Sarah J. Smith Coaching Tips

• Sarah J. Smith

• Pole Vaulter

• My personal best is 10'6". I am an NAIA Division
  II All-American, received second at NAIA
  Indoor Nationals at Devany Sportscenter in Lincoln
  Nebraska.

• I think the single most important thing in the
  pole vault is the plant. If you have a good
  plant, the rest will eventually follow.
  Without a good plant, it's harder to get closed-off
  and upside down and turned.

• Consistancy in your step and timing. Also
  good speed.

• I think a great plant is square, knee up, and
  arms locked tight. You can't have a good plant
  if your arms collapse.

• A great swing up comes from a great plant.
  If you have a good plant, you will continue to
  rock through which makes a great swing up.

• Getting closed off and upside down while your
  pole is still slightly bent so your sent upwards
  instead of being shot through. Making sure
  you get turned is another factor.

• Keep practicing, maybe not as much so you don't
  go crazy but enough so you aren't completely
  fresh when the season starts. I lift weights
  and do drills.

• I love doing planting drills. They are fun
  for me.

• I was taught to have a grip that is the same,
  maybe a little wider than your waist span. It
  works well for me.

• It depends on the vaulter and his/her pole.
  If the pole is too light for the vaulter and
  they're blowing through it (and you can't move
  up poles yet) then move their hand-grip down some
  to stiffen up the pole.

• By doing things right. If you do everything
  right, it's as safe as any sport.When you do things
  wrong, accidents happen, I know from experience!

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