Bill Falk teaches the pole vault take-off. At take-off, the pole should bend inward - the athlete follows the bending pole into an explosive take-off.

Mark Strawderman teaches the drive swing, the shortest and most critical phase of the pole vault. The chest must drive forward and stay balanced over the hips while the trail leg is back. The vaulter should not push or pull the pole during the drive swing. Instead, the bending action should be followed.

Excerpt from the Come to Pole Vault Practice Video.