Video: This Workout Wednesday was shot with Lafayette (LA) graduate Mondo Duplantis, who owns the world record in the pole vault with a clearance of 6.18 meters, which he achieved in February of 2020. Duplantis owns a bevy of records, including the High School National Record (19-5) and World Junior Record of 6.05 meters, set in August of 2018.
By Robert Marchetti
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The pole drop is one of the most under-coached aspects of the pole vault. The manner in which the pole is lowered down the runway will have a major influence on velocity and takeoff qualities.
THE APPROACH START
Assuming we have a right-handed vaulter from here on, the top hand at takeoff is the right hand, with the bottom hand being the left.
At the start of the approach, however, the pole is upside down. When the pole is in the vaulter's grip, the right hand is beside the right hip and the left hand should be in front, chest high. (See Figure 1)
The vast majority of the world's best vaulters start with the pole...
