From: Bruce Mortensen <mort@goodnet.com>
I think your page is great, but i disagree with one part- the advanced
takeoff and plant part where you say that the future is taking off a lot
under to move to longer types of poles. I believe that ith will be just
the opposite. While it is true that you get better penetration when your
step is under, it is a negative penetration. Instead of going up and over
the bar, you go right into the bar. Another result of this is not jumping
up at the takeoff, but jumping straight ahead. Right now the vaulters that
are the most consistent and are jumping higher are the Russians- namely
Igor Trandenkov and Maxim Tarasov. They usually takeoff about a shoe(at
least) out and jump up better than anyone I have seen. This allows them
to jump up and over the bar with maximum room to navigat around the bar.
It gives the effect that there poles don't bend much. I just prefer that
style better. Lawrence Johnson is an example of an under vaulter who gets
a lot of bend, but sometimes has to do weird things to get over the bar.
Same thing with Scott Huffman. That is why he does the "ROLL". He gets
good penetration, but it throws him right toward the bar, and as a result
he has to compensate with that funky roll. email me at mort@goodnet.com
editors note: We fully support investigation of alternative methods, but stick to what works for us.
From: Steve Kute <skute@iglou.com>
Jim,
Thanks for all the info. My friend's name is Mike Pifer. He attends
Trinity High School here in Louisville, Kentucky. He has jumped 13'6" and
is still improving. He will be contacting you in the near future for more
info! Thnaks for your help and guidance! Peace, Steve
From: JOHN.F.MCKENZIE@sprint.sprint.com
Dear Mr. Keys, I am a senior in high school and am interseted in pole
vaulting in college. I don't know much about college level vaulting,and
right now I am just looking for info about it. I jumped 13 feet at state
this year. I am going to attend Earl Bells Camp over Christmas break( that
is the best camp I have heard of, if you know of a better one or have info
on a other camp I would love it). I feel that by the end of this years
season I will be jumping 16 feet or better, That is a personal goal of
mine. What does it take to jump in college? How do I go about getting looked
at for possible scholorships? I would love any information that you could
give me. Thank you for taking the time to read this, and I am looking forward
to hearing from you. This is my uncles address but I check it daily. Thanks
Again, Mike
editors note: Earl Bell is not only one of the best pole vaulters in the world, but one of the nicest people too. I highly recommend his camp to anyone who has the opportunity to work with such a great athlete and wonderful person.
From: Phil Wilson <wilsonp@cobaf.unt.edu>
Coach Keys,
My son, a HS freshman, is into his third year of vaulting. Unfortunately he was stuck with me for a coach while in middle school. I vaulted when I was his age (wasn't any good, but really enjoyed it). I got the job by default because I knew how to put the mats together and which end of the pole to grip. I wasn't really that bad but close. We have read voraciously on the subject and spent a lot of time watching the better HS vaulters in the area (North Texas) and "picking North Texas HS coaches brains." That is another discourse for another time. Last spring we visited Don Hood's for a weekend of vaulting. We both had a great weekend there and really liked Coach Hood's no nonsense attitude and approach. (When I mentioned your home page and some of your comments to my son, he said, "Coach Keys sounds like Coach Hood. I already like him!")
He vaulted over the summer and finished 2nd in his age group (13-14) in the state meet (Not USATF). Now he lives to vault. There could be worse things! He is currently working out (with weights) after school with some of the HS track team. Looks like I'll get him an Armpower+ for Christmas.
We scour the internet for everything relating to pole vault. This is why I am so delighted with your home page. I do have a couple of questions or requests for clarification.
1. Several times you mention "row". I know this refers to the activity of propelling a boat through water, but I am having a little difficulty visualizing exactly what you mean. Do you mean "row" as in arms extended and pulling the hands into the chest by bending the elbows (row boat) or "paddle" as in keeping the elbows locked and rotating around the left shoulder (canoe)? 2. When you discuss plant drills, what exactly do you mean by "air space"? I'm not sure how to interpret this.
Thanks a great deal for the home page. I'm sure my son and I will put
it to good use.
Sincerely,
Phil Wilson
response:
Phil,
Thanks for the kind words -- they always help. Now, in reference to your questions:
> 1. Several times you mention "row". I know this refers to the activity of propelling a boat through water, but I am having a little difficulty visualizing exactly what you mean. Do you mean "row" as in arms extended and pulling the hands into the chest by bending the elbows (row boat) or "paddle" as in keeping the elbows locked and rotating around the left shoulder (canoe)?
1. Paddle a canoe is a more accurate word choice. It is critical that we "row" at the shoulders -- meaning the shoulders become the axis of rotation, and the center of gravity rotates on top of the shoulders. Too many H.S. level vaulters have their waist be the axis of rotation, and cannot get rocked back (they "can't get their hips up"). By locking out both arms (yes both) we can press the plant and increase penetration by "rowing" at the shoulders.
> 2. When you discuss plant drills, what exactly do you mean by "air space"? I'm not sure how to interpret this.
2. "Air Space" is the distance between the vaulter and the pole. Too often H.S. vaulters collapse the left (bottom) arm, and quite literally run into the pole with their chest (NO airspace). We explain that we must maintain at least a 90-degree bend in the arm -- out to fully locked out -- in order to carry our speed into the penetration phase of the vault.
A drill I do to make this logically apparent is to have a vaulter stand at the box with the pole in the box, holding at the end of the pole. I have him pull the pole down where both arms (or just the bottom arm) is fully compressed (e.g. NO airspace, pole touching his body), then I stand behind him, gently lift him up into the pole and tell him to bend the pole without extending his arms (he can't, because there is no leverage).
Next, I have him lock out both arms and I lift him up into the jump again and the pole bends quite easily ... and hopefully he makes the mental connection that it is MUCH easier to bend the pole with the arms fully extended.
I hope this helps, if I need to clarify further, please e-mail me again. (I think I'll act on your question and put some definitions into the page too -- thanks!).
From: Ultimate Customer <schultz@cyberhighway.net>
My name is Scott Schultz, I am the pole-vault coach at Vallivue High School in Caldwell, Idaho. I have been pole-vaulting off and on myself from 1978-nthe present. I have worked hard to be a good coach because I never had one in High school and was a 13' vaulter. I decided in college while taking theory of coaching track I would learn everything I could about the vault not only to help me continue vaulting but to also be good at teaching the sport to others. Your new page is exactly what I have been looking for to help me continue learning as well as teach to keep this awsome sport alive!! I have a sophmore boy who took fifth last year as a frosh at Idaho State Meet at 12' his best on the season was 13' in practice. I also have a young lady who is capable of 9'. As for my fat getting old self( 205lbs 34yrs) I vaulted 11'6 looking for 12'6 thisyear.
THANKS FOR THE SOURCE
Coach Scott Schultz
Fly High and Safe
From: "DougC" <dougster@prostar.com> To: <jkeys@osf1.gmu.edu>
I just wanted to say thanks for having a great site. I am trying to develop a little site of my own on vaulting and hopefully it will go well. I really enjoy this site and didn't want to send e-mail since I didn't want to bug you, but I kept reading and reading and think the information on technique, drills, etc. are very well done and correct. I do have some pics of Bubka that I took at the Prefontaine Classic a couple of years ago and am trying to get them scanned to put them on the net, since the pictures so far I have seen are very repetitive. Thanks again for having a great site and keep up the good work.
Doug Colcord
ProStar Plus Internet Support Technician
www.prostar.com/web/ninja
dougster@prostar.com
From: Baggettpv@aol.com
The event of the pole vault is a very technical one and is also very time consuming in training of the specialized athletic situations. It is not going to be possible for the athlete to succede because of the extended time that is going to be needed in the weight room, gymnastics arena, track and the vault pit of a traditional track and field program. It is my belief that all of these aspects can be coached very simply and very effectively by using some simple principles.
A good high school vaulter will have a hand hold of around 15 ft. and an effective clearance over his grip of 12" to 24". he will also have 4-6 years experience in the event . These facets of the event are based on the fact that the athlete has a conditioning base stufficient for these skills. If you as a coach provide this opportunity then the athlete will have a good chance for success.
Pole vatulting is a complicated event, so you need to spend more time on your conditioning program. it is not going to be possible to eo that with just a simple weight, running and technique program. You will have to combine those aspects into a homogenous conditioning program based upon the bio-mechanical movements inherent in the event. Use a variety of running drills to build speed, hurdles to build rhythm of the run, long jumping to build the take-off, acrobatics drills on the pole to build correct positioning. As the athlete becomes more adept at the skills, add more strength and power to the movements. To get the foundation for the pole vault approach there is no need to run in a traditional running program. The new pole vaulter needs a more sophisticated program. Above all else there must be a good foundation built over a length of time.
editors note: A fully rounded program is definately conducive to success in the pole vault. Gymnastics, weight lifting, and running are critical components in a successful program. Each athlete has a different combination of skills and abilities and it is up to each coach to build on those abilities to increase the overall result produced by the athlete. However, nothing will help as much as actual vaulting. We have had several extremely successful pole vaulters that did nothing but vault (LOTS of jumping though). Our opinion is: whatever works!
From: Baggettpv@aol.com
Press release for sponsors/athletes
After the sucess of the Freedom Fair Pole Vault Championships held on July 4, 1994, 1995 and 1996 we are pleased to inform you that the Willamette Striders Track Club will be hosting the Fourth Annual Freedom Fair Pole Vault Championships. The purpose of this event is to help promote the sport of Track and Field and the Pole Vault to the people of Western Washington, as well as to have a regional championship meet. The championships will include top Northwest Open Pole Vaulters as well as top high school, college, university, and master pole vaulters in Washington and Oregon, both men and women. The Invitational pole vault will feature numerous eighteen foot plus vaulters, including; Ron Johnson, Garth Willard, Curtis Heywood and Owen Clements. Plus outstanding vaulters from the University of Washington, Oregon. Montana, Idaho and Canada. In addition, we are pleased to offer Open women Championships also! The Invitational champion will receive and all-expense paid trip to the National Pole Vaulting Championships in the famous Pole Vaulting site of Old Town Clovis, Ca.
Divisional High School Championships will begin on Saturday morning at 10:00 am, followed by the Womens Championship with the Masters division to follow. Concluding the Freedom Fair Pole Vault Championships is the Invitational Meet starting at 6:00 PM. Please contact for press parking and security passes.
Those wishing more information on the Freedom Fair Pole Vault Championships , or on athletes entry can contact Rick Baggett at (503) 762-0861 or e-mail baggettpv@aol.com for more information.
From: Capulet98@aol.com
I was looking at your picture of the month and I noticed that the vaulter (Jason Johnson) is swastica-ing (bending his trail leg) his legs even when you say he has superb technique. I' ve always been taught to keep that leg perfectly straight for leverage, am I wrong??
Thank You, Andrea Eaton junior @ Mt. Carmel H.S. in San Diego, CA
editors note: Andrea is correct, and has an excellent eye. Jason Johnson is an excellent vaulter and a very nice person as well (take note all you prima-donnas out there, you can be good and be nice). The trail leg should be straight to provide a more effective swing through into the rockback. Just goes to show you we all have room for improvement. Thanks Andrea.
From: Walter Jason Johnson <wjjohnso@eos.ncsu.edu> Organization: North Carolina State University
Jim,
I just got your mail. I was in the Bahammas for 10 days after Christmas, and my mail was backed up. I just wanted to find out the results from the GMU meet this past weekend. I assume they had one of course. I think we are going to be coming up there for the later meet. Also, we are going to the Reno meet if they still have it. Our wrestling coach just returned and said there was huge flooding that took out the whole town.
I am ready to start the season. I hope to jump 5.40 indoors soom to qualify for Nationals. I ended up only jumping 5.35 outdoors last year. And by the way, in response to your comment, I think the trail leg gets swept away like that from being under. So my suggestion is to get your step on and go with it.
Jason
editors note: Always trying to help, I mentioned Andreas comment to Jason and this was his reply. As evidenced in his reply, Jason allows nothing to hold him back, and rises on to greatness no matter what. We fully expect to see Jason at the NCAA and wish him the best of luck.
Tim Rieger wrote:
> I am a second year pole vaulter for a high school track team. I had
a
> highest jump last year of 9 feet. I need desperate help. Please e-mail
me
> anything that you can to help me out this year. your help is very
much
> appreciated. Thank you my e-mail address is rieges@kellnet.com
Tim,
Invariably, new vaulters (around the 9' mark) have 2 problems.
1) Speed on the runway. You must run with the sprinters to increase your speed.
2) collapse of the pole plant. You MUST learn to keep the plant up. By keeping the plant up (both arms locked out, keeping the pole in front of you by pushing it over) as the pole becomes vertical, you rise with it. If you collapse your plant, then, as the pole becomes vertical, instead of rising with the pole, you swing under your grip and have lost all leverage -- you might as well be swinging from a rope at this point.
Once you fix these 2 things, you can sit over 14'. I urge you to stick to the basics in this area, don't get too fancy, there is no magic bullet.good luck, and let me know how you are doing.
thanks, Jim Keys Director USAPVA
From: TEDBLOOM@AOL.COM
Dear Jim Keys:
I did buy my 15 year daughter a pole through PRS sports. It was actually not as expensive as I thought it would be and it is working real well for her. Thanks for your efforts.
Regards,
Ted Bloomquist
Aahart1@aol.com wrote:
>Hi, I'm a freshman in high school, this is my first year pole-vaulting.
My question is- what do I do if I get halfway up, then fall >backwards?!
reply:
Hello, and welcome to the USA PVA web site.
To answer your question, your problem has 3 possible solutions depending on what your problem is:
1) Lower your handgrip. Usually, when you fall backward (or "stall") it is because you are holding too high.
2) Run faster. You need to find the right combination of handgrip and speed to get you up and over the vault.
3) Keep your plant out. Sometimes your problem can come from collapsing the pole plant (meaning, letting the arms in and the pole hits your chest). This kills the forward progress ("pole speed") and causes you to "stall". By keeping both arms locked out, your speed will transition into the pole and you will make it over. This (arms locked out) will also help you to learn to bend the pole.
Good Luck, Keep me posted on your progress,
Jim Keys USA PVA
BCS Forrest Pendleton wrote:
> I'm alright at pole vault but I still keep pulling my trailing leg(My
right leg,I'm a lefty)Anyhoo can you give me some excersises or
> stretches to help stop this??????
Forrest,
Thanks for checking out the USA PVA web-page.
To directly address your concern, you MUST keep the trail leg straight in order to make it swing through and up into the rockback. Drills include:
1) Takeoff drills without pole. Run from 3, 5, or 7 steps, takeoff and hold the takeoff position with left knee driving and right leg straight (you said you were a lefty correct??), hold this position until you land on the PV pits.
2) Pole Press drill. From a popup (short) run, do the same as drill #1, but with the pole held out in front of you.
3) Swing pop-ups. Same as 2, but after you are able to hold yourself behind the pole (doing #2 properly), then just hold that position for one second, then swing your leg through in the widest sweeping motion that you can.
It all generates from the short run where we have removed all other variables (speed, step, etc.) and can isolate what you want to work on. Then, slowly increase the length of your run, making sure to focus on the correct technique ... soon it will become 2nd nature. Once you do it right once or twice, the vault becomes MUCH easier, more fluid, and natural, and you won't ever go back to the old way.
The analogy I use with the trail leg is one of shooting a rubber-band. With the trail-leg curled in (bent), you are effectively wadding up a rubber band and throwing it as far as you can (not very far). With the trail leg straight and swinging, you are "shooting" the rubberband and it will go MUCH farther.
Good Luck, Jim Keys USA PVA
> Nice Job! Your site will help Pole Vaulting and Track coaches everywhere....Thanks!
> Ted Crawford at Yorktown High School, Indiana (an old Purdue Vaulter)
Bridge15@aol.com wrote:
> I am a brand-spanking new pole-vaulter. The first time I even touched
a pole I fell in love with it. I have all the mental stuff going for
> me..but if you discover any more tips or training techniques a beginner
could use, EMail me please or add something to your website
> to help out the beginners who don't know all the terms. Also, if
you have any mailing lists will you please sign me up?
> I'm at <A HREF="">Bridge15@aol.com</A>. So... please keep me
updated. I love your site!!
> It's the best I've seen on pole vaulting yet!!
> I like how you give tips and techniques that I can try.
> Thanks for the awesome site!!
editors note: What can we say? The young man has taste!!
your letter could go here. Tell us what you think. You don't have to agree with us, but you DO have to be able to substantiate your point.