|
The Pole Vault is probably recognised as the most technical event within Track and Field.
The Roll of Honour for the region is now available and will updated constantly to reflect the success and improvements of the event.
Pole Vault in the region has been established for some time and boasts it's own academy based at Gateshead International Stadium.
Are you looking to get involved in this exciting event?
The opportunity to access specialist coaching and pole vault facilities has arisen within the Teesside area.
Glen Blenkinsop (Pole Vault Coach) will be conducting sessions on Mondays and Wednesdays 5.30 - 7.30 pm at Clairville Stadium.
He is inviting both beginners and experienced vaulters to join him in quality technical sessions in an endeavour to ensure that the region can build upon and expand the athletic talent that has been an important aspect of the region for many years.
Mobile: 07738064962.
Glen kindly contributed the following article which is an analysis of Sergey Bubka and his fantastic vaulting potential.
Re-printed with permission from New Studies in Athletics.
Maurice Houvion has been French National Coach for Pole Vault since 1966. Below is an analysis of undoubtably the greatest Pole Vaulter to date.
Sergey BUBKA (UKR)
Accomplishments: 1988 Olympic Champion; 1983, 1987, 1991 and 1993World Champion; 1985, 1987 and 1991 World Indoor Champion; 1986 European Champion. Has held 16 pole vault World Records and 18 World Indoor Records, was first athlete to clear 6.00m.
Born: 4 December 1963
Height: 1.83m
Weight: 80kg
Best mark: 6.14m (1994,World Record)
Progression:
1975 (12) 2.70m
1976 (13) 3.50m
1977 (14) 3.60m
1978 (15) 4.40m
1979 (16) 4.80m
1980 (17) 5.10m
1981 (18) 5.40m
1982 (19) 5.55m
1983 (20) 5.72m
1984 (21) 5.94m
1985 (22) 6.00m
1986 (23) 6.01m
1987 (24) 6.03m
1988 (25) 6.06m
1989 (26) 6.00m / 6.03m (i)
1990 (27) 5.90m / 6.05m (i)
1991 (28) 6.10m / 6.12m (i)
1992 (29) 6.13m
1993 (30) 6.05m / 6.15m (i)
1994 (31) 6.14m
Sergey Bubka (Photo-Sequence)
Below is a photo sequence taken from advantage athletics. It is an attempt to show some of the points raised by Maurice.
Approach
Although there are only a few photos of Sergey Bubka’s run -up , I will nevertheless make some comments on it, as it represents one of his strong points. Bubka’s balance during the run-up is remarkable, and his posture is already well composed right at the head of the runway. He sets off holding the pole at a vertical, gradually bringing it down during the run-up, thereby reducing to the full the burden of its weight. This method, he says, means that he actually starts planting the pole from the beginning of the run-up.
  
Approach - plant - take-off
This sequence is an essential phase in determining Bubka’s successful clearance of 6m in the last two strides, his arm action consists of raising the pole directly above his head, to create the largest possible angle between the pole and the ground, still keeping it in line with the approach axis. This positioning of the pole is ideal for concentrating in it all the energy developed in the run-up.
His hands are held relatively close together, but the shoulder axis at the time of take-off is perfectly perpendicular to the approach axis. This ensures him a well composed, forward take-off, which allows his energy to be optimally transferred without, like other vaulters, having to push off hard with his lower arm. The take-off point is located virtually vertically below his rear hand. The knee of his free leg drives forwards and upwards, thereby increasing the effectiveness of the take-off and the solidity of the pelvis region.
 
Leg swing
The leg swing initiates the rock-back and helps to increase the bend of the pole. His forward-upward take- off means that Sergey Bubka’s swing links on automatically. His swing consists of a very wide sweep of the take-off leg, while his free knee remains fixed. At the same time, he moves his shoulder axis away from the pole through a voluntary movement and extends his lower arm.
  
Rock-back and extension
Bubka then rotates about the shoulder axis, pulling his legs up to accelerate the rota tion, so bringing him into a ‘bunched up’ position, from which he then vigorously extends his legs and hips in keeping with ‘pole pace’. During this extension phase, Bubka maintains a remarkable balance with his pole.
Bar clearance
Sergey Bubka does not even feel the need to complete his vault by pushing off against the pole with his right arm. He releases both hands from the pole virtually at the same moment (32). This action could be considered as a fault, which in no way hinders his clearance of the 6 meter height. He then negotiates the bar clearance by attempting to merge with his trajectory, pulling in his chest and holding his arms in tight alongside his body. Were it not for the lack of push-off from the pole, Bubka’s vault could be taken as a textbook exercise. Click on the links below to access more event information.
A Technical Model For Success in Pole Vault
Click below to access links related to the event.
|
