Team VA Principles

Everything in training matters. So Just a few reminders.

• Do not let go of the pole.
• Do not use the word "Can't".
• Only one focus per vault.
• You cannot train in frustration.
• The bar is your only real competitor.

 

Don't let go of the pole.

Safety first, always. Unless you know you are safe and clearing a bar, do not let go of the pole.

Once you release the pole, your ability to change, soften or shift directions is drastically reduced. The pole gives you a means by which you can “save yourself” in a compromising situation.

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Do not use the word "Can't".

There is no greater asset than your mind. Your mental focus can bring you through some of your greatest challenges. Never limit yourself by assuming the something is impossible or out of reach.

Believing that something is impossible or out of reach is one the first steps to failure.

Don’t use words that limit your performance before you have a chance to begin.

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Only one focus per vault.

Complete execution of a full approach pole vault attempt is just over 5 seconds long. There is not enough time for thinking of multiple actions in a single performance. \

Consider that any “feel” must be relayed from the body to the mind, interpreted, and then the body can respond. The more focus points in a single vault, the less efficient the performance and execution of the task.

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You cannot train in frustration.

Frustration is a negative emotion that invites more problems and swamps  the learning process. When learning new exercise and drills remember to be patient and focus on execution and not the lack of.

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The bar is your only real competitor.

One thing is consistent in every pole vault competition; the person who clears the highest bar will win.

This means your true competitor is the bar.

Reduce some of the mental challenges and intimidation that other competitors may bring into the competition and remain focused on what you need to accomplish to clear the next bar.

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