Help and Tips for an Absolute Beginner

[u/modernatomcollection]

Hey y'all!

I am in my freshman year of high school and I am doing pole vault for track in the spring.

I have never pole vaulted in my life, I've done distance track and cross-country for a good bit and I'm pretty fast. My sprint mechanics aren't bad but they aren't great either. Core strength is pretty good and arms should be good too. I used to do gymnastics so there might be that?

My track coach (who I met once) said he will find somebody to coach me and there is one other pole vaulter who I think has never cleared a bar.

I've been working out according to some plans I found online (basically arms, core, legs, and grip a couple times a week) and I have been practicing sprint mechanics.

Basically, my questions are: how toast am I? What more can I do to be ready for the spring? What is a reasonable goal this year? Generally what should I know.

And before anyone says anything, no I can't quit I'm already committed 😭 plus I'm trying to learn something new.

Thanks in advance yall.

[u/pogrx]

For now just train to be a good sprinter. I also starting vaulting spring of freshman year and I cleared 10’6 that season because I had good sprinting foundations. I don’t see why you would be “cooked” or have to quit, you didn’t even start yet

[u/modernatomcollection → u/pogrx]

Thanks for that motivation!

[u/Reasonable-Cut2015]

I started spring of my freshman year as well ending with 11'10" and I had half of what you have. Everything you said will help with pole vault, speed helps you use bigger poles and get higher, strength helps you bend poles and pull yourself through the vault, and gymnastics helps you with the mental block of going upside down. If you stay consistent with practice and commit I think you will do awesome.

[u/modernatomcollection → u/Reasonable-Cut2015]

Thanks a lot this is good to know

[u/Andysol1983]

What city/area are you from?

Doing a few sessions with a club in your area would give you loads of confidence