Petrov Drill Questions

[Mikeaj0]

Here are some drills from Thiago Braz's instagram. I have some questions that I was hoping people on this forum may be able to answer.

Here are the links:

https://instagram.com/p/Bc7EpuYHKsz/

https://instagram.com/p/Bcano7qn8dm/

https://instagram.com/p/BbKH7sDHu9J/

https://instagram.com/p/Bd55QO6HFHj/


My Questions:

How exactly are each of these drills supposed to be performed?

What exactly is the spotter supposed to be doing/looking for?

What are the specific benefits of these drills?

How can they be implemented into training?

I have always had a ton of problems running through and I think that drills like this could be really beneficial not only with my mental confidence and taking off, but also with actually jumping into the takeoff. Thanks.

[Tim McMichael]

I'm pretty sure the purpose of these drills is to promote a tall, balanced takeoff and staying behind the pole through the swing. Any drill that accomplishes those goals is golden. I especially like the second one. If the pole is falling into the box and the hands are above the shoulders when the left leg is in the support position and the right thigh is parallel with the runway, good things happen. At one of the very first Summits, Petrov showed us drills very much like these and the general consensus among many of the American vaulters and coaches was that they were a waste of time. I have never been more wrong about anything in my life.

I think its also interesting that the spotter is putting his hands on the pole to spot instead of on the vaulter. I've done this with little kids but I've never tried it with more advanced athletes. I intend to learn how after seeing this.