Jim Beemiller University of Tennessee 2012 Reno Pole Vault Summit Thoughts on Focus in Training for the Pole Vault: A Pole Vault Coach’s Perspective for the PV Coach

FOCUS Maximum clarity or distinction of an idea Eliminate distractions for optimal performance How to use the art of coaching to help the athletes focus for optimal performance

Program Mapping What is important needs to be boiled down Use the resources available to you Be efficient Do not reinvent the wheel Learn from yours and others mistakes What (technical) philosophy makes sense to you Focus / filter the information to the vaulter: WHAT IS THE FOCUS OF YOUR PROGRAM!

Program Mapping Have Vaulter Accountability / Self-Directed Emphasize Fundamentals / Eliminate the fluff Compete all the time / Intensify vault practice SIMPLIFY Turn coaching philosophy into a system RAISE VAULTERS EXPECTATIONS!

University of Tennessee Maxims 1.Record heights are attained by the development of the speed of the approach and the power at take-off 2.Acceleration through the take-off is critical 3.Key to correct technique lies in transition of the run and take-off 4.Effective Take-off = Posture + Running Mechanics + Pole Transfer 5.The vault is sequential

THUS  Take-Off SPEED and EFFICIENCY through the take-off  All about: 1. POLE SPEED and 2. SWING SPEED

NOTE You need to work with the pole  the pole does not work for you! The pole vaulter creates the energy, the pole does not.

Technical Comment Correct vaulter position without dynamic execution is worthless Cause–and–Effect The vaulter is trying to go somewhere as dynamically as possible, not just “hitting” a position CAUSE IS THE FOCUS; THE EFFECT WILL THEN HAPPEN

How to Achieve These Technical Aspects? Posture through the approach and transfer into the take-off Top arm control where the pole is balanced on the body Simplify the straight line plant Strong, fast hands through the plant FULL extension through the take-off Transfer the created energy efficiently CONTINUE MOMENTUM / CONNECTIVITY! MINIMIZE ENERGY LOSSES! ACTIVE THROUGH THE JUMP UNTIL HIT THE PIT!

Tactics Extended Pole Runs Short Approach (7 T.O. Steps) Long Approach ( 9-10 T.O. Steps) Hurdle Runs Overspeed Sprinting (downhill, bungees) 6 Step Straight / Stiff Pole Vaults Plant Simulations Take-Off Drills / Spotted Sled Runs

Psychology of the Pole Vault Understood but least applied by coaches Make Simpler! (Less Complicated) More Dynamic! More Aggressive! Attack the Run! Attack the Vault! Attack the Fundamentals!

In Pursuit of Excellence Terry Orlick “The body is dumb, meaning your body will follow your focus … you!” BUT: We need to be aware of how we speak not only to ourselves, but to our athletes. “Correction does much; encouragement does more.”

Psychological Focus We need to help our athletes convince THEMSELVES! Nature of deciding process is turning all decisions into a positive focus. POSITIVE MANNER Constant evaluation and refocus helps to draw out lessons and improve performance.

Psychological Application Pole vault is FULL SPEED, AGGRESSIVE Situational Rehearsal / Raise Expectations Emotional Focus Athlete’s Responsibilities: 1. Mental Routines 2. Positive Key Words 3. Imagery

Coach’s Role To supervise and fine tune these tools Introduce stress constructively Foster independence Positive, immediate feedback and constructive instruction Evaluate, focus, move forward DO NOT OVERCOACH! Do not become a distraction Have a competition plan No drastic, last minute changes. Stick with the plan Bad day? Go get something accomplished!

Practice Focus Be efficient! One Objective: Positive First! - Correct Second Ask the Vaulter: What do you feel? Attack and finish jumps, correct, then move on. Again: Bad day, go get something accomplished! FIGHT THROUGH THE IMPERFECTIONS!

Competition Focus 1. Be Prepared 2. Instill Confidence Adjustments, Refocus is a part of the game Attack the Process! Scripting / Plan: Stick to it (do not deviate) Tim Mack Experience when he came to UT: Get step out, grip slowly up, work pole carry, attack pole drop.

Final Comments 1.Constantly work on runway speed and momentum through the take-off: **Most important aspect to clean up!** 2.Keep moving toward the optimum: BUY INTO IT! 3.Become a student of the event Your choice or not / responsibility