Rob Leonard Coaching Tips
Name:
Are you an Athlete(Avid Pole Vaulter), Coach, or Both?
What is your Personal Best or Your Athletes Best (Basic Background)
1) What is the single most important thing in the Pole Vault? - Maximum velocity at take off. That coupled with a correct plant phase.
2) What makes a great approach? - Rhythm. Pure speed, but controlled speed.
3) What makes a great plant? - Precise timing, and accuracy of movement to achieve the highest possible position of top hand.
4) What makes a great swing up? - The ability to realise when it is appropriate to move into this position after take off.
5) What makes a great top? - Gymnastic coordination. Hours on the high bar!
6) What advice do you have for the off/pre season? - Enjoy yourself with active rest, but don't get injured playing silly sports!
7) What are your favorite drills for the Pole Vault? - Pop ups.
Rhythm runs with a pole.
8) What advice do you have on a Vaulters grip width? - No wider than shoulder width (so the athlete can get past his top hand on inversion), and not so narrow that controll is lost. Shoulder width is about right.
9) What advice do have on a height of a Vaulters hand-hold?- It is all an attitude of mind. The higher you hold, the higher you jump (within reason!). Try a six stride approach, putting your grip up until you are struggling to make vertical. This top hand grip directly relates to a bottom hand grip off a full approach.
10) What advice do you have on how to keep the Pole Vault Safe? - Never vault alone!
Listen to what a qualified coach says!
Know when enogh is enough, most accidents are caused by tiredness!
Use the right pole!
Send Comments or Questions to Rob Leonard at Robbie.L.@sprynet.uk
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