1. Accelerate
The act of increasing approach velocity.
2. Acceleration Phase
The first phase of the pole vault approach up consisting of 4-6 steps. Three run up phases with different running mechanics may be distinguished in the pole vault approach: acceleration – transition – plant
3. Aggressive Jump
An active jumping action at takeoff – contrary of a passive takeoff (drive vault) where the pole pulls, or “rips”, the pole vaulter off the ground
4. Angle of Attack
The angle between the pole and the runway at takeoff
5. Angle of Carry
The angle between the pole and the horizontal direction during pole vault approach.
6. Approach
The phase of the vault where the athlete is running while carrying the pole.
7. Approach Run
The run up leading to the jump.
8. Approach Speed
The speed obtained during the run up.
9. Arcing Motion
The movement of the pole (sideways following an arc) during the plant, considered as incorrect. Also called a Roundhouse Pole Plant.
10. Back Step
A backward stepping motion used prior to the first stride in the approach. It is used to lower the vaulter’s center of gravity in an effort to create a more powerful first stride.
11. Bar
The horizontal barrier that has to be crossed
12. Basket
A curled/tucked position of the vaulter.
13. Bend
To curve the pole by any means. May also mean to bend the leg at the knee or the arm at the elbow at any point during a pole vault.
14. Block with Bottom Arm
To lock the bottom arm in a straight position against the pole, typical in the French pole vault model. This may create a larger bend in the pole and/or deeper penetration into the pit.
15. Blocking Action
Stopping a limb in a fixed position, for instance the swinging knee of the lead leg after takeoff or the bottom arm at takeoff.
16. Blocking Action
Stopping a limb in a fixed position, for instance the swinging knee of the lead leg after takeoff or the bottom arm at takeoff.
17. Blow Through
This happens when the pole is too soft, the vaulter is carried too far into the pit and does not have the time to swing up towards the bar.
18. Bottom Arm/Hand
The arm/hand further down on the pole during the pole support phase. The left arm/hand of right handed vaulter.
19. Box
The place were the vaulter plants the pole. It is usually diamond shaped, 20 cm deep, about 1.10 m long, 45° angle of the rear wall to the vertical.
20. Braced
The lower arm at the end of the planting action (triangle position) and during travel (nether collapsing nor blocking). Also called Tightened.
21. Break at the Hips
To close the angle between the upper legs and the body to break the line of the body and the takeoff leg at the hips after travel.
22. Bubka drill
A drill on a horizontal bar, starting position: hands hold the bar, ankles touch the hands, drill: bring the hips to the hands without bending legs or arms.
23. Bungee Cord
An elastic cord to replace the crossbar during which may cut down the training time.
24. Butt Plug
The plug closing the pole tip, a bigger plug keeps the tip of the pole further away from the back side of the box and allows bigger bends without hitting the upper border of the box
25. C-position
The position after takeoff when the hips and the chest drive forward and the trail leg stays behind, the body forms a C going from the top hand to the toes of the trail leg.
26. Checkmark
Marks placed on the side of the runway that are used as visual cues by the vaulter or teammates for the purpose of knowing where to start or how to adjust the approach.
27. Chord of the Pole
The straight line between the two ends of a bent pole.
28. Clearance
The height of bar cleared or the pole vault performance obtained.
29. Clench the Pole
To hug the pole, to pull oneself with his arms towards the pole.
30. Closed Grip
The type of grip used where the fingers are curled around the pole, the palm is not exposed, and the thumb is wrapped.
31. Closed Stride
A weak, low knee stride. The term closed comes from the appearance of the stride when viewing the vaulter from the side. The space between the legs, when the vaulter pushes off the ground, is small or closed as opposed to being large and open.
32. Coach’s Mark
A predetermined mark that the athlete should hit 4 to 6 strides from the takeoff. This mark is the exact distance needed to sprint normally from that point to the point of takeoff. If they are over the mark they may have to shorten the stride or they may takeoff inside of the takeoff mark. If they are behind the coach’s mark, they may have to reach their stride or takeoff behind the takeoff mark. This is not a visual cue for the vaulter. A teammate or coach should watch this mark so the vaulter will know how to adjust for the next attempt.
33. Cocked Up Wrist
The bottom hand is bent upwards at the wrist, with the palm showing away from the body
34. Collapse
To fail to resist (breakdown) for instance the left arm after takeoff
35. Continuous Chain Model
A model of pole vault in which the vaulter continues to put energy into the pole after takeoff throughout the entire vault with all movements contribute to this aim. The movements wrongly directed or passive phases that cause the pole to unbend have to be avoided. All the energy is stored for the final unloading of the pole pushing the fully inverted vaulter over the bar
36. Cover the Pole
To bring the legs over the end of the pole (above the hands on the far side of the pole) for being able to fully use the force of the recoiling pole.
37. Crossbar
The horizontal barrier that has to be crossed, also Bar.
38. Curled Position
Basket, tucked
39. Dorsiflexed Foot
The toes are bent upwards during the pole vault approach.
40. Double Leg Drop
A vault where after takeoff both legs are extended downwards to prepare a double leg swing.
41. Double Leg Swing
Swinging with both legs parallel.
42. Drive Knee
Free leg knee, non-takeoff knee.
43. Drive Vault
A vault without the intention to jump off, sometimes the same as a power vault.
44. Drop of the Swinging Leg
The motion when the vaulter drops the free leg that swung upwards at takeoff preparing for a double leg swing
45. Effective Grip Height
The distance of the actual grip height that is effectively used in achieving height when vaulting. Since the pole vault box is 8 inches deep, the effective grip is equal to the grip height minus 8 inches. The effective grip is normally used in calculating a vaulter’s push-off height (defined in the clearance phase).
46. Extension
The upside down position after the rock back. Also Inversion.
47. Fiberglas Pole
A pole made from fiberglas by rolling a fiberglas fabric around a spindle and adding some adhesive.
48. Flag Out
To direct the feet early towards the bar before getting fully inverted, the vaulter takes a position resembling a flag blown by the wind.
49. Flick of the Wrist
A movement of the wrist to make fall the pole towards the runway after clearance.
50. Flyaway
Finale phase of the vault after going off the pole.
51. Follow-through
The travel after takeoff.
52. Free Leg
The non-takeoff leg. Also Lead Leg, Swinging Leg.
53. Free Take-Off
Jumping off before the pole hits the back of the box.
54. French Model
The vaulting technique that led French vaulters to world class performances, the intention is on bending the pole at takeoff to get a powerful uplift, the vaulter then has to invert rapidly with good timing and abdominal strength to be able to stay ahead of the unloading pole.
55. From Beginner to Bubka
A comprehensive book written by Alan Launder which serves as a technical analysis of Sergey Bubka and Yelena Isinbayeva. A great tool for pole vault coaches.
56. Fulcrum
A fixed point on which the pole turns like a lever (for example, the left hand during plant).
57. Grip
May designate the grip height or the grip width.
58. Grip Height
The position where the top hand grips the pole (usually the high limit of the top hand).
59. Grip Width
The distance between the two hands that hold the pole, pole carry.
60. Ground Phase
A general phase of the vault during which the athlete is still in contact with (or in support of) the ground. The specific phases involved are the grip and carry, approach, plant, and takeoff.
61. Hand Shift
In metal pole technique, the moving up of the bottom hand towards the top hand during the plant.
62. Hand Spread
The distance between the hands when the vaulter is gripping the pole. The distance of the hand spread is measured from the top of one hand to the top of the other hand.
63. Handstand
Within the vault, the upside-down position before crossing the bar.
64. Hang
The phase after takeoff when the vaulter hangs suspended on the pole (during travel, follow through).
65. Headwind
Directly opposing wind.
66. Helicoptering
Spinning around the pole. Usually due to poor take-off or left arm in the way during swing through.
67. High Heel Recovery
Bringing up the heels near the buttocks during the run up.
68. Hollow Chest
During clearance the athlete tries to curve his chest inwards to avoid the bar.
69. Hug the Pole
To pull oneself with his arms towards the pole. Also, to Clench the Pole.
70. Hyperflexion
Pole vault injuries can be caused by a hyperflexion of the back, shoulders or neck.
71. I-position
The fully inverted upside down position, the body of the vaulter forms an I
72. Inside Take-off
A takeoff between the ideal takeoff point and the box
73. Inversion Motion
The motion to get into the upside-down position.
74. Jam the Plant
To plant too close to the box.
75. Jump Foot
The takeoff foot.
76. Jump Off
The additional jumps to determine the winner of a pole vault competition that ended in a draw. Also called Sudden Death, as the jumper that knocks down the bar first loses.
77. Knee Lift
Lifting the knees during the pole vault run up.
78. Knock off the Bar
To fail to clear the bar, to make fall the bar down.
79. L-position
The position where the body and the legs form a right angle. After the swing of the trail leg the vaulter may break at the hips and reach the L-position.
80. L-position
The position where the body and the legs form a right angle. After the swing of the trail leg the vaulter may break at the hips and reach the L-position.
81. Landing Shallow
During the vault, the vaulter does not penetrate into the pit. Also Stalling Out.
82. Landing Zone
The area inside which the vaulter falls onto the pit.
83. Last Step
The last step of the run up (often just called “Step”)
84. Late Plant
The lowering and planting of the pole is initiated too late during the pole vault approach.
85. Lead Knee
The knee of the leading (free, swinging) leg.
86. Leg Recovery
The stage in a sprint stride when the foot is coming off the ground and the knee is swinging forward and upward.
87. Line the Heels
A term used as a mental cue for using the proper leg recovery. The heels should travel in a straight line from the ground to a point just beneath the buttocks.
88. Long Pendulum
After takeoff the vaulter keeps his body stretched and pivots around his hands.
89. Metal Pole
A pole made of metal that bends very little which was in use till about 1960 – still useful for drills.
90. Mid-Mark
A checkmark near the middle of the run up. Also, Coaches Mark.
91. Narrow Grip
A small grip width between top and bottom hands.
92. Natural Bend
Every pole has a certain area along the length of the pole where it bends the easiest. It will always tend to bend toward that area. If the set of the pole is positioned in the wrong direction, the pole may twist. It is important to position the bend properly when carrying and planting the pole. Also Set of the Pole.
93. Off Ground Phase
The general phase of the vault during which the athlete is off the ground (in support of the pole). The phases involved are the follow through, swing-up, invert through release, and clearance.
94. Open Grip
The type of grip used with the top hand where the fingers are not curled around the pole and the palm is exposed. The novice vaulter who has difficulty using a closed grip uses this grip. We recommend the closed grip for the intermediate gold level and advanced vaulters.
95. Open Stride
A high knee stride. The term open comes from the appearance of the stride when viewing the vaulter from the side. The space between the legs, when the vaulter pushes off the ground, is large and open.
96. Over-Stride
To lengthen the strides into takeoff.
97. Passing the Pole
Drifting away from the pole towards the pit.
98. Pegs
The horizontal rests of 5.1 cm length on which the bar is placed.
99. Pendulum
The pole and the vaulter form a double pendulum system, with the tip of the pole pivoting in the box and the vaulter pivoting on the pole. The vaulter can shorten the pendulum by tucking.
100. Penetrate
To move forward towards the far end of the pit.
101. Penetration
Refers to the general movement of the pole and the vaulter toward the pit after they have planted the pole and the vaulter has left the ground. The proper amount of penetration will allow the vaulter to swing up easily, clear the bar without coming down on it, or moving through it. The proper penetration will allow the vaulter to land safely in the middle of the pit. If the pole and the vaulter over penetrate (also called over rotation), the vaulter and the pole will rotate quickly through the bar and will land in the back of the pit. If the pole and vaulter under penetrate, the vaulter may land on top of the bar and land in the very front of the pit. This is referred to as “stalling out.”
102. Penultimate Step
The step before the last step which is usually longer, slightly lowering the centre of mass.
103. Petrov Model
The pole vault technique developed by Vitaly Petrov, the coach of the world record holders Bubka and Isinbayeva. The intention is for a free takeoff followed by an ample whip and swing to inversion. Also called Russian Model.
104. Phase
A specific part of the vault where the movements, objectives, and body positions are similar. There are eight phases in the vault: 1) grip and carry, 2) approach, 3) plant, 4) takeoff, 5) follow through, 6) swing-up, 7) invert through release, and 
clearance.
105. Pike Position
The position of the vaulter at the top of his flight curve when he pikes at the hips while the body keeps its upwards orientation the legs flip downwards on the far side of the bar.
106. Pit
The landing area (usually a foam landing mat).
107. Plant
To put the pole in the box, the corresponding action.
108. Plant Phase
The last 2 or 3 steps of the run up when the pole is planted in the box.
109. Pole Carry
The way the pole is held during the approach.
110. Pole Drop
A gradual drop of the pole tip, during the approach.
111. Pole Flip
The pushing upwards of the end of the pole during the plant phase.
112. Pole Impact
The moment when the pole hits the back of the box.
113. Pole Release
Letting go the pole for the flyaway.
114. Pole Strike
The moment when the pole strikes the box.
115. Pole Support Phase
The phase of the jump when the vaulter is supported by the pole between takeoff and flyaway.
116. Pole Tip
The far end of the carried pole going into the box.
117. Post-Impact
What happens after the pole impacts the box.
118. Power Vault
A vault model where the intention at takeoff is to bend the pole (bottom arm blocked) rather then jumping off aggressively. See also French Model and Drive vault.
119. Pre-Jump
A sort of free takeoff where the athlete is jumping out and early in a springy way before the pole hits the back of the box. The term has been introduced by A. Launder, Australian coach and one of the authors of the popular book Beginner to Bubka.
120. Pull, Push, and Turn
The motion when leaving the I-position the vaulter pulls himself upwards and than pushes himself away from the pole, at the same time he turns so that his chest ends up parallel to the bar.
121. Push
The phase of the vault when the fully inverted vaulter pushes off from the top of the pole to increase the vertical clearance.
122. Push and Turn
The 2nd and 3rd part of pull, push and turn – there may be not much time for a pull if the pole unloads with enough energy.
123. Recoil
To unload
124. Return from the Pole
The pushing force of the unloading pole, the timing of this force depends on the pole design, it may be constant, slow or jolting.
125. Rock Back
The movement to the inverted position.
126. Rope Drill
A pole vault exercise using a hanging rope.
127. Roundhouse Plant
Bringing the pole up in a sideways arcing motion.
128. Row
Usually describes the movement of the arms closing up to the body like moving the oars of a rowing-boat, the term may be misleading as many athletes rarely row a boat, also there exist several types of oars and paddles that are not moved in the same way. It can obviously be observed that the hands of the stretched arms of the vaulter move from above his head to somewhere near his hips, it is however not obvious where he applies force and where this movement is a consequence of the swing.
129. Run Through
To run over the pit without planting.
130. Run Up
The approach run.
131. Runway
The track on which the vaulter runs up.
132. Sail Piece
A stiffer reinforced section of the pole with an extra piece of Fiberglas fabric isrolled in.
133. Set of the Pole
Every pole has a certain area along the length of the pole where it bends the easiest. It will always tend to bend toward that area. If the set of the pole is positioned in the wrong direction, the pole may twist. It is important to position the bend properly when carrying and planting the pole. Also Natural Bend.
134. Short Pendulum
During the long pendulum the vaulter can bring his legs and his body closer to the pole and shorten the pendulum (pivot at his shoulders, hips or knees) and accelerate the swing, earlier technical models described the upswing as a sequence: long pendulum, short pendulum, shooting up the feet.
135. Shoulder Drop
The downward motion of the shoulders during rock back. The shoulders are agressively pushing downward in order for the feet to go vertically upwards.
136. Sliding Box
A device of similar size as the box that is put on the track for training the plant which can be pushed by the pole.
137. Soft Pole
A pole of high flexibility relative to one’s normal pole. Also Warm Up Pole.
138. Square the Hips
To bring the hips in a solid position perpendicular to the run up direction.
139. Square the Shoulders
To bring the shoulders in a solid position perpendicular to the run up direction.
140. Stall Out
To come up short without enough penetration into the landing pit. This may happen if the pole is too stiff and the vaulter can not make enough forward distance for clearing the bar. In the worst case, the vaulter falls back onto the runway.
141. Standard Setting
The setting of the standards will determine how far the crossbar will be positioned from the back of the box. The standard setting is measured in inches or centimeters. May also be referred to as simply “standards”.
142. Standards
The upright posts that support the horizontal bar.
143. Start, Curl, Press
Cues for planting action during the last three strides of the run up.
144. Starting Mark
The mark where the vaulter starts from before each vault. It is measured from that point to the back of the box.
145. Steering
Is the subconscious effort made, by the vaulter, to adjust the stride to takeoff from a specific point on the runway.
146. Step
The last step of the run up or takeoff step. Also Takeoff Step.
147. Stiff Pole
A pole of low flexibility relative to one’s normal pole. Also Big Pole.
148. Straight Pole
A pole that is not bent. May also mean the act of pole vaulting with an unbent pole.
149. Stretch Reflex
Something stretched can move quicker when the tension is released, for instance the shoulders and the hips after the C-Position.
150. Stride
A single stride starts when foot A contacts the ground and ends when foot B contacts the ground. A single stride is characterized by one drive phase of foot A or B and on swing phase of foot B or A.
151. Stride Frequency
The frequency of the strides during the run up.
152. Stride Length
The distance between steps during the run up.
153. Stride Number
The exact number of single strides taken during the approach. We advocate the use of an even number of strides.
154. Stride Out
To lengthen the last strides of the run up.
155. Stride Pattern
The general combination of the stride rhythm and the stride spacing during the approach.
156. Stride Rhythm
The rhythm created by the feet on the runway while the vaulter sprints down the runway. Also Rhythm.
157. Sweeping Arc
The curve of the toe of the trail leg during the whip.
158. Swing
The whip of the trail leg or the upswing. May also indicate the swinging phase of the pole vault.
159. Swing Through
The action of swinging all the way from bottom to top.
160. Swinging Leg
The non-takeoff-leg or free leg that swings forward at takeoff may cause misunderstandings, as in pole vault the takeoff leg also swings after takeoff.
161. Switch Point
In support of the pole, the changeover between travel and swing. Also, the point between the vaulter pushing against the pole and the pole pulling the vaulter.
162. Tailwind
A wind from behind pushing the athlete for a faster run up.
163. Take Off
To leave the ground.
164. Take-Off Point
The exact spot where the vaulter takes off.
165. Takeoff Foot
The jumping foot that leaves the ground last.
166. Takeoff Mark
The mark where the vaulter should takeoff from when vaulting. A vaulterâ??s optimal point of takeoff may be 12 feet back from the back of the box. All the check marks should be set up so the vaulter can sprint and takeoff efficiently from that mark.
167. Taking Off Out
To take off further away from the box than the ideal takeoff point.
168. Taking Off Under
To take off closer to the box than the ideal take-off spot, the vaulter is running under the pole.
169. Tape
Grip tape, wrapped around the pole for a better grip.
170. Top Hand
The hand that grips the end of the pole, the right hand of the right handed vaulter.
171. Touch Down
Every time the foot touches the ground during running. Coaches often use the touch down of the takeoff leg at 6 step out as a checkmark.
172. Trail Leg
The leg that stays behind, the takeoff leg after the takeoff.
173. Transition Phase
An intermediate phase of the run up, after acceleration, before plant.
174. Travel
The follow through. The moment after take-off when the vaulter seems to stay in a “frozen” position till he reaches the switch-point where he starts the swing.
175. Triangle Position
At takeoff the two arms and the pole form a triangle.
176. Trick Step
The penultimate step.
177. Tuck
To bring the knees close to the chest during the swing to inversion. The vaulter may have to tuck to direct too much energy quickly upwards (French model). This motion may also be necessary if he has not enough energy to swing long with a straight trail leg (Petrov model).
178. Tuck and Shoot
The vaulting style when the vaulter tucks and then from the tucked position rapidly pushes his legs upwards, characteristic of the French model for accelerating the upward motion. The intention of the Petrov model is to keep enough energy from the run up to avoid this phase, thus creating a more ample swing.
179. Turn
The spin, the phase when the vaulter turns after the I-position to bring his chest parallel to the bar. The turning part of pull, push and turn.
180. Unbend
A bent pole returning to its original form.
181. Upstep
The second to last step with another two steps to go.
182. Upswing
The upwards swinging action after takeoff.
183. Volzing
A method of putting the bar back onto the pegs while clearing the bar. This method, named after American pole vaulter Dave Volz, is now forbidden by the rules.
184. Whip
The fast swinging action of the trail leg.
185. Wide Grip
A big distance between the two hands holding the pole usually more than shoulder width. The French model uses this type of grip.
186. Withdrawal of Upper Body
After clearance the vaulter tries to move his upper body away from the bar.
187. Yank Off the Ground
As a result of insufficient jumping the pole yanks the vaulter off the ground. Also Ripped Off the Ground, Pulled Off the Ground.
