PoleVaultPower.com

Height: 6ft
Weight: 148
Age: 15
Experience: 3 weeks
Best height: 10ft
Pole weight: 150

Hey guys, I was just wondering if anybody could help me out. So hears the deal, I've been pole vaulting for about 3 weeks and I want to get better. I think I have the plant down, although I'll keep practicing that for sure, my main problem (I think) is that I have almost no technique In the air. When I had about a week of practicing (we started pole vault in track late) I had my first meet, I got to 10ft doing what my coach said was "stiff poling". Also I don't think it's a matter of strength or speed as I work out every day and currently play soccer, football, hockey, track, trap, MMA(side time) so I don't think that's the problem. I also realize that it's not going to be instantaneous as like I said I've played a lot of other sports (those are just my current ones) and I know you only get better through a lot of practice, i just want to make sure I'm doing it right and to see if you guys have any tips? (Our coach doesn't help much)

First of all, you are off to a great start! At your age and only 3-weeks in, you have accomplished what most first and some second year vaulters dream of clearing. Awesome! You could be one of those that has great athletic ability and take to the vault quickly. I also like your drive and determination, and your quest for help. This is a good place to seek some advice and help.

BTW, "stiff poling", or as it more commonly called - "Straight Poling" is a good start. If you can't straight pole well, you won't be able to master the vault. It is an essential thing to learn how to do well. Just look at the great one - Bubka. It's just a drill for him, but look at the height he is able to achive with his entire body inverted and his legs beyond vertical: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-oUADXLvJNg

I have a few suggestions for you.
1. Consider the Beginner to Bubka Book and DVD available for sale on this site.
2. Find a PV club near you to get some quality coaching. A good place to find clubs is the USATF website: http://www.usatf.org/clubs/search/
2.1 Find a PV camp to attend this summer. You can find some of them advertising on this site: viewforum.php?f=3
2.2 If you ask on this thread for suggested camps in your area (you'll have to tell us what city you are closest to), I'm sure many suggestions will come your way.
3. Check out some of the great instructional videos here: http://www.youtube.com/user/ArtoftheVault
4. It will make more sense to you in a couple of years of coached vaulting, but this video breaks down the vaulting of the great one: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LhqEdocpfcM
5. Work hard, be safe, and above all, have fun!

Good luck to you, keep us posted on your progress and come back with future questions.