Coach's Critique

Tim Mack breaks down technique in this walk through of a vault by Pole Vault Carolina’s own Julianna Hallyburton.

Run

Julianna’s run looks pretty solid. She is extending through the ground on her run while also bringing her knees up to a respectable height. If she continues with the running drills she is doing on a consistent basis, this area will only improve.

Pole position during runup

Julianna is carrying the pole quite well. The pole is at an efficient angle throughout the runup so she can get the most from her run. She should continue with daily exercises running with the pole in this manner, so this remains consistent.

Plant

Again, the pole is at a sufficient angle on the last and second-to-last step in her plant presentation. This ensures that Julianna is dropping the pole efficiently and effectively. Julianna could continue with pole drop so her arms are completely extended as the pole hits the box. Performing drills to make this position is a critical part of her development.

Plant off of the ground

Julianna should continue to extend her arms off the ground as she is jumping, transferring energy from her runup to the pole through her shoulders. This varies with the strength and timing of each vaulter. As her shoulder strength improves, and her awareness in this position increases, her arm extension will get better. Consistent exercises in the gymnastics room and from a short approach will facilitate a smooth transition that does take some time.

Swing

Julianna has a nice natural swing component. She will get more out of the pole if she can initiate the swing with her shoulders first. What will also help is if she is able to push the pole up and forward while laying the shoulders back. This part is a little delayed and she misses some of the energy off of the pole. Consistent exercises and drills on the runway, and in gymnastics, will ensure that Julianna continues to progress.

Commentary

Julianna is on a nice path to success. With continued work on running and pole drop technique, her feel on the runway will mature. Much thought must be put into each running drill and each pole running drill so over time, they become part of her comprehensive vault.

The same can be said with takeoff and swing exercises. They must be done often and with great feel, working towards perfection even though most likely perfection is not achievable. I like to have the athlete think and feel off the runway in drills and exercises, so when the time comes to vault, it is easier to compete and practice.

Drills and exercises are to be done in order to carve out an efficient and effective pathway of pole technique. One’s body will always want to take the easy way. It is up to the coach and athlete to consistently work towards the model of pole vault technique. Repeat drills and exercises and consistently put feelings with those positions, while always pursuing improvement. Be calm and persistent. Realize mistakes will be made; learn from them and move on.

And remember, instead of waiting for someone else to inspire you, did you ever think that maybe YOU are that person that you are waiting for?

About Tim Mack

Tim started his vaulting career at the age of 13 and didn’t retire until he was 37 years old. Tim was not recruited out of high school and didn’t even own his high school record.

After failing twice to earn a position on the Olympic team, Tim finally made it at the age of 31. He won Olympic Gold in Athens with an Olympic record vault of 19’6 1/2”. Tim cleared 6.01 meters two weeks later, becoming one of only 20 vaulters in history to join the 6-meter club.

Tim is now the Track and Field Training/Development Director at SPIRE Institute. He assists athletes flourish in sport and in life.

Tim Mack - Olympic Gold Medalist and Olympic record holder 2004

Photo provided by Tim Mack

Photos of Julianna provided by Pole Vault Carolina