Pole Vault

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.

Falk Schade is a biomechanist and combined events coach for the IAAF Accredited Training Centre at the German Sport University in Cologne, in this video he discusses the biomechanics of the pole vault.

In this interview Falk discusses his history as a sport scientist, characteristics of an elite pole vaulter and the mechanics, prerequisites and possible efficiency of the free takeoff. He stresses the importance of transferring energy to the pole through the run-up and plant, reducing the energy loss at takeoff and maximizing the energy transfer from the pole to the athlete after maximum pole bend. This interview is a great opportunity for a coach to understand some of the more biomechanical aspects of the pole vault.

In this two-part interview coach Pfaff offers his views on pole vault and high jump techniques including approach, take-off and clearance mechanics. Included in this is a discussion of his work with Dr. James Hay on visual steering for jumpers as well as what to look for in a potential vaulter or high jumper. Vertical jumps coaches will not want to miss this unique opportunity to sit down and listen to one of the sport’s pre-eminent biomechanists talk shop.

Written By: Various Authors

Written By: Ulrich Steinacker

Written By: F.Katsikas, G.Papaiakovou, T.Pilianidis, and I.Kollias

Written By: V.Jagodin

Written By: Helmar Hommel; Commentary on Photosequence by Maurice Houvion

Written By: Horst Adamczewski and Bettina Perlt