The pole vault is a highly skilled event. Detailed instruction on the fundamentals is necessary for safety and success. In the videos below Tom Hays, University of Kansas head coach and vertical jumps coach and 2011 National Collegiate Pole Vault Coach of the Year, shows you drills that are part of his teaching progression. In the first clip, you’ll see two drills that will help teach pole vaulters to maneuver the pole and rotate/stretch their arm as they walk past it. The drills also help them find their grip height and feel what pole speed is. In the second clip, he continues the progression adding speed to the exercise eventually pole vaulting in the sand. Coach does a good job demonstrating key mechanics and common mistakes providing helpful coaching points.
To learn for from Coach Hays click the video below on Progressions for Teaching and Coaching the Pole Vault
This YouTube video has sound, so please make sure that your sound is turned on and that you have access to the site (Many schools block access to YouTube)