Pole vaulting is a dynamic track and field event where the athlete uses a long flexible pole to propel his body over the bar in order to make a clearance at a designated height. The pole vault is one of the most complex events in the sport of track and field. Speed and upper body strength play a large role in the success of a pole vaulter as well as coordination, flexibility and athleticism.
Standard Grip
The standard grip of the pole in the vault is pretty uniform for most jumpers. The right (top) hand grips the pole with the palm up, while the left (bottom) hand grips the pole with the palm down. Your grip on the pole should be roughly shoulder width apart. During the pole carry with the left hand, attempt to form a right angle with the left elbow and the pole. Place your right hand alongside the right hip with the elbow of the right arm bent slightly.
Standards
The standards on a pole vault mat are the equipment that supports the bar that is cleared during the jump at a particular height. These standards may be adjusted to raise and lower the bar, and can also be moved forward and back in relation to the vaulter on the runway. These standards sit on either side of the pit, which is where the vaulter will land after the clearance of the bar.
Moving the Standards
As a general rule, the standards are usually kept back closer to the rearmost position, away from the jumper on the runway. Sometimes there are situations where the jumper hits the peak of her height in front of the crossbar, which causes her to land on top of the bar. More often than not, this can be fixed by correcting errors in the run, the plant or the takeoff. However, if that is not the case, the standards can be moved forward toward the jumper to try to ensure clearance of the bar.
Standard Approach
In general, beginning vaulters should start with an approach of six lefts. This means that you are only counting the times the left foot strikes the ground. With improvement in technique and knowledge of the event, the approach should gradually increase to from six to seven or eight up to ten lefts on the runway.
Competition Rules
The rules during a competition state that each athlete gets three attempts at a certain height. If an athlete fails three consecutive times at that height, he is out of the competition. In the event that two or more athletes clear the same final height, the winner will be selected based upon how many misses she had at previous heights.
References
- "Modern Pole Vaulting;" Brian Ferry; 1998
- "Winning Jumps and Pole Vault. Human Kenitics;" E. Jacoby; 2009
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