Pole vaulting is one of the most technical events in track and field. A pole vaulter must have great core strength to lift his body upside down after catapulting himself off the ground. Core strength gives the vaulter ability to get a bend on the pole and shoot higher. Being technically sound is just as important. If the pole is not placed in the box on the right step, the vaulter will not be able to get full bend.
Approach and runup
The knee drive is what vaults you into the air. The stronger and higher the knee drive, the more force you take in the air. Most vaulters plant with their left foot and drive with their right to get the most force. When you make the plant, make sure you are still tall and stretch upward, keeping your core strong. Straighten both arms, with the left arm slightly in front of your body almost pushing the pole out. This will create bend in the pole, which will shoot the vaulter higher into the air.
When you start to lift off the ground, stay down on the pole by stretching your right arm up and keeping your left arm tight and straight. Also, keep your right knee up, driving straight ahead, not up. If your knee starts to drive up, you will lose the bend in the pole sooner and not shoot higher. Keep pushing the pole away from you and hang your left leg. This will keep your body down on the pole and keep the bend of the pole.
Rock Back
Clearance
By: Judson Brooker
From: http://www.livestrong.com/article/438634-pole-vaulting-tips-requirements/#ixzz23gxnkbI5
