Courtney Keith Coaching Tips
Name:
Are you an Athlete(Avid Pole Vaulter), Coach, or Both?
What is your Personal Best or Your Athletes Best (Basic Background)
- 8'9" I vaulted 2 years in high school, I placed 6th my junior year and 3rd my senior year in state competition. I recieved a scholarship for pole vaulting at a NCAA, Division I school, and will be starting practice shortly.
1) What is the single most important thing in the Pole Vault?
2) What makes a great approach? - Attacking the box, speed, and consistancy.
3) What makes a great plant? - Straight, solid arms and make sure your body is centered and squared.
4) What makes a great swing up? - Momentum. Work those abs!
5) What makes a great top?
6) What advice do you have for the off/pre season? - Keep vaulting and working out.
7) What are your favorite drills for the Pole Vault? - Taking off from a raised position from a short step approach.
8) What advice do you have on a Vaulters grip width? - Shoulder length apart is normal, but for maxium pull, the closer the better.
9) What advice do have on a height of a Vaulters hand-hold?- Depends on experience. To begin with about a foot higher than they can reach normally. Then work up after they fill comfortable.
10) What advice do you have on how to keep the Pole Vault Safe? - Don't mess around and always ride the bend out.
Send Comments or Questions to Courtney Keith at cakeith@odin.cmp.ilstu.edu
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