Question: Where are the best universities to attend for both academics and pole vaulting? Who offers the best scholarships? My daughter is a 4.0+ GPA freshman student and competed in the 2003 Pole Vault Summit - High School Division 6.

Answer: It is acknowledged there are many more Academic scholarships available than Athletic scholarships. I regret we do not have the resources or qualifications to offer a summary of the best Universities for academics and pole-vaulting. However we suggest you begin by researching your in-state Universities: Northern Arizona, Arizona State and the University of Arizona. All of these schools have excellent and top ranked Track programs. With your daughters high GPA we expect she will have many options. Back To Top.

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Question: How can I get fit and strong for pole vaulting?

Answer: The best path to follow for beginning vaulters is to develop your overall strength, speed, endurance and flexibility. Almost all popular sports such as basketball, football, wrestling, soccer, cross-country and especially gymnastics will offer some benefits. More specialized training such as simple body weight exercises such as push ups, pull-ups on a bar, sit ups and all forms of running and jumping (long & triple jump) with good mechanics with be beneficial. Try to work hard everyday and improvements will be dramatic. Back To Top.

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Question: I am looking for any information on construction plans to build an elevated runway. Does anybody have that information to share?

Answer: At the Pole Vault Summit in Reno ten pole vault runways were built, used and then disassembled and stored. We suggest you call 1.800.537.7117 for specific details and specifications. Back To Top.

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Question: I have an athlete interested in pole vaulting, but we have neither the equipment or expertise. Are there lessons or clinics she would be able to attend?

Answer: By coincidence in Knoxville there are a very strong group of pole-vaulters and Coaches. We have two suggestions, the first would be to contact the Coaches at the University of Tennessee. Mr. Bill Webb is the head coach and Jim Bemiller is the vault coach they may be able to offer some options for how to learn more about the pole vault. In addition Tim Mack, one of the leading US vaulters and University of Tennessee alumni and US team member lives, trains and coaches in Knoxville. You could contact Tim through his website: www.mackattack.net Back To Top.

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Question: My coach and other coaches have told me that if I kept my arms straight (elbows not bent) that I could clear way more. How can I train myself to keep my arms straight?

Answer: It is very difficult to isolate on one part as mentioned "arms straight" as your vault is made up of many parts. One facet of a good take-off position is to have a very tall position including a straight and stretched top arm (not bent). After your take-off, collapsing your bottom arm with the elbow passing the pole is not good as energy to the pole is lost. A locked bottom is also not ideal as the shoulders are forced back which will inhibit a good swing to the top of the pole. The preferred position is a partially bent bottom arm with the shoulders moving forward. Back To Top.

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Question: I am in my second year as a pole vaulting coach. My question is: What is the most effective way to teach the athletes how not to bend their arms (keeping them locked out)? I noticed that as the pole tries to go vertical, their arms break (bend) and the pole immediately stops and goes in the opposite direction (towards their body). I am having this problem from our feeder schools up to our varsity squad. This is our first year as a "true" high school, so basically everyone on the varsity, J.V. and freshman squads have never vaulted before. The eighth graders I coached last year are the only ones that have any vaulting experience. I would appreciate any advice.

Answer: Learning to keep the top arm straight is an important part of successful vaulting for beginners. We advise from the very beginning with all drills supporting the body weight the top arm should remain straight and allow the body to simply hang without any pulling (flexing). Your explanation is absolutely correct. When the vaulter "pulls", the body weight of the vaulter is raised and, like a metronome, the pole's movement to the vertical will slow down - effectively killing the pole speed and therefore penetration. As a coach we suggest you demand proper movements in practice, do not allow the vaulters to advance to new drills until elementary skills are mastered. Back To Top.

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Question: I'm a female vaulter and this is my second year vaulting. Do you know of any ways that will help me improve on my vaulting and a good workout that will help me build up a lot of strength?

Answer: Most coaches like to develop the "core strength" of their vaulters. All exercises that improve strength in the hips, trunk, back and shoulders will help benefit your vaulting skills. A stable and strong core will improve your posture, sprint mechanics and body control on the pole. Overall and general fitness with a variety of exercises can best be provided by your school's Track Coach. Try to keep a balanced training program that will develop your speed, strength, flexibility, balance and coordination. Back To Top.

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Question: I have taken on the job of "trying" to coach my daughter. We have a local "Professional" coach but (as many) we cannot afford him. We also have a track coach that doesn't know much about vaulting. She has been to Earl's place several times and has improved her PR each time, but it is up to me to try to "Coach" her. Is there anything - books, tapes - you can recommend?

Answer: One excellent book is "The Complete Book of Jumps" written by Ed Jacoby and Bob Fraley. In addition an excellent video is available prepared by Dave Nielson and Stacy Dragila. We suggest you check www.trackandfieldnews.com for these and other resources. I would urge also that you contact Earl Bell since he will remember your daughter and possibly help in your effort as a parent to advance your daughter's pole vault development. Back To Top.