By Bill Falk
Bill.Falk@mfathletic.com

This is the tenth article in a series covering aspects of pole vaulting. I welcome your suggestions for future topics. Please email your ideas to me.

Branco Lima from Portugal asks why coaches don't teach athletes to use their dominant leg at the Pole Vault Take-Off from the beginning of the learning process. My answer is that pole vault coaches should insist anyone who feels comfortable switch-footing should change immediately to use the dominant leg at the Take-Off.  

Almost 100 per cent of beginning pole vaulters use their dominant hand as the top grip, (right for right-handers) It's also natural for most vaulting athletes to use their dominant leg (left for right-handers) to take-off from. Once in a while you'll find a beginner who likes using the leg on the same side of the body to take-off from. (right leg for right-handers)

Youngsters using this "switch-foot" pole vaulting style must change as soon as possible. It may feel comfortable, but this is an inefficient style that puts the athlete too close to the pole vault pole at Take-Off. The athlete may feel more secure, but there has never been a great vaulter who switch-footed. It's virtually impossible to generate anywhere near the power necessary at the Take-Off. Therefore it becomes a dead-end in the development of the vaulter if he or she continues using the switch-foot take-off.

Here are some ways to eliminate switch-foot pole vaulting:

1. Practice shooting basketball layups. This is the same step action as the Take-Off, and it is done using the dominant arm and the dominant leg.

2. Practice running with the pole and counting left steps (right-handers).

3. Practice running with the pole using the dominant leg with the dominant arm. (left leg, right top hand) and add a Plant. Have the vaulter count each left step (right-handers).

4. Have the beginner use a short  Approach Run of three (3) left steps with a very low grip until you are satisfied the athlete can use the dominant arm and leg consistently.

5. Lengthen the Approach Run one left step at a time as the vaulter becomes more proficient at using the dominant leg to take-off.

You will be successful in changing the switch-footer if you insist on the change being made. Don't give in! The vaulter won't like making the change at first, but it is better for his or her development. Raise the grip as he or she takes a longer Approach Run only when you are satisfied with the improvement of the Approach Run and Take-Off.