For Altius

[RPVA03]

For Altius. If anyone wants to comment as well, feel free. Any feedback would be appreciated.

She is a second year vaulter. These jumps are from our most recent competition. She is jumping from 8 steps and made 10' 8". She was on a 12' 6" 155 gripping about 11' 9".

Thanks!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qQMwkGhT ... e=youtu.be

[birdi_gurlie]

Well, I'm not Altius but this is what I noticed. I'm just a beginner at really noticing the technical differences but I'll try my hand at a few of the vaults. Coach Launders, am I on the right track?

1st-Good but needs some depth. Run up was better in the beginning.
2nd-May have taken off a little bit under her hand. Run up wasn't as good as before and it got progressively worse as the run went on. Needs more depth.
3rd-Much better run up; higher knees. A little better depth.

[altius]

These were my comments direct to Phil - "In haste - for a young athlete she is VERY good AFTER she leaves the ground. But she runs behind herself, pole is too high three steps out - should be head high at that point - means a rushed movement into the final planting action, tends to over stride over last six steps. Looks pretty solid/heavy for that pole!!! Overall not bad - but you must improve the run and timing of the plant." Make use of claws and ostrich runs -take a look at the way Wendy runs on the DVD."

Glad you are getting more and more into the coaching - this process of analysis is important -so keep at it - no matter how accurate you are initially.

[vquestpvc]

At takeoff, it can be seen that her takeoff foot has the toes up when actually the foot should strike flatter through the ground. What is seen is what I call "running" through the takeoff; very similar to why a long jumper may be over the board at takeoff. It must be remembered that the pole vault is also a jumping event and thus the technique of jumping should also be taught. If not to include the penultimate step (which seems to sometimes confuse a young vaulter), at least working on the concept of putting the takeoff foot down through the ground should be taught and practiced. The long jump takeoff is very similar to the vault takeoff so, have the vaulter practice short approaches (without a pole) into the sand pit over reasonable obstacles emphasizing "popping up" off the take off foot. The athlete can then use a pole in a similar fashion into the sand pit; "popping up" on the pole just prior to it striking the sand as it is pushed forward. As the vaulter progresses, "pop ups" on solid ground should be done. Encourage the vaulter to challenge the grip height during these pop ups to help improve takeoff. Interestingly, watch children learning to make basketball layups. Progressively, they will instinctively begin using a penultimate step allowing their bodies to lower and then put the takeoff foot down through the floor to elevate. Hey, taking off with a pole should be very similar: drive opposite knee of the takeoff foot, high hand with the ball (or pole) and driving down with the takeoff foot with the body extending high into the air. From what I saw in the video, if this young lady "connects the dots" from approach through an earlier plant sequence and take off, she will be very competitive.

[altius]

Vquestpv - Good stuff but I suspect that Phil does know all of the elements you are describing in great detail - since not only has he read BTB from cover to cover but he spent three weeks in Adelaide a year or so ago. My initial communication was direct to him as a pm and focussed only on priorities he has to deal with in the short term -I only put it up for birdie girlie - who wants to become a coach.

[vquestpvc]

Oh, sorry Altius, didn't realize that this was a private message you had going; thought individuals had an opportunity to comment on various pole vault issues in this venue. However, you're absolutely right, if someone read BTB cover to cover they would be well informed. I've read it several times and learn something new each time; I will continue to read it as I wore out the DVD. And, if I had a chance to visit Adelaide and learn from a master, I would most definitely be a better coach. Honestly though, would rather visit Russia; if you know what i mean. Besides BTB, my influences have been limited to Don Hood, Peter McGinnis, Jan Johnson and Mike Thompson to note a few. So again, please excuse my misunderstanding of the format.

[vquestpvc]

Oh, sorry Altius, didn't realize that this was a private message you had going; thought individuals had an opportunity to comment on various pole vault issues in this venue. However, you're absolutely right, if someone read BTB cover to cover they would be well informed. I've read it several times and learn something new each time; I will continue to read it as I wear out the DVD. And, if I had a chance to visit Adelaide and learn from a master, I would most definitely be a better coach. Honestly though, would rather visit Russia; if you know what i mean. Besides BTB, my influences have been limited to Don Hood, Peter McGinnis, Jan Johnson and Mike Thompson to note a few. So again, please excuse my misunderstanding of the format.

[altius]

Sorry to mislead you old son - got caught between pms for one person and posting the same stuff for someone else - should have stayed with pms. Should also have made the point that while Phil came to Adelaide he also went to Perth to study with Alex Parnov and Melbourne to work with Mark Stewart. If you can go anywhere I suggest you find Petrov - not sure if he is still in Formia, but that has a very good set up for visitors. But wherever he is - that is the best place to go. The only advantage of Adelaide is that everything is free for visiting coaches!