PoleVaultPower.com

Hi my names austin and i'm 16 years old. i weigh about 160 and am 5''11, i just wanted to ask a few questions. well for me never doing track or vaulting, is it possible for me to pick up this sport, or should i not even try, because for some sports it seems like you have to be raised up on them, start them real early to be good at them. also, what are some things i should be looking into or trying, wanting to be a pole vaulter. thanks a lot! -austin

Do you do any other sports? You should talk to the track coaches at your school and see what they recommend. Some schools have off-season conditioning programs that are good.

also, what are some things i should be looking into or trying, wanting to be a pole vaulter. thanks a lot! -austin

For one, using the 'search' button...

Lift intelligently (search), pick a fall sport intelligently (search), and learn... intelligently (BIG search).

There is no reason why you could not excel if you pick up the sport late. Think about this: Stuczynski has only been vaulting for 4 years and is 2nd in the world at the moment!

Here are some good threads to start (after this I won't do it for you!):

viewtopic.php?f=27&t=14662
viewtopic.php?f=27&t=9099 (ignore the 'slide box' suggestions)
viewtopic.php?f=30&t=15775
viewtopic.php?f=30&t=15845&start=0
viewtopic.php?f=30&t=15420&start=0

And buy BTB2 (DVD and the book).

The best reason to pole vault is because it is fun. Your goals for competition may guide you to focus on one sport or another, but vault because you enjoy it.

If you want to be good, it will take some time. Be ready for that. Start with the fundamentals of the run and pole carry. Take the time to look around the beginner and intermediate forums for tips on the takeoff. This is a very technical sport, so read up! Good luck!