Mark Murphy Coaching Tips
Name:
Are you an Athlete(Avid Pole Vaulter), Coach, or Both?
What is your Personal Best or Your Athletes Best (Basic Background)
- In a meet I have successfully cleared only 12'6", but in practice I have cleared 14' with a 140 13' Pacer.
1) What is the single most important thing in the Pole Vault? - Getting inverted and staying inverted as long as you can.
2) What makes a great approach? - Lots of speed and good steps.
3) What makes a great plant? - Good steps, pole held high, top arm locked out, and knee up.
4) What makes a great swing up? - Lots of speed makes it possible to have a quick swing up and get yourself inverted without losing too much momentum.
5) What makes a great top? - staying upside down as long as you can, and curling over the bar at the end.
6) What advice do you have for the off/pre season? - run, lift weights, vault, and go to camps.
7) What are your favorite drills for the Pole Vault? - rock-backs and grass plants
8) What advice do you have on a Vaulters grip width? - shoulder width. If you need more bend, make your grip smaller. If you need to penetrate, make your grip wider.
9) What advice do have on a height of a Vaulters hand-hold?- As high as you can go, but don't be stupid and have your fingers over the end of the pole.
10) What advice do you have on how to keep the Pole Vault Safe? - always have someone around to watch you and catch you if you really mess up. Don't vault on a big stick that you know will kick your butt. Trust me, I learned the hard way.
Send Comments or Questions to Mark Murphy at zen@decaturnet.com
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