By Greg Duplantis, JD
A former world-class pole vaulter, Greg Duplantis is an accomplished pole vaulting coach and oil and gas attorney, He has coached several NCAA All-American pole vaulters, including two-time NCAA champion, Lisa Gunnarsson. Along with with his wife, Helena, Greg has coached his son, Mondo to two Olympic titles, 3 Outdoor World Championships titles, 3 Indoor World Championships titles, and 14 World Records. He has been a volunteer pole vault coach at Louisiana State University since 2018 and has served on the coaching staff and is a frequent lecturer at the National Pole Vault Summit in Reno, Nevada.
Although there are four essential components in pole vaulting—physical ability (strength, speed, flexibility, agility), technique and technical efficiency, mentality, and “game management” (proper tactical decision-making, including appropriate adjustments during pole vaulting in both training and competition)—the latter is often neglected in favor of the other three. But it can make all the difference.
POLE VAULT GAME MANAGEMENT
Successful management maximizes the vaulter’s outcome every time he or she vaults, whether it’s in training or competition. It is a skilled pole vault coach’s job to choose the correct pole (length and stiffness), with the right grip height, while running from the correct run (both the correct number of steps and the actual distance for the particular set of steps). These facets are frequently changing as the vaulter matures and improves. Required adjustments occur from day to day, and even during a given day, based on a variety of factors.
Pole vault management is similar to that of a golfer. A golfer executing a technically sound swing with the wrong club can have disastrous outcomes. The golfer and the caddy are constantly managing the trajectory and distance for a given shot. The pole vaulter and coach are essentially doing the same thing.
The different high school and collegiate pole vault rules require a slightly different analysis. Safety should always be the primary concern when managing high school pole vaulters. One study showed the average height attempt at which a catastrophic injury occurred was 13’4” (Boden et al., 2012). As the vaulter improves, so does his or her efficiency, and although safety is always a concern, focus with better pole vaulters becomes more about performance. Successful pole vaulting management boils down to selecting the correct pole, grip, and run for the athlete and circumstances. Although standard placement is a part of vault management, I believe at the sub-elite level it should mainly be reserved for optimization in competition.
Poles
Pole vaulting is the only track and field event in which the implement can and does change. Choosing the appropriate pole length and stiffness is necessary for successful pole vaulting. Stated broadly, the correct pole is the one that doesn’t bend too much or too little, allowing for safe and consistent jumps. Figure 1 illustrates proper bend, too little bend (under bending), and too much bend (over bending) in the pole during jump.
High school rules prohibit a pole vaulter from using a pole rated below his or her body weight (in pounds). Each manufacturer has its own proprietary pound-rating system, which are not necessarily the same. For instance, a 13-foot, 150-pound UCS Spirit pole may not be the same as an ESSX 13-foot, 150-pound pole. For a high school pole vaulter, the following are very general and basic pole choice guidelines:
1. Problem: The pole bends too little (under bending) and the pole vaulter lands deep in the pit, on the backside of the coach’s box (Figure 2). (High school pole vault pits are recommended to have a rectangular overlay on the top pad of the pit typically 8 feet deep by 10 feet long starting 3 feet, 6 inches from the back of the vault box, used to guide the coach with the depth the pole vaulter lands in the pit.)
Common Cause: Pole is too stiff, length may not be long enough, and grip may be too low.
Solution: When switching to longer poles, I recommend using the smallest length increase available. If the pole vaulter is using a 4-meter (approximately 13-foot) pole, the safest next longer pole to try is a 4.15-meter pole (approximately 13.7 feet), instead of a 4.30-meter pole (approximately 14 feet).
Optimally, the pole vaulter gradually increases pole length and/or stiffness until the pole bends properly and he or she is landing in the center of the pit. A longer pole of the same weight rating is almost always stiffer than a shorter one. For instance, a 4-meter, 150-pound pole will most likely be considerably softer than 4.15-meter, 150-pound pole, and certainly softer than a 4.30-meter, 150-pound pole. The specifics, of course, depend on the exact flex numbers.
2. Problem: Pole bends too little (under bending) and vaulter lands shallow in the pit (on the front side of the coach’s box).
Common Cause: Pole is too stiff and possibly too long, as well.
Solution: First try a softer pole of the same length or a shorter, softer pole until the pole bends properly and the vaulter lands in the middle of the pit.
3. Problem: Pole bends too much (over bending) and pole vaulter lands shallow into the pit (on the front side of the coach’s box).
Common Cause: The pole may be too long and possibly too soft, as well. It is also possible that the vaulter is simply gripping too high on the pole used.
Solution: The vaulter should try a shorter, possibly stiffer pole.
4. Problem: Pole bends too much (over bending) and pole vaulter lands deep into the pit (on the backside of the coach’s box).
Common Cause: The vaulter typically needs a stiffer pole and possibly longer one, as well.
Solution: I recommend first trying a stiffer pole of the same length. Vaulter may also need a higher grip. When the pole bends correctly, the vaulter typically lands in the middle of the pit. If the vaulter lands a little deep, first try a stiffer pole of the same length. If a bit too shallow, first try a softer pole.
Pole vaulters need a series of poles (at least three) of varying increasing stiffness and possibly length, as well. Unfortunately, pole vaulters cannot progress without a progression of poles. I realize that pole vaulting can be an expensive sport, especially when starting out. Much of this issue is minimized by the rise of pole vault clubs that typically have many poles of various lengths and stiffness. Successful high school coaches typically accumulate a stock of poles over the years suitable for typical high school vaulters. Many colleges have an abundance of poles for both male and female pole vaulters.
To start building a series of poles or adding to an existing series, I highly recommend contacting the manufacturer directly. Pole vault manufacturers are extremely knowledgeable. They can advise on a proper series for particular pole vaulters with appropriate pole spacing. For beginner high school pole vaulters, relying on the pound-rating system instead of flex numbers is best, as it gets very complicated, especially when trying to compare flexes between different lengths of poles. There are various flexes within a 5-pound rating. For instance, a very stiff 150-pound pole may be very close to a soft 155-pound pole of the same length. It’s for this reason that I recommend contacting the manufacturer and providing all the information on the poles so they can aid in determining the appropriate pole series spacing or choosing the next (bigger) pole(s).
The coach must look at both pole movement as well as the vaulter trajectory. For proper penetration into the mat, the vaulter lands in the center of the mat and the pole moves to vertical (perpendicular to the ground when in the box). Sometimes, the pole vaulter feels he or she is not penetrating deep enough into the mat and kicks or “flags out” in an attempt to land deeper in the mat. If the pole is not moving vertical in this instance, it is not appropriate to move to a bigger pole or raise the grip. This situation is sometimes referred to as a “false blow through.”
The coach is required to monitor the pole and the vaulter movement at all times, both in training and in competition. A vaulter may be required to use several poles during a competition or in practice. Young, developing, and maturing pole vaulters sometimes require frequent pole changes. In one year, when my son, Mondo, was thirteen, he increased to bigger poles eleven times. That is an extreme example, but it demonstrates how pole increase can occur rapidly when a pole vaulter is maturing physically.
Grip
The correct grip goes hand-in-hand with the correct pole. High school rules prohibit gripping above the manufacturer’s “maximum recommended grip” label. Different manufacturers use different maximum grip placement. Some are near the top of the pole, whereas UCS Spirit places the maximum grip 6 inches from the top of the pole. I have found that poles typically do not bend correctly when the vaulter grips much below a foot below the top of the pole. So, when using a UCS Spirit pole, for instance, the grip should optimally be between 1 foot and 6 inches from the top of the pole. If the appropriate grip for the pole vaulter is below a foot from the top of the pole, it is a strong indication that he or she needs a shorter pole. Conversely, if the pole vaulter grips at the label, assuming proper bend, pole movement, and penetration, it is an indication that the vaulter needs a longer pole or will need one soon.
TheRun
Management of the run has two aspects: (1) the appropriate number of steps and (2) the appropriate distance of the run within that number of steps. Managing the run, as with pole and grip, is a critical aspect with pole vaulting management.
1. Appropriate Step Number
To determine the appropriate number of steps for a vaulter, I use the same standard as for grip and pole. The vaulter should be able to consistently execute safe jumps in training and competition. The more steps a vaulter uses, typically, but not always, results in more speed and translates into more energy. More speed and energy typically allow the vaulter to use bigger poles, higher grips, and hopefully higher jumps. However, the more steps, the larger the margin of error. I typically start pole vaulters running from six steps, gradually increasing the number of steps as the vaulter improves his or her run mechanics and jump efficiency. Coaches must optimize the number of approach steps with the vaulter’s speed and jump mechanics. Sometimes a novice pole vaulter is a good natural runner who can physically handle more steps, but the increase in speed doesn’t always translate into improved performance. The coach must determine how much speed the vaulter and jump can handle.
The preeminent vaulting coach, Earl Bell, recognized an interesting run correlation through his many years of experience. Bell observed that, generally, the appropriate number of steps is equal to the vaulter’s personal best in feet and inches. That is, for a pole vaulter who can jump 8 feet, 8 steps is typically the appropriate number of steps. Interestingly, this correlation generally holds true for vaulters of any height. It is not a mathematical formula and varies from vaulter to vaulter, but it is a useful general guideline. The guide does not vary between male and female pole vaulters. Elite female 16-footers typically run from about 16 steps. Eighteen-foot male pole vaulters usually run from 18 steps. Mondo runs from 20. Although more steps usually translates into more speed, which allows for bigger poles and higher grips, it also requires more precision. Opt for the least number of steps reasonably practical to achieve the best results. If a vaulter jumps 15 feet, for instance, have him or her run from 14 steps, unless there is clear evidence that 16 steps would be more beneficial.
Adding a set of steps is only appropriate when it allows the vaulter to move up in pole size immediately. Otherwise, it just adds unnecessary complexity and inconsistency.
2. Run Distance
The correct distance is that which the vaulter can consistently carry out with controlled acceleration through the takeoff, where the ball of the takeoff foot (left foot for right-handers, right foot for left-handers) ends up as close as possible to being directly underneath the top hand at takeoff. The pole vaulter’s posture should be tall without leaning forward or backward. If the vaulter elongates the last few strides, it’s an indication that the run distance is too long. If the vaulter drastically shortens (“chops”) the last few steps, it indicates the run distance may be too short.
Coaches should use a checkmark in the middle part of the run, commonly called a “mid-mark,” to help confirm if the vaulter’s distance is correct. I have found that 6 steps from the back of the box is best.
A common error occurs when the pole vaulter’s takeoff foot is significantly closer to the box, instead of directly underneath the top hand. This is called being “under.” Vaulter’s typically have a built-in radar system that guides them into the takeoff. If the vaulter is too far away (running distance is too far), the vaulter’s radar forces him or her to “steer” into the takeoff step by overstriding in the last step or several steps. The mid-mark aids the coach by allowing him or her to observe the run distance at 6 strides out, before the radar system and steering take place. For instance, if the coach sees the vaulter overstride and the vaulter’s takeoff foot hits behind the mid-mark, it confirms the coach’s observation that the vaulter was too far away and needs to move in the distance of the run. A common mistake occurs when the coach only looks at the takeoff step. Oftentimes, the vaulter’s radar makes him or her overcompensate where the takeoff step winds up “under,” but the run was actually too long. If the coach did not observe the overstriding and does not use a mid-mark, the coach may be tempted to move the vaulter’s run back, compounding the problem. Use of a mid-mark at 6 strides out is a great aid to prevent improper adjustments.
Coach Dave Johnston has compiled a great deal of data correlating average 6-step mark, take-off distance, and bar height. You can access this chart and other great information from Coach Johnston’s oneapproachrun.com website. Coach Johnston’s chart is very useful, but it’s not meant to be absolute. The distance for a set of steps varies from vaulter to vaulter, day-to-day, with different conditions and different types of runners. Although Coach Johnston’s chart shows excellent starting points, the coach must still observe the vaulter’s acceleration pattern, posture, and cadence to ensure the distances are appropriate.
In my opinion, having the appropriate run distance and number of steps are the most important factors in pole vault management.
Although the optimum number of steps and run distance are very important, I caution coaches not to focus too much on the mid-mark and takeoff step. It is more important that the vaulter runs with a smooth, powerful acceleration pattern in an upright posture and accelerates through the takeoff than hitting precise marks.
RELATED POLE VAULT MANAGEMENT ISSUES
1. Avoid “Adjustmentitis”
The coach does not have to make a change after every jump. I have seen vaulters clear bars in competition by a foot with excellent trajectory and landing point, but the coach nevertheless makes the pole vaulter change poles, grip height, or run distance to clear the next bar four inches higher.
2. Practice vs. Competition
Management of practice and competition are not the same. Practice can be used for various purposes, such as working on specific technical issues and even experimenting. Success and improvement require the vaulter to be able to execute many successful consecutive jumps in practice. Of course, athletes will have difficult days but, in general, if the athlete is not able to consistently clear bars in training, something is likely wrong with the management. The only objective in competition is clearing the bar in question. The task of the coach in competition is to manage the pole vaulter’s pole, grip, and run in a way that it gives the greatest chance of making the first bar, the second bar, and so on. Usually, with lower bars, the vaulter can be more conservative with pole and grip, giving the vaulter the highest probability clearing the bar with the smallest margin of error. As the bar height increases, changes may be appropriate or even necessary to clear the next bar.
3. Pole Vault Standards
In high school, the rules require that the standards can be moved from 45 centimeters behind the box (about 18 inches) to 80 centimeters (about 31.5 inches). In high school, most jumps, either in practice or competition, should be done with the standards on or about 80 centimeters. With the standards on 80 centimeters, the vaulter will consistently land safely in the pit. Unless the athlete is very efficient, I believe it is inappropriate to squeeze the standards in closer than about 60 centimeters.
As emphasized, safety is always the priority for sub-elite high school and collegiate pole vaulters. Falling from even 10 feet can result in a catastrophic injury. That is why appropriate management is such a critical aspect of safe and successful pole vaulting.
REFERENCES
Boden, B.P., Boden, M.G., Peter, R.G., Mueller, F.O., and Johnson, J.E. Catastrophic injuries in pole vaulters: a prospective 9-year follow-up study. American Journal of Sports Medicine, 40(7):1488-1494, 2012.
Johnston, D.J. One Approach Run. oneapproachrun.com.
