Editing Pole vault (section)

==Technique==
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|footer = Théo Mancheron competes in the men's [[decathlon]] pole vault final during the French Athletics Championships 2013 at [[Stade Charléty]] in Paris, 13 July 2013.
|image1 = Men decathlon PV French Athletics Championships 2013 t141910a.jpg
|image2 = Men decathlon PV French Athletics Championships 2013 t141910b.jpg
|image3 = Men decathlon PV French Athletics Championships 2013 t141910c.jpg
|image4 = Men decathlon PV French Athletics Championships 2013 t141911a.jpg
|image5 = Men decathlon PV French Athletics Championships 2013 t141911b.jpg
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[[File:PoleVaulting.png|alt=Pole-vaulting phases|none|thumb|462x462px|Pole-vaulting phases]]
Although many techniques are used by vaulters at various skill levels to clear the [[#bar|bar]], the generally accepted technical model can be broken down into several phases.

=== Approach ===
During the approach the pole vaulter sprints down the runway in such a way as to achieve maximum speed and correct position to initiate [[takeoff]] at the end of the approach. A tape measure is laid on the runway so vaulters know exactly where to start their run from. Each vaulter has a certain starting distance, dependent on how many steps away from the box they start.  Top class vaulters use approaches with 18 to 22 strides, often referred to as a "step" in which every other foot is counted as one step. For example when a vaulter takes 18 strides, it would be referred to as a 9-step, as 22 strides would be an 11-step. The run-up to the vaulting pit begins forcefully with the vaulter running powerfully in a relaxed, upright position with knees lifted and torso leaning very slightly forward. Right handed vaulters will start with a step back with their right foot before starting the run, left handed vaulters with their left back to begin. The head, shoulders and hips are aligned, the vaulter increasing speed as the body becomes erect. The tip of the vaulting pole is angled higher than eye level until three paces from takeoff, when the pole tip descends efficiently, amplifying run speed as the pole is planted into the vault box. The faster the vaulter can run and the more efficient their take-off is, the greater the [[kinetic energy]] that can be achieved and used during the vault.

=== Plant and take-off ===
The plant and take-off is initiated typically three steps out from the final step. Vaulters will usually count their steps backwards from their starting point to the box only counting the steps taken on the left foot (vice versa for left-handers). For example, a vaulter on a "ten count" (referring to the number of counted steps from the starting point to the box) would count backwards from ten, only counting the steps taken with the left foot. These last three steps are normally quicker than the previous strides and are referred to as the "turn-over". The goal of this phase is to efficiently translate the [[kinetic energy]] accumulated from the approach into [[potential energy]] stored by the elasticity of the pole, and to gain as much initial vertical height as possible by jumping off the ground. The plant starts with the vaulter raising their arms up from around the hips or mid-torso until they are fully outstretched above the head, with the right arm extended directly above the head and the left arm extended perpendicular to the pole (vice versa for left-handed vaulters). At the same time, the vaulter is dropping the pole tip into the [[#box|box]]. On the final step, the vaulter jumps off the trail leg which should always remain straight and then drives the front knee forward. As the pole slides into the back of the [[#box|box]] the pole begins to bend and the vaulter continues up and forward, leaving the trail leg angled down and behind, the body in a backwards 'C' position.

=== Swing up ===
The swing and row simply consists of the vaulter swinging the trail leg forward and rowing the pole, bringing the top arm down to the hips, while trying to keep the trail leg straight to store more potential energy into the pole, the rowing motion also keeps the pole bent for a longer period of time for the vaulter to get into optimum position. When parallel to the pole the left arm hugs the pole tight to efficiently use the recoil within the pole. The goal is to carry out these motions as thoroughly and as quickly as possible; it is a race against the unbending of the pole. Effectively, this causes a double [[pendulum]] motion, with the top of the pole moving forward and pivoting from the box, while the vaulter acts as a second pendulum pivoting from the right hand. This action gives the vaulter the best position possible to be "ejected" off the pole. The swing continues until the hips are above the head and the arms are pulling the pole close to the chest; from there the vaulter shoots their legs up over the cross bar while keeping the pole close.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.usatf.org/groups/coaches/library/2007/Pole%20Vault%20Training/2007NPEP-McGinnis.pdf|title=Mechanics of the pole vault|last=McGinnis|first=Peter|date=December 2015|website=usatf.org}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.thoughtco.com/learning-the-pole-vault-3259054|title=How to Do the Pole Vault in Track and Field|work=ThoughtCo|access-date=2 May 2018}}</ref>

=== Extension ===
The extension refers to the extension of the hips upward with outstretched legs as the shoulders drive down, causing the vaulter to be positioned upside down. This position is often referred to as "inversion". While this phase is executed, the pole begins to recoil, propelling the vaulter quickly upward. The hands of the vaulter remain close to the body as they move from the shins back to the region around the hips and upper torso.

=== Turn ===
The turn is executed immediately during the end of the rockback. As the name implies, the vaulter turns 180° toward the pole while extending the arms down past the head and shoulders. Typically the vaulter will begin to angle their body toward the [[#bar|bar]] as the turn is executed, although ideally the vaulter will remain as vertical as possible. The motion of the vaulter can be described as a spin around an imaginary axis from head to toe.

=== Fly-away ===
This is often highly emphasized by spectators and novice vaulters, but it is the easiest phase of the vault and is a result of proper execution of previous phases. This phase mainly consists of the vaulter pushing off the pole and releasing it so the pole falls away from the crossbar and mats. As the torso goes over and around the crossbar, the vaulter is facing the crossbar. Rotation of the body over the bar occurs naturally, and the vaulter's main concern is making sure that his arms, face and any other appendages do not knock the bar off as they go over. Vaulters aim to whip their upper torso around the top of the cross bar to ensure their elbows and face do not knock it off.  The elite vaulter's center of gravity passes underneath the crossbar when they have their hips in the highest position like the crotch of an upside-down 'V'. The vaulter should land near the middle of the foam landing mats, or pit, face up. Landing on the feet or stomach first may lead to injuries or other problems.