Regional
An Athlete’s View of Limits and Possibilities
by Sergey Bubka
Here is the greatest pole vaulter in history, speaking at the IAF “Human Performance in Athletics: Limits and Possibilities,” in Budapest, October 11–12, 1997.
Reprinted from Track Coach #148 (Summer 1999)
Introduction
Bubka describes his childhood and his early love for sport. His ferocious competitive spirit was channeled into many sports until, at age 10, he came under the influence of the pole vault coach Vitaliy Petrov. Bubka describes the special qualities
and methods of a man he acknowledges is the best technical coach in the world and introduces the concept of The Culture of Movement. The influence of gymnastics on Bubka’s technique is described, as is the importance of communication, feedback and an open mind to outside influences— especially from specialists in weight lifting, sprinting, medicine and psychology.
The History of the Pole Vault
by Jan Johnson, Russ VerSteeg and Ray Kring
Illustrated History of the Pole Vault available at www.skyjumpers.com
No authoritative evidence proves that any ancient cultures pole vaulted competitively prior to the Tailteann Games of ancient Ireland (1829 B.C.). However, artistic representations and other archaeological remains indicate that as early as 2500 B.C., people used long poles for a number of activities, such as farming, boating, and warfare. Thus, it is likely that farmers, sailors, and soldiers discovered that they could use those poles as a means to leap over a variety of obstacles.
Could Your Team Use Extra Space to Train?
by Mary Helen Sprecher
For the school that wants to take its track and field program to the next level, designated training facilities—above and beyond the regular competition facilities—may be the key.
Winner: John McDonnell
By James Dunaway
John McDonnell, one of the most successful track and field coaches the United States has ever seen, is retiring after 36 years as head men’s coach of the University of Arkansas.
His resume includes 42 men’s NCAA team championships—12 outdoor, 19 indoor and 11 cross-country. Nobody else even comes close.
The Art of Coaching– Making Corrections: Cues, Clues and Adjustments
By Dave Nielsen
Coaching is both a science and an art, as it requires the ability to assess and assist in the acquisition of skills paramount to success. Science provides insight and direction in regard to mechanics, physiology, psychology, and learning. Art involves the effective application of this wealth of knowledge to individual athletes and/or the team. Communication is the bridge between coach and athlete. Not surprisingly, the art of communication is a key distinguishing characteristic great coaches share.
In His Own Words: Olympian Christian Cantwell
Interview provided by Tom Lewis, University of Missouri
Media Relations Associate, Volleyball/Track & Field SID
On his high school experience at Eldon High School:
“In [my] high school, [track & field] was more of a forced thing to do. When you start out in middle school, you start doing sports in the seventh grade, and you have football, basketball, and track, and typically, the same guy coaches them all, at least he did where I was. I did football and I did basketball , and when it came track season, he [the coach] said, “Okay, you’re coming out for track.” It really wasn’t an option. That’s how I did it until my senior year in high school, and it sounds funny, but I didn’t try all that much. I did it more for the social aspect and because he [the coach] told me to.
Superbug
by Mary Helen Sprecher
Athletic programs promote health on a large scale: cardiovascular conditioning, muscle development, weight loss. Then, there is the competitive aspect—the school’s bragging rights and overall standings—plus, of course, the individual athlete’s chances of being noticed by college, corporate or professional scouts.
SALLY KIPYEGO WINS HONDA SPORTS AWARD FOR THIRD CONSECUTIVE YEAR
33rd Annual Collegiate Women Sports Awards Kicks Off With History-Making Accomplishment in Cross-Country by Texas Tech Senior
Teaching the Triple Jump
by Douglas Todd, Director, Cross Country and Track and Field
Mt. San Antonio College (Mt. SAC), Walnut, California
Thanks to Coach Todd for this useful analysis of the triple jump, its phases, and the basic drills that will
help the beginner get the feel of the event.
Reprinted from Track Coach #146 (Winter 1999)
An understanding of the feel or rhythm of the triple jump is important to the development of any triple jumper. Because the athlete must clearly understand how the event flows from one segment to the next when done correctly, it is crucial that the coach begins instruction with a whole-part-whole teaching philosophy. The novice triple jump athlete must develop the kinesthetic awareness of the whole movement before instruction progresses to the individual parts. Without knowledge of the whole, the individual parts are meaningless.
An Athlete’s View of Limits and Possibilities
by Sergey Bubka
Here is the greatest pole vaulter in history, speaking at the IAF “Human Performance in Athletics: Limits and Possibilities,” in Budapest, October 11–12, 1997.
Reprinted from Track Coach #148 (Summer 1999)
Introduction
Bubka describes his childhood and his early love for sport. His ferocious competitive spirit was channeled into many sports until, at age 10, he came under the influence of the pole vault coach Vitaliy Petrov. Bubka describes the special qualities and methods of a man he acknowledges is the best technical coach in the world and introduces the concept of The Culture of Movement. The influence of gymnastics on Bubka’s technique is described, as is the importance of communication, feedback and an open mind to outside influences— especially from specialists in weight lifting, sprinting, medicine and psychology.
