Terminology of Pole Vault
Cross Bar: This is where the competition aspect comes in. The point of the vault is to launch yourself over this bar. If it stays, then
you are clear and you may move on to the next height. If it is knocked down, then you have to go again. You get three tries at each height.
Heights go up by 6" increments (i.e. 11'6"...12'...12'6"...) and you may touch the bar as long as it stays up and doesn't fall down.
Poles: These are what a vaulter uses to launch himself in the air. They are made of fiberglass in order to bend and release energy. As you
can see poles come in all different sizes. It depends on your height and weight as to which pole you use. For example, I weighed 110 lbs and
was 5'3", so I was using a 120 lb pole (weighing about 7-8 lbs) and it was 11'6" long. Each pole can vary depending on the vaulter.
The Box: This is going to be where you place the pole as you are launched into the air. It's a metal incline that the pole slides down and then
stops at the end as it releases the energy to shoot you into the air. The pole as it unbends will then make a 90 degree angle, not passing the
cross bar as to knock it off. It's not guarenteed though, so you are going to want to throw the pole back towards the runway.
Plant: This is the action of placing the pole into the box. We refer to it as "planting the pole". This is where the pole will begin to bend and
you start jumping into the air.
Trail Leg: In the picture above you can see the back leg is extended all the way, known as your trail leg. Once you've left the ground, you will
then use your body as pendulum to become upside down in order to clear the crossbar. In this picture below, you can see how his back leg has swung
up and he is almost upside down as he approaches the cross bar.
Pit: This final term is the simpliest. It is just where you land safely. Don't be fooled though... some are a lot more comfortable then others!
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