Pole Vault Training:
No matter the skill level of vaulter you are, there are a few crucial elements to have in your training plans for pole vault.
#1. POWER, POWER, and MORE POWER. Many athletes are under the assumption that the stronger you are the better you are going to be. This is not the case for many events in the track and field discipline. In the horizontal and vertical jumps power is everything. STRENGTH X SPEED= POWER. How fast can you move the weight? I don't care if you can squat 300 lbs. I want to know how fast you can move the weight.
#2. Core + Shoulder Strength. Leave the biceps for the podium. Pole vault requires extreme body awareness and control with a huge emphasis on core and shoulder strength once you leave the ground.
#3. Speed. This one is obvious. The more speed, power, and control you can have on the runway will always equate to a better jump if your plant and technique is where it needs to be.
#4. Mental Toughness. I don't care how strong, fast or powerful you are. If your mind is not where it needs to be pole vault will crush you. This sport has the ability to make you love and hate it all within a 5 minute window. Being able to visualize success, let go of your fear, and stay in control of the negative thoughts is the easiest and hardest way to succeed in this sport.
#1. POWER, POWER, and MORE POWER. Many athletes are under the assumption that the stronger you are the better you are going to be. This is not the case for many events in the track and field discipline. In the horizontal and vertical jumps power is everything. STRENGTH X SPEED= POWER. How fast can you move the weight? I don't care if you can squat 300 lbs. I want to know how fast you can move the weight.
#2. Core + Shoulder Strength. Leave the biceps for the podium. Pole vault requires extreme body awareness and control with a huge emphasis on core and shoulder strength once you leave the ground.
#3. Speed. This one is obvious. The more speed, power, and control you can have on the runway will always equate to a better jump if your plant and technique is where it needs to be.
#4. Mental Toughness. I don't care how strong, fast or powerful you are. If your mind is not where it needs to be pole vault will crush you. This sport has the ability to make you love and hate it all within a 5 minute window. Being able to visualize success, let go of your fear, and stay in control of the negative thoughts is the easiest and hardest way to succeed in this sport.