Help me get started

[HarvardTiger]

Yes!

I just got a call from a nearby HS track & field coach who has given me permission to use their PV pit to learn to vault. What should I do next?

What should I look for in a training pole? What is a good source? I am 51 years old, 6'2" and 180 lbs.

Also, are there books or videos that I could buy/borrow/check-out to get me started on the basics.

I do not expect to accomplish much for quite a while. I just want to learn slowly and solidly. Any help and advice is most welcome!

[rainbowgirl28]

www.pvei.com lets you download the USATF Coaching Manual. I would recommend looking through that for some good beginning progressions. There are also some good articles on the site.

[lonestar]

The first thing you should do is go to a camp at Bell Athletics in Jonesboro, AR and learn how to vault from the best coaches in the U.S. for 2-4 days. They can show you the correct progressions to practice safely and efficiently, and make recommendations for what poles you will need.

Check them out at http://www.bellathletics.com

[Decamouse]

Bill Murray and Phil Mulkey are from down there somewhere - Murray is currently the top M50 multi event guy in the world - good vaulter - contact me if you would like some contact info

[breaker]

listen to lonestar.
if i had earl bell teach me to vault from the beginning, whoa, id be very happy. if you learn the correct way to vault, you wont form any bad habits and have to go back and fix them. its way worth it, i strongly suggest it!!!
good luck with learning, pole vaulting is the best!

[toki]

Yeah Earl Bell is possibly the best place ever to learn pole vaulting. Arkansas is amazing! Its two-four days of pure vaulting, and vaulting techniques.. man i miss Earl.. ... TRUST me if your going to spend your money on anything for pole vaulting.. this would be the way to go!