The pole vault is actually very simple

[souleman]

I don't think anyone is remotely saying that we should coach, "damn the torpedos and balls to the wall regardless of results" type vaulting. Instead, I think what George was eluding to is that once a vaulter takes his or her first step down the runway it becomes a "cruise control" situation. The vaulter will string together all of the links in the chain as he or she has been taught. That's why it has to be taught correctly or within the confines of the athlete's ability. Everything written in this thread in correct context can be applied to this event in a benefitial manner. Does that mean that we should pick or allow only the most gifted athletes to jump? Heck no! The most joy I have seen in quite sometime was when one of my 1st year girls (who by the way is very small and very slow) came out of the pit after making her personal best of 6' 6". I will take experiencing that moment of joy anytime I can get it. Later............Mike