This week there are two new sport science videos that have been made available. First we have a complete dissection of pole vault technique from Dan Pfaff, who in 2008 led Brad Walker to an American record performance of 6.04m. Our next video is a practical session from Gary Winckler who illustrates some special strength exercises for hurdling before comparing them with traditional strength exercises.

Please find below comprehensive summaries of the newly posted sport science videos. All videos are available under the appropriate category through the Media On Demand feature offered by the Canadian Athletics Coaching Centre. Click on the heading of the following videos to be directed to the video content.
 

Classroom to Track - Pole Vault  by Dan Pfaff

This unique series of videos offers athletics coaches a complete examination of proper mechanics and teaching strategies for each technical event in athletics. Each is composed of two parts: the first part is a full biomechanical video analysis by Coach Pfaff on a world class competitor. The second part is comprised of a videotaped training session of him working with an athlete in the same event discipline. This video focuses on pole vault mechanics. Topics include: Runway and acceleration mechanics, efficient takeoff technique, pole plant mechanics, important stretch-reflex effects during the takeoff and optimal hip and body movements during the swing phase.

Special Strength Exercises for the Hurdle Events - Practical Session  by Gary Winckler

In this video coach Winckler, working with college-level athletes, illustrates many examples of exercises he uses to develop strength and technique for the sprints and hurdles and gives full rationales for their implementation and use. These exercises include specific running drills with resistance, box exercises and sand pit strength activities. Other topics include: the rationale behind his preference for functional strength training over traditional static lifts and strength training as event-specific technical work.