Take Off Lift Drill

By Alan Roark, Vault Coach, Amherst Steele HS, Amherst, Ohio

The purpose of this drill is to give new vaulters a feel of what happens at the take off when they start to bend the pole and get lift.  It also trains them early to get their hands up high.

All you need for this drill is a 6’ 6” stubby made of 1” schedule 40 PVC plastic pipe.  Yep, another Roark Original plastic pipe drill!

Here’s how it works.  Have your vaulter stand holding the stubby like they would hold a pole and you hold the other end. 

Next, both of you walk so that the vaulter can do a take off step and jump.  As they jump, you lift the pole causing it to lift the vaulter and aid them in their jump.  Make sure they reach high with both hands and jump forward as they take off.

Work on the timing and this can be a really helpful drill for beginners.