General Overview: The pole vault (PV) is an event in track and field where athletes compete to clear the highest possible crossbar by using a vaulting pole. The basic concept is to convert horizontal energy (the run) into vertical energy (thus clearing a higher bar).

Pole Vault Pits

1. Ensure the landing pad meets the minimum specifications in size and capability (to sufficiently cushion the landing). If you are unsure of the minimum specifications, check your State (High-School), NCAA (Collegiate), or IAAF rulebook.
2. Keep the pits covered and/or inside when not using. If you cover your pits outside, put your pits on tires or wood palattes to avoid water damage to the underside of the pits.
3. Always strap and tie pits to manufacturers specifications, and check them before each use.
4. Seasonally check your pits (especially the cover pit) for tears or rips and have an awning or upholstery shop repair as necessary. Pits are expensive ($5,000 - $10,000) and this is an easy way to prolong their life.
5. Ensure the pits are the proper distance from the back of the box. While National High School regulations permit 14" of space between the back of the box and the pits we recommend pushing the pits as close to the box as possible without having the pole bend into the pit (which would stop the poles forward motion and cause the vaulter to stall).
6. Mark a 10' perimeter around the pit as a "caution zone" that is kept clear of any hurdles, chairs, or anthing that may hurt you if you land on it. This is because in the event of an aborted jump, a vaulter may need this buffer zone to run-out any extra energy from the jump upon landing (rather than crashing to a standstill).
7. Do not sit on the edge of the pole vault pits when a vaulter is jumping. Pole Vaulters are notoriously lazy and often want to sit on the edge of the pit (in front or on the side) -- but remember that the vaulter jumping may be coming down "free-fall" and be unable to control where he is landing -- and may be coming down backwards and unable to see what is below him.

Vaulting Poles

1. Pole Vault Poles are EXTREMELY FRAGILE.do not lay your poles flat on the ground unless they are in their protective case. BE CAREFUL! Pole cost $200-$400 and break VERY easily!
2. Always carry your pole vault pole in a protective case (cardboard case, PVC tubing, etc.) Poles are EXTREMELY fragile and are designed to carry stress only in a specific way. Any other force could damage the pole and result in injury to the vaulter.
3. ALWAYS inspect poles before using for nicks, scratches, and cracks. Do not use the pole if any of these penetrate the pole and compromise the integrity of the fiberglass.
4. Catch poles so they don't land on the runway or standards (many poles break by hitting the lip on the bottom of the standards where you adjust the height -- be careful of this). Pad standard handles if possible.
5. Move to a stiffer pole when the recoil on the pole is slow, or when achieving excessive bend on the pole (more than 90 degrees).
6. If a stiffer pole is not available, then drop your grip a handgrip at a time and move your run up slightly to compensate for the lower handgrip.
7. Whenever you stall in a jump HOLD ON! DO NOT LET GO! By holding on firmly with both hands and keeping your body close to the pole, you can usually ride the pole safely into the pit. If you let go, you are in free-fall and there is a high-probability you will get injured. Remember "Hurt vaulters clear no heights"!
8. Many states currently have a rule that requires a pole vaulter to use a pole rated at his weight or heavier. This may require a vaulter to jump on a stiffer pole than they are ready for, which will reject them, which will cause them to land on the track or in the box, and sue the governing body (such as the Virginia High School League). There is no substitute for proper technique, supervision, and coaching. We must understand this rule, it's helpful intent, and find a way to continue to vault safely.

Handgrip

1. When first starting, stand with the pole next to you, reach up with the left hand as high as you can -- this marks your left (bottom) grip. The top grip should be slightly wider than shoulder width from bottom grip. (So if you were standing with your hands at your sides, you would spread your hands slightly for your grip if someone handed you a pole).
2. As you start with 4-step, 6-step, 8-step pop-up jumps, pay attention to the speed with which your jump moves from takeoff over to the pit to adjust your handgrip. If your jump moves over very quickly, you may want to try to move your grip up a handhold (2"-3"). If your jump almost stalls (you don't quite make it over into the pit) drop your grip at least a handgrip.
3. If overbending the pole and a stiffer pole is not available, then drop your grip a handgrip at a time and move your run up slightly to compensate for the lower handgrip. Dropping the handgrip can help the pole to recoil much more quickly and add much more to your height than you lose by lowering your grip.
4. If unable to penetrate adequately through the pole (and all other components are being performed correctly), drop your grip a handgrip. This will bring you slightly closer to the box and shorten the distance you must jump to make the pit -- this will more than compensate for the slight increase in stiffness by holding lower.

Basic Technique Concepts

1. Always start from a marked step. You should take off directly under your top hand when planting the pole in the box.
2. Both arms should be fully extended at takeoff.
3. Drive off takeoff like a long jumper by driving the right knee into the air (roughly at a 45 degree angle) and pressing the hips forward.
4. Stay upright as you push the pole forward for the first 0-1 second off takeoff. This keeps the pole moving and helps to ensure you will land in the pit.
5. Swing the left (trail) leg (kept straight) in the widest arc to help penetration then into the rock-back. Simultaneously with this the arms "row" the body on top of the handgrip -- with the shoulders as the axis of rotation. Continue to rock back until vertical.