Pole vaulting is a track event where athletes use a pole to transfer their horizontal speed into vertical height to jump over a bar in the air. Pole vault requires speed, strength and lots of coordination. However, it also takes special equipment to practice and develop technique for.
Typically pole vault requires a pit, box, standards, runway, bars and poles. Though, this can be simplified to just the essentials, which are a pit, box and poles. The problem with even acquiring the essentials to pole vault is that it is very expensive. With pits ranging from $17,000 to $34,000, poles ranging from $300 to $900 and boxes ranging from $300 to $1500.
The majority of pole vaulters vault in season, which eliminates the cost due to their school or club already having the equipment necessary to vault. However, when the track season ends it is common to lose access to these resources, making it hard to practice the sport without spending lots of money.
There are many ways to practice without equipment in the offseason. Whole body strength training is very beneficial, as pole vault utilizes the entire body. Speed training also helps, as the more speed one has on the takeoff, the higher their jump can be. Another helpful way to train pole vault in the offseason is to work on footwork. It is very important that vaulters are able to properly run up with their non-dominant foot and drive their dominant leg up into a swing.
It is still possible to practice with equipment without breaking the bank. Technique can still be developed during the offseason. One way is to join a club that goes during the offseason or year-round. Some local clubs include DC Athletics, Pole Vault Elite, and Indiana Pole Vault Academy.
Another way is to undergo private training. Even a few private sessions throughout the offseason is enough to help keep advancing technique and jumping higher. All mentioned clubs also offer private coaching sessioned.