Coaches talk mostly about "on-the-ground" techniques. That's natural, since 90% of the success or failure of a vault is determined by Take-Off. However I think we should spend more time teaching athletes how to finish their vaults. Warning! Back off talking about what should be done in the air if the vaulter's Take-Off disintegrates. Many times pole vaulters have trouble combining good ground and air techniques.

• The Drive-Swing
  1. Stay upright
  2. Don't pull the pole
  3. Don't "row" the pole
  4. Keep top arm straight
  5. Keep the bending pole in front of you
• 1. Begins when pole bends to side
  2. Drop head and shoulders
  3. Keep pole bent
  4. Don't pull
• The Pull-Turn
  1. Keep Head and Shoulders Down
  2. Don't pull until hips are over your head
  3. Pull back with left hand
  4. Don't turn early
  5. Pull with right arm
  6. Turn close to pole
  7. Turn as a "unit"
• The Fly-Away
  1. May not happen at all
  2. Remove lower hand
  3. Keep hips high
  4. Keep head down
  5. Create arch
  6. Lift arms, head, and shoulders
• Landing
  1. Check top pad and pit sections
  2. Land on back
  3. Don't land on straight legs