Athletic Training

THE POLE-VAULT 111 As the pole strikes, the vaulter swings into the air, holding the pole with a firm grip. Then he should let the pole swing him over the bar just as a man would jump a fence by placing his hands on the top rail. He should make it a point to turn easily in the air from the right to the left, never hurrying the turn. Right here the vaulter should be cautioned not to lose his nerve in going up, and under no circumstances to let go of the pole. To do so will give him a bad fall. The vaulter is always safe as long as he holds onto the pole. As soon as the athlete has made sure of striking the hole properly and making the turn in the air he can put the bar up a few inches and try for a greater height. Care should be taken to learn the proper method of landing in the pit. The vaulter should make it a point to light on his feet, and if all the details I have given are care– fully observed, and the athlete learns to light on his feet at the start, he will have no fur– ther trouble. If he falls on the back or side he is ·liable to serious injury. One of the most difficult things to learn in the pole-vault is what is called the "slide."