The pole goes down---you go up (Prepare to takeoff)

I don't want to be on an airplane that slows down at takeoff (accelerate through the takeoff)

Drive the pole into the box, don't lay it in the box.

Some vaulters are like junkies. They want to get high quick---stay low in the swing---Resist the urge to pull up off the runway by pushing vigorously, followed by a hang with a relaxed top arm.

Some vaulters are like reformed junkies: They don't want to get high. These vaulters will do anything to stop the vertical ascent. Example: Turning the head to the side to effectively bail out of the jump.

If you prepare for something bad at the takeoff, then something bad is what you will surely get. (Be positive and make something good happen.)

If you have any doubt about whether or not you can use a particular pole, then you most certainly will not be able to use it effectively.

The run should be a creshendo---a gradual acceleration through the box (don't start out blazing as the box does not care what force you exert at the beginning of your run.)

You must stay right side up with a pronounced knee drive until the pole starts bending to the side. This insures maximum penetration and keeps the pole moving forward for consistent higher vaulting and maximum safety.

A mule never won the Kentucky Derby---run like a thoroughbred in your approach.

My definition of INSANITY---to continue to do the exact same things and expect different results.

Get off the shelton pony and get on a horse. (you need a bigger pole)

The proper angle of takeoff is often overlooked in an effort to get more speed. This is a big mistake. You must not be leaning forward or backward at takeoff. Either one will cause you to pull down on the top of the pole causing stalling to occur.

The crossbar is for the judges and fans. (When you feel the urge to look at the crossbar, look instead at the top of your pole or your top hand and try to vault that.

To improve, an athlete must be willing to go outside his comfort zone.

I have seen a Great number of athletes who were unwilling to travel outside their comfort zones, hence, little or no improvement!

The greatest coach you could possibly have is CONFIDENCE 

You must try to takeoff with your foot under your buttocks. (Try to be far from the box—don’t reach) if you overstride—power is greatly reduced.

In order to be ultimately successful---you must not be afraid to fail. 

FEAR must be overcome by the athlete himself, and as long as it exists---the coach and the athlete will be largely ineffective or completely negated

The sequence for the takeoff is foot-pole.  The foot should strike the ground immediately before the pole strikes the back of the box.  This is crucial for ultimate success.  Most vaulters strike both at the same time.  There are a lot of beginners that take off pole-foot—this could be disastrous!

As the vaulters speed improves in the approach his hands must become faster as well to stay in sync. 

You must run through the box and not just run to the box

This one below may be my best.  I use it all the time in coaching the pv and needs to be remembered for our sanity:

	You are never quite as good as you feel you are when you are having a Great day and you are nowhere near as bad as you appear when you are having a bad day.  You are somewhere in between.  Remember this and it will keep you grounded and focused.
	My saying is there’s not much difference between the Penthouse and the Outhouse.  I have seen vaulters go from the penthouse, to the outhouse, and then back to the penthouse all in a single workout.
	It takes a lot of work to reside at the penthouse and a lot of self pity and doubting your abilities to remain in the outhouse.