ANSWERED QUESTIONS!!! Continued...
Question:
I
am a freshman at my local high school and I just started
vaulting about 2 months ago. I am currently clearing 9'.
I want to improve my vaulting, but we do not have a coach
or the best poles do I was wondering where and how I can
find a pole vault facility with a good coach.
Answer:
We
suggest you talk to your High School coach for help and
assistance. You will find most opportunities for training
and competition will be in High Schools. Some private coaches
do work with clubs, however again, we suggest you talk to
your High School Coach.
Back To Top.
Question: I was taught to use a rope to teach proper swing, but our school officials won't let me put a rope up in our school. Are there any other drills that I could use to help teach my athletes the proper swing?
Answer: The pole vault can certainly be aided by "imitative" exercises on equipment such as ropes, rings, high bars, etc. However these are not essential. Ultimately – work on the pole is most valuable. Coordinating speed of the take off with the pole is most important. This in turn will lead to proper timing of the swing. Two mistakes that typically impede the swing are pulling with the arms and or pushing with the bottom arm and forcing the shoulders back instead of allowing them to move forward. Back To Top.
Question: What is the Correct way to measure the height of the crossbar for competition?
Answer: The National Federation of State High Schools Association rule book reference is Section 5, Article 28: "Measurements shall be recorded to the nearest lesser 1/4" or centimeter. Measurements shall be made with non-stretchable tape such as fiberglass, nylon, steel or certified scientific measurement devise (laser). Measurement of the official height shall be from a point on the same level as the take off to the lowest point on the upper side of the crossbar." Back To Top.
Question: Do you know of anybody who is interested in coaching pole vaulting in my area? We are located 5 miles outside of Champaign/Urbana, IL (the University of IL)
Answer: We encourage you to contact a local university, in you case the University of Illinois. Often the coaches will know active coaches and even former students who may be looking for a coaching position. Back To Top.
Question: What are the requirements or how can I earn a scholarship to some place in my pole vaulting achievements?
Answer: It is a fact that there are more academic scholarships than athletic scholarships!! Many NCAA Division I schools will recruit males vaulting 16' and girls 12' +. However walk-on athletes are often encouraged with lesser marks and especially if vaulters show real talent and limited opportunities. Back To Top.
Question: Where is the rest of the country as far as making helmets required for High School vaulting?
Answer: At this time we know some vaulters are wearing helmets in High School Competitions. Most of these helmets are "general use" skate, ski, or hockey helmets. None to our knowledge are "approved" or recommended for Pole Vault use. Back To Top.
Question: I am looking for a place to jump with a coach. I live in Torrance, California, 90503. If you know a place or coach that holds lessons during the week, please let me know.
Answer: If not at your High School, you could contact a nearby University. Coach Sythe, track coach at Long Beach State University may be able to direct you. Back To Top.
Question: I am a freshman, new at pole vaulting. I have a good run and approach — but when I get in the air onto my pole — my arm always bends, causing me to stall and land on the floor. What can I do to fix this because I tried to keep my arm straight but it just doesn't work.
Answer: You should stop vaulting immediately. Your body and speed at the take-off is disconnected from the movement of the pole. We advise that you start over to learn the pole carry and pole plant with simple walking drills. After this you could practice with one, two and then three left foot approaches. Taking off at the same speed as the pole is very important. Your may learn this feeling by vaulting with a straight pole. Only after this should you move to a pole that may bend a little. Back To Top.
Question: We have an opportunity to put our pole vault pit in a new place in our facility. I need information & blueprints on runway construction, box placement, etc... any ideas or places to go?
Answer: Whenever possible it is advisable to consider local wind conditions when the location of the pole vault runway is chosen. Wind at the back of the vaulter is always preferred. In construction, use only the minimum amount of concrete or asphalt. The vault box front should be flush with the runway surface. It is preferable to have only grass surrounding the landing area and all hard surfaces MUST be covered with 2" foam. Back To Top.
Question: With the new regulations in pole vaulting our pits are no longer legal and the school board won't let us use them for practice. We will be traveling to a neighboring school twice a week. With only two days of practice a week for my vaulters, my question is: With this short amount of practice, what are some good drills that my vaulters can use to get the most out of each practice?
Answer: Vaulting 2 days a week is probably a very good situation. The remaining 3 days may be used for normal speed, strength and conditioning. Of course all non-vaulting drills can also be practiced on the other 3 days. Pole plant drills with no take-off and actual approach runs away from the runway will help develop sprint mechanics, rhythm and timing. Back To Top.
Question: I am currently interested in vaulting and have joined the track season to do so. I currently swim, as was mostly interested for the cross-training that track offers. I first went on to try the pole vault, but I weigh 188-190 lbs., and the coaches are currently debating on whether or not to buy a new pole for me, or if I should just try something else. I'm strong enough for the vault, but they weren't sure if I was too bulky. I'd really like to try this, but if I'm too big, maybe something else would be in order.
Answer: Vaulting poles are made that are suitable and can support your weight of 190 lbs. However most High Schools would probably not have such a pole already in the equipment room. It would most likely be necessary for your coach to purchase such a pole. Most High School vaulters (boys and girls) weigh 100 - 160 lbs. We advise that you talk to your coach about the benefits of cross training. Many High Schools offer diverse opportunities to try all sports and the cross-over benefits may really enhance your "First Choice" sport. Back To Top.
Question: Is anyone aware of a pole vaulting clinic/camp on the east coast (new England) during the April school vacation?
Answer: There are 3 very good camps and clinics that we know of. We suggest you contact M-F Athletic Co., Pits-N-Stuff, and Holy Cross College. Back To Top.
Question: I am a pole vaulter in Nigeria. I would love to develop my skills and truly think that one way I could do this on my own would be through watching videos on pole vault. Could you send it to me?
Answer: Please contact Track and Field News and ask them to send you the tape.