I have been vaulting for 2 years, I am getting 10 but I can't get any higher because my top hand slips when I plant my pole. Is there anything you think I am doing wrong or something that could help me get out of this habit? Answer: Our first suggestion is to lower your grip. It is very likely this will help solve your top hand slipping. Additionally always pay c lose attention to your take off position, you may be leaning back and/or are taking off too close to the box. Back To Top. Question: I have been pole vaulting for two years now. I want to know how I can go higher, because my best is 8' and I have to go 9'3 to make state. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Answer: Patience and perseverance are very important qualities for a successful vaulter. It is important to follow your coaches advice, work and on you technique and better heights will come. Back To Top. Question: I have just started up pole vaulting and I don't know how to jump and bend the stick to make me go up. I'm also scared of going up in the air. Can you get me over this fear? Message me back ASAP as I'm sure day I will be an Olympic Champion. Answer: It is quite typical to have uncertainty and fear when learning new athletic skills. It is very important for coaches to follow a skill progression that is appropriate for the athletes ability level. Your confidence will grow as the simple skills are learned, repeated and practiced perfectly before moving to the next level. We encourage you to talk to your coach if your fear of the sport continues. However we like you ambition, good luck in you Olympic quest. Back To Top. Question: I'm trying to get a few of my students into pole vaulting as I feel it is a great way to keep fit and I used to be a national hero back in my native Iceland! Answer: Good luck in "recruiting" athletes to pole vault. Pole vaulters do need to develop multiple skills. All the elements of strength, speed, endurance, balance and coordination play an important role in becoming a good vaulter. Back To Top. Answered Questions • Next • Page 1 2 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 • Back
FAQ's • Register • Email Coaches • Coaches Special • Tools • Home NOTE: Pole Vault Education.org LLC is a non-commercial, information-only Web site created for superintendents, principals, athletic directors, coaches, and athletes as a resource to promote improved safety and performance in the sport of pole vaulting. The materials presented on this site represent the best current knowledge about this sport, but should not be considered as a substitute for proper personal coaching by trained professionals. © 2002 Pole Vault Education.org LLC. (Photos: courtesy of the 2001 UCS Spirit/West Point/USATF Pole Vaulting Camp at West Point, NY)