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TRACK AND FIELD – POLE VAULT – TECHNIQUES PART II The Run: When you got the pole firmly gripped and with it in
position, start your strides, increasing the speed as you progress
towards the ‘pole plant’ – this process is known as ‘the run’.
From the ‘uprights’ and the ‘plant’ you can take any number of
steps for your run. There is no restriction. The distance to run before
the leap is to be decided by the athlete on the basis of his training
and experience. He can have as many check marks as he likes, but it is
customary to have two check marks, the first at the starting point and
the second at about 30 feet from the ‘planting box’. It is always
better to have a stride check mark to monitor your strides. Developing a
rhythmic stride with a gradual increase of momentum culminating in the
final thrust that ensures a smooth and effortless takeoff like an
airplane is necessary to be successful. Practice! The Plant: When you are at the top of your speed with the
poles front end progressively lowered towards the planting box and
finally firmly planting it in the box is known as “the plant”.
It is always better to hold the pole as close to
the middle of your body as is feasible. Your hips and shoulder should be
square to the plant box. When you are lowering the front end of the pole
during the time of the plant, the top hand, so far guiding the pole, now
starts gripping it as the rear end is moved up and forward. The Takeoff: It is a most fascinating action sequence in pole
vault. You should takeoff from directly underneath the top grip of the
hand bouncing from your takeoff foot. Immediately after the takeoff you
should ride with the pole hanging behind it. The takeoff efficacy is the
sum of the speed, the thrust, the plant accuracy, the bounce generated
by you immediately after the pole is firmly planted and the angle of
slope that is achieved while climbing.
More the slope, more the chances of your being
catapulted higher. A reinforced fiberglass pole is ideal. The Pull, Turn and Push: The following diagram shows:
The Clearance: Please refer the diagram:
The Landing: It hinges primarily upon the kind of pit made available for the event. In general terms, you should rotate the body naturally so as to effect a well-balanced landing on legs, which should be followed by a rollover. |
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