How to be a Better Pole Vault Coach - by Dr. Ganslen

[rainbowgirl28]

Dr. Ganslen published 10 tips for how to be a better pole vault coach in the 8th edition of Mechanics of the Pole Vault. I am going to post one a day until they are all posted.

HOW TO BE A BETTER POLE VAULT COACH

General Rules for Coaching

1. Most pole vault coaches stand too close to the pole vault pit when studying the event which results in exaggerated time distortion. If you stand close you must eye-track the whole vault and cannot focus attention on the vault as a whole (15).

[rainbowgirl28]

2. The choice of position is critical in studying certain particular vaulting faults. IF THE VAULTER IS HAVING BALANCE PROBLEMS THE COACH MUST STAND DIRECTLY BEHIND THE VAULTER AS HE TAKES OFF--MOVING IN AS HE PASSES BY. An alternative procedure is to stand behind the pit and opposite the box; however, many vaulters, when concentrating on the pole plant, do not like spectators in their line of sight and they deserve special consideration here (15).

[vaultmd]

Ah - the importance of getting as far away as one can, and the importance of balance. Two of the most important pearls I give to beginner coaches.

And the two that get ignored the most.

[rainbowgirl28]

Ah - the importance of getting as far away as one can, and the importance of balance. Two of the most important pearls I give to beginner coaches.

And the two that get ignored the most.

Well you know, it's like hard to give a big ol tap when you are standing 50 feet away

[lonestar]

Ah - the importance of getting as far away as one can, and the importance of balance. Two of the most important pearls I give to beginner coaches.

And the two that get ignored the most.

Well you know, it's like hard to give a big ol tap when you are standing 50 feet away

LOL - good one Becca!

[rainbowgirl28]

3. Some vaulting faults can be studied from only one position, (e.g.,) the pole plant. The plant is best observed from the side on which the vaulter plants, but this WILL NOT HELP YOU SEE THE IMBALANCE. The manner in which the pole is brought forward may actually provide a clue to the subsequent difficulties obseved at takeoff (15).

[rainbowgirl28]

4. The total action of the vault should be observed from a position at least 50 or more feet away from the pit and preferably on the left side. Observers on the right side may lose sight of some of the arm and leg action as the vaulter turns (15).

[rainbowgirl28]

5. Flaws over the bar can be seen from almost any spot on the field, but best seen from the side at some 3/4 view angle. If the vaulter is observed from sone back corner of the pit the failure to elevate the legs properly can often be picked up (16).

[rainbowgirl28]

6. The ears are a useful adjunct to the vaulting coach. The coach should listen for a rhythmical pattern of running with a gradual build-up in crescendo toward the box. Any staccato, arhythmical patter of the feet either means that the vaulter is out of step or straining to get speed. The "chucking sound" the pole makes when it goes in to the box may indicate a smooth plant. There should NEVER BE TWO SOUNDS AT THE BOX which may mean that the vaulter hit the box near the lip and then a second time as it struck the back of the box (16).

[JMP8928]

#6 states you should never hear two sounds when the pole is planted. I always thought you should hear a very quick 'ca-chunk' or even 'clickclick' if you prefer.... the sound of the pole touching down, and then the pole hitting the back of the box at take off.... ne comments?

[Robert schmitt]

He is refering to what you would hear if the pole hit near the top part of the back of the box. than as the vaulter swings the pole slides down to the bottom of the bax and makes another sound.

[JMP8928]

aaahaaa. i see. thanks for the clarification

jp