D. MERCER 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?
2) What makes a great approach? - UPRIGHT, SMOOTH, COASTING
3) What makes a great plant? - STEPS, ATTACK, 'HIGH' JUMP OFF PLANT FOOT
4) What makes a great swing up? - STRAIGHT ARM, HIGH KNEE, 'WAIT'
5) What makes a great top?
6) What advice do you have for the off/pre season? - OFF SEASON?! IF YOU WANT TO SUCCEED AT A HIGH LEVEL DON'T BE A "PART TIMER"
7) What are your favorite drills for the Pole Vault? - PERFECT PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT. CADENCE WITH POLES WHILE RUNNING AWAY FROM VAULT BOX. PLANTING IN 'SLIDING' BOX (PRACTICE GETTING PLANT FOOT 'HIGH' OFF THE GROUND. RINGS.
8) What advice do you have on a Vaulters grip width? - COMFORT (ALITTLE WIDER THAN SHOULDERS)
9) What advice do have on a height of a Vaulters hand-hold?- AS HIGH AS CONTROLLABLE. GRADUAL INCREASE, NEVER TO MUCH!!
10) What advice do you have on how to keep the Pole Vault Safe? - WEIGHT RATIO, PROPER STORAGE, SAFETY CHECK FOR CRACKS, NICKS, ETC. PROPER MATS, QUALIFIED COACHES (AT ALL LEVELS)
Send Comments or Questions to D. MERCER at HARLEY9@GTE.NET
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