Peter Ventre

Introduction

The illustration above is of a fibreglass pole vaulter in action. Comparison of this technique and 'rigid' pole vaulting is offered below.
Whatever technique you use, learning to be a pole vaulter is a long process. Most of the famous vaulters became skilful whilst still at school. Only thousands of vaults can make you proficient. Otherwise you need enough strength to handle your body weight easily and speed, both of which can be developed.

Developing the techniques

When you are very skilful a 17 stride approach will be necessary to provide sufficient pole speed. However, begin off an 11 stride approach and learn to utilise increased speed at take off. Carry the pole as in Fig. 1, and note that it is nearly parallel to the ground, leaving less chance for error when planting the pole in the box. Reach forward with the pole, try¬ing to get it in the box early (Fig. 2), providing time for a smooth vault.

The 'fibre' vaulter will keep his hands apart at take off. Note that a vertical line from the top hand falls behind the foot.

The rigid vaulter will slide the pole through the left hand, so that at take off the hands are close together. The Fibre vaulter can hold higher for the same approach speed used by the 'rigid' vaulter. Keep the arm, bent; drive the pole through the box, pulling down with the top hand. Whilst a 'rigid' vaulter would tend to take off upwards behind the pole, the 'fibre' vaulter attempts to Iong-jump' into the pit. Notice the powerful action in this diagram. The athlete is really attacking at take off.

Because of the special take off technique the 'fibre' vaulter will remain low with body extended after taking off and this will help the pole to rise. Now he must lay back and wait ... for the pole to straighten.

The 'rigid' vaulter swings in behind the pole, keeping his body long, trying to retain pole speed. The body arches so that the chest touches the pole. The longer this position is held the more strength will be required later. However, most inexperienced vaulters lift the legs too early.
The 'fibre' vaulter goes on waiting. Notice the trunk position has not changed even though the pole has straightened considerably. However, throughout the whole of this waiting phase he tries to keep the legs moving upwards.

At the end of the swing up, the back is nearly parallel to the ground. To achieve this position the 'rigid' vaulter bends the knees, increasing leg speed, and rocks his head backwards, keeping head and trunk behind the pole.
Whatever kind of pole is used the problem is now the same to raise the parts of the body still below the bar for an effective clearance. Pull up, stretch, and as you rotate around the pole, continue the effort as a pushing movement.
The 'rigid' vaulter would have his hands much closer together as he pushes from the pole Fig. 8 .shows a 'fibre' vaulter removing the left hand early so that the final push is off the right arm only. (Necessary because the hands are never close together on the pole.)

Training

Heavy resistance work for the legs, arms and grip is essential, at least three 40 minute sessions a week. When you can handle your body weight with the ease of an Olympic gymnast, you will vault better. Why not train with the gymnast occasionally, especially on the rings, parallel bars and pommel horse?

Technique training

There is no substitute for regular vaulting. Try to vault every day. Build to 7 sets of 3 vaults. Concentrate on a particular point of technique each time you vault. Indoor vaulting facilities and good landing areas are scarce. Only pressure from the athletes can change this. You need such facilities to him a good vaulter.
If you take up fibre glass pole vaulting, discuss the purchase of a pole with a qualified A.A.A.'s coach. There are many considerations in buying a pole to suit you.