The Flyaway & Bar Clearance Article By: Brian Yokoyama, Mt. San Antonio College (Mt. SAC) The Flyaway (extension) and Bar Clearance are the final two phases of the pole vault which come directly after the swing (rockback). The Flyaway is responsible for conserving vertical energy created and transferred by the swing, and creating additional vertical energy. As the efficiency of the Flyaway increases, a greater amount of energy is conserved and created, allowing for increased clearances. The Bar Clearance is responsible for allowing the vaulter to clear the bar without disrupting it. For efficient technique to occur, the vaulter must remain in a rigid extended vertical position behind the pole through the flyaway phase (fig. 3). Along with a rigid body, the vaulter (at the vertical phase) must actively row his/her top hand to the hip. This efficient technique allows the vaulter to rotate around the pole, stay behind the pole, continue pole speed and face frontward toward the crossbar prior to bar clearance. Key points of an efficient flyaway and bar clearance include: Rigid Body Body must be rigid, extended and straight to shoot like an arrow. Top Arm to Hip Top arm must actively row to the hip at the Vertical Phase (fig. 1). Rotation Around the Pole Vaulter must rotate around the pole. This allows pole speed to continue forward, allows the vaulter to shoot straight up and positions the vaulter facing the crossbar for bar clearance. Active Arms Both arms must be actively moving throughout the Flyaway Phase. The arms should be kept straight and long as much as possible. Circular Motion Arms and body rotate in a relaxed circular motion around the crossbar during clearance.                     The following diagrams demonstrate a four phase model of the flyaway and bar clearance phases (the model is a right handed vaulter). Vertical Phase (Fig. 1) Extension Phase (Fig. 2) Flight Phase (Fig. 3) Bar Phase (Fig. 1) 1. Vaulter is in a rigid extended position. 2. Both arms are extended (keeping energy in the pole) and actively moving. 3. Right arm is rowing toward the hip (light box). 4. Lead leg is extended. 1. Vaulter is in a rigid extended position rotating toward the bar. 2. Arms continue active rowing motion upward creating additional vertical energy. 3. Arms should be kept as straight as possible, breaking slightly and briefly at this point. 1. Body is in a straight rigid state facing the crossbar. 2. Toes are in a perpendicular position to the legs. 3. Arms are following behind the body. 1. Vaulter has reached maximum vertical height. 2. Relaxed body breaks at the hips and rotates in a smooth circular motion. 3. Arms curl back behind the head creating a hollow area around the bar. International Copyright © of CoachesEducation.com. All Rights Reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission of CoachesEducation.com is strictly prohibited.