Are there any differences/good tips for working with left handed vaulters?
As a lefty coaching a pretty good lefty (Stacy Dragila) I can’t figure out why everyone isn’t left handed. All joking aside, I see no difference coaching left versus right handed vaulters. Personally I think left handed athletes are quite adaptable because they are used to seeing a “right handed world” and then switching it around to meet their need. Because of this a right handed demo usually works just fine. One issue that is worth considering is the handedness of the vaulter and which hand should be on top of the pole. The two don’t always correlate, i.e. a right handed athlete may be better off vaulting left handed. Two World record holders come to mind: Dave Roberts, World Record holder and ’76 Olympic Bronze medalist was a “righty” who vaulted left Stacy Dragila throws the javelin right handed and began vaulting with the right hand on top. She changed to a left handed vaulter when it became apparent that her right leg was her choice for all jumping/hurdling events including the v
