1. Ideal Takeoff Step: The Key To Successful Pole Vaulting By: Mark Hannay B.S., M.S. Regional Chairman: USA Track & Field’s National & Olympic Pole Vault Development Committee Pole Vault Education Initiative

2. Final Approach To Takeoff -The Last 6 Strides- n The last 6 strides: – Should be at an increasing rate of acceleration, tempo, and aggression n The center of gravity will be increasing and optimize the angle of takeoff n Forces will be maximized in preparation for a good takeoff angle –The vaulter should become erect and run “TALL” n Body position for preparation of an efficient takeoff and follow-through

3. The Inside Takeoff Point n The most common error of young and intermediate vaulters severely limiting technique development n Dangerous force transfer: Shoulder of top hand and lower back pain will occur and may result in injury n The pole may not bend: Vaulter will be ripped off the ground n The pole may deeply flex: Pole will bend low and may break n Poor vaulter penetrate: May land shallow in the pit or in the box n The grip will slip to agree with the inside step

4. 12” Inside Top hand outside of midline The plant may be forced away from the midline of the body & over the top hand side of the body: Vaulter may miss the pit

5. 18” Inside Shoulder & Chest turn toward top hand side Bottom arm collapse The vaulter’s shoulders may be forced toward the top hand side of the pit: Vaulter may miss the pit Poor plant position (On your back): Plant will not be overhead and the bottom arm will not extent fully “Fiber-head”

10. The Inside Takeoff n Result of: –Slowing during the last 6 strides before takeoff –Chopping steps during the last 6 strides before takeoff –Reaching for final 2 or 3 steps

11. Slowing Approach During Last 6 Strides n Cause: –Athlete has become proficient at slowing to hit a takeoff point –Practice vs. Meet Competitiveness (Adrenaline level) –“Fast” surface overcompensation –Tail wind overcompensation –Level of fatigue (Fresh or early in competition) –Kinesthetic Feel (“Home Court” advantage vs. away) –Breakdown of approach form due to fatigue n Effect –Lowering in center of gravity –Backward lean & not over running base –Poor takeoff angle and posture –Lack of follow-through

12. “Chopping” Steps During Last 6 Strides n Cause: –Same causes as “Slowing Approach” n Effect: –Lowering in center of gravity –Forward lean & not over running or jumping base –Flat takeoff angle –Lack of follow-through

13. “Reaching” for Steps During Last 2 or 3 Strides n Cause: –Practice vs. Meet Competitiveness (Adrenaline level) –“Fast” surface overcompensation –Tail or head wind overcompensation –Level of fatigue (Fresh or late in competition) –Kinesthetic Feel (“Home Court” advantage vs. away) n Effect: –Lowering in center of gravity –Backward lean & not over running or jumping base –Flat takeoff angle –Lack of follow-through –Awkward planting position

14. Solutions n Common Quick Solution –Keep moving back until the vaulter is sprinting through the takeoff –Can be checked with a stopwatch or on the track with a wet towel n Programmed Approach –Approach is from a measured distance –Approach is judged and repeated by “Feel” –Works well under certain static conditions but generally is inconsistent n Steering – The adjustment of a jumpers stride length and step placement in order to hit a certain takeoff point –Highly effective in a variety of different situations

15. “Steering”: Markers & Countdown 1243657-24 21 Beginning Marker Pre-takeoff Stride “1” On Countdown & Pole Plant Beginning Takeoff Stride 3 Countdown Correction Marker “STEERING ROLL”

16. Outside Takeoff 123 Plumb Takeoff Point Outside Takeoff Missed Steering Roll By Same Amount As Outside Takeoff

17. Inside Takeoff 123 Missed Steering Roll By Same Amount As Inside Takeoff Plumb Takeoff Point

18. Takeoff Point Adjustment n Missed takeoff point and steering roll by the same amount. –Adjust beginning point to hit steering roll. –Over or under stride to hit steering roll to adjust to takeoff point. n Missed takeoff point and hit steering roll. –Move beginning point and steering roll by the same amount.