Pole vaulting is a field event in which a long, flexible pole is used to hurdle a crossbar. The momentum gained when the pole vaulter runs toward the takeoff point flexes the pole, when planted. As the pole straightens out, it propels the vaulter up into the air. That, along with proper body movement and position, allows the vaulter to clear the crossbar. Understanding pole vaulting terminology will help you to better appreciate the sport.
Pole
The pole is the long, slender rod that propels the pole vaulter over the crossbar. Originally made of bamboo or aluminum, today's pole vaulting poles are made of fiberglass or carbon fiber material. There is usually no restriction on the length of the pole or the material from which is made.
Runway
The runway is the length of field defined as the course which a pole vaulter will run along. The runway has a starting line and a coach's mark, at which point the vaulter is required to execute the take off.
Box
The box is where the vaulter plants the end of the pole when vaulting. The box sits in the ground below the center of the crossbar. The front of the box is angled downward toward the rear, providing a solid location for the end of the vaulting pole. The sides of the box are angled inward to aid in finding the back of the box with the end of the pole.
Standards
The standards are the tall poles used to hold the crossbar. Standards have pegs that allow the crossbar to be moved up or down incrementally. The crossbar rests loosely on the pegs.
Crossbar
The crossbar is the rod that extends between the standards. It acts as the target and measuring point for the height of the vault.
Pit
The pit is the area at the end of the runway on the opposite side of the standards and crossbar. This area is designed to allow the vaulter to land safely. Heavy padding makes up the pit and often surrounds not only the immediate landing area but the area around the standards and the box, as well.
Grip
The grip takes place when the pole vaulter initially takes hold of the pole. The back hand grasps the pole palm up and is held close to the hip. The elbow the back arm is held at a 90-degree angle. The forehand grasps the pole palm down, holding it high and close to the chest with the wrist cocked backward. The tip of the pole rests on the ground until the approach begins.
Approach Run
The approach run begins with the vaulter lifting the tip of the pole upward. The vaulter then begins to run down field. The pole will move in an up-and-down motion. As the vaulter approaches the takeoff point, the tip of the pole is brought downward.
Plant
The plant is the act of placing the tip of the pole into the box. The momentum of both the pole and the vaulter then cause the pole to flex.
Takeoff
As the pole flexes, once planted, the pole vaulter will then execute a stride into the air, known as the takeoff. This forward motion will carry the pole vaulter toward the box forcing the pole to flex further. This will spring the pole vaulter up into the air.
Swing-Up
In the swing-up, the pole will begin to lift the vaulter into the air. The vaulter then brings the knees to the chest. As the body rolls back, the vaulter will kick the legs upward generating momentum to help clear the crossbar.
Pull-Turn
The vaulter will then pull up on the pole, thrusting the body higher. As the legs and body clear the crossbar, the vaulter will rotate and push off from the pole. This will carry the vaulter over the crossbar. Finally, the vaulter will land in the pit.
Member Comments