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ADTF Academy Upcoming Events
These are some of the Key positions we talk about, come found out why. Sign up for the next ADTF Academy Clinic.
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Grand Rapids |
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Links ADTF Academy Upcoming Events
These are some of the Key positions we talk about, come found out why. Sign up for the next ADTF Academy Clinic.
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As a young vaulter I was trained by two great high school coaches; Oran Mitchell (Mitchell Vaulters) and Ron Gebauer (Tip of the Thumb). Both of these men I admire greatly and owe much of my passion and eagerness towards helping the youth. Oran not only coached the vault, but he gave each of us a piece of his heart. His greatest asset was his ability to just be one of the guys. He cared so much about us and our success that it drove us to be the best we could be. Champions will come and champions will go, but if I can have a positive effect on as many individuals as possible then I will have done everything I can while I am here. Of all the lessons Oran taught me the one I will remember most was, "show someone you will sacrifice for them and they will do everything in their power not to let you down." I know he did that for me and I hope I'll never let him down.
During my college years I did not pole vault. I was a distance runner at Aquinas College. Though a tough decision at the time it gave me the opportunity to get away from the vault as well as time to travel around the country listening to coach's talk. During my college years I put together numerous theories and diagrams of why things happened the way they do. Also during college I gained my USATF Level 2 certificates in the Jumps, Sprints and Hurdles as well as a Jumps certification from the United States Track Coaches Association. The information I gained from these two organizations enhanced not only my theories, but started to prove that I was onto to something. The hardest part was that some of it went against what I had learned growing up and the main stream coaching that was present in Michigan. It wasn't until the 2005 National Pole Vault Summit when I had the opportunity to meet Vitaly Petrov, Alan Launder and many other coaches from around the country that I realized I was not alone.
Though I have recently accepted a full time college coaching positions at Bethel College this is not my tre passion. Besides this role I will continue to work with high school athletes and for that reason I have stayed on as the Jumps coach at Grand Rapids Catholic Central. GRCC has a long and prestigious tradition and they along with Bethel College allows me to continue my work with high school athletes from all over the west side of Michigan and Northern Indiana. Overall, my hopes are to limit the frustration I felt as a young vaulter and athlete by not only teaching vaulters and athletes what us as coaches and parents see, but what they are suppose to do to fix those problems and why the athletic movements in general happen the way they do.
Though my passion and vision initially started with the vault it has progress to working with athletes in general. In our society you can find a guru for everything from basketball to soccer, but very few people are out there trying to help athletes improve first and foremost as athletes. This is the role I have started to adopt rather its working with a pole vaulter, high jumper, basketball player or soccer in the end their success on the field or court will depend on their basic athleticism and then how they use it. I consider myself now a coach who deals with athletes that happens to specialize in the technical training of track athletes.
ADTF Academy originated for three main reasons. The first reason was to increase the level of communication between our athletes and our coaches. Secondly, to increase the skill level, both physically and mentally, of our high school athletes to allow for an easier transition to the college and potentially pro ranks. Finally, it was created to provide a clear source to present the system our athletes are asked to follow during their training progression with us or for others to observe the system we use.
For a long time we sat back only to watch and listen to local coaches' use generic statements that seem to make perfect sense to them, but would only leave a puzzled look on the face of many of their athletes. The ability to communicate clearly in most cases didn't seem to be present. This further leads to frustration on the vaulter who doesn't really know what they are suppose to do and on the coach who can't understand why the athlete is not performing the action correctly. The athlete is simply left to make an assumption on what the coach wants.
Our system takes commonly agreed upon technical aspects of the Petrov and continuous chain models and breaks them down into one single form of presentation based on our interpretation of the continuous chain model. Consider the way we coach as the commonalities of the vault we feel should be present in every vault. However, these things may or may not be achieved on ever attempt. Successful vaulter's can not be mass produced. A parent/coach can not simply ship them off to camps and clinics and expect them to come back champions. It takes individual fine tuning and personal effort on the part of the athlete, the coach and his or her family to become successful.
It has become clear that the majority of coaches simply look for the most gifted athletes to work with and train. However, we have come to the realization that all though gifted athletes are a blessing we would prefer to work with those athletes that are willing to put forth the effort needed and are willing to listen to our teachings. In the end we value our success based on whether the athlete who works with us is in a position to reach their maximal potential when they leave our program. We have found that it is not always the most gifted athlete who shows the greatest success, but the athlete who continues to show up day in and out no matter the situation.
It is important to note that every concept we present should be thought of as on a scale from 1 to 10 where 5 is the commonality. We may have one vaulter to one extreme and another vaulter on the other extreme. The training regiment we offer our vaulters must be individualized. For example, let's say we have a vaulter who always significantly throws their head back during the sweep. For this athlete we may tell them to try to tuck their head into their chest during the sweep. Ideally, we want it to be stationary, but the strategy is if they are told to do the other extreme they might end up somewhere in the middle. Therefore, as an athlete or coach if they overhear a conversation don't take it as what they are supposed to do or not do. Every situation and conversation is different for each vaulter. Our system allows for this to occur, but only if the athlete and coach understands this concept.
The hardest part is that a lot of people out there have an opinion right or wrong on how the vault is suppose to be performed. The saddest part is that most of them are the athletes themselves. If the vaulter knows what they are supposed to do because of the technical model the coach and athlete have chosen to follow then based on that model they will know what they are doing right or wrong and can work towards fixing the problem. However, if the vaulter never truly understood the model and they simply do things based on what they think should happen then they will most likely end up simply being frustrated if things are not going correctly.
Furthermore, over the course of our journeys we have had numerous conversations with college coaches and their number one fear and frustration when they recruit any athlete is what exactly they are getting. Countless times I have heard horror stories of a successful high school athlete go into a college program just to find out everything they were doing or thought was incorrect and they had to start over at square one. In most cases the young athlete has no idea why and when the college coach, who is usually on an even higher technical level, tries to explain what he wants the freshman to do it seems the coach is speaking an even more advanced level of Greek than before.
When ADTF Academy was started our hope was to save the frustration of the 1st two years of college so that the athlete's whom used our services are more able to focus on the overall training instead of basically re learning how to vault again. Ultimately, we are hoping that this will increase the level of recruiting and later success of the vaulter's using our system.
Finally, anyone can look at the pole vault or any other field event in two ways either a sprint to get the athlete as good as they can in high school by taking short cuts now to gain an extra 6 inches to a foot today or they can think of it as a marathon knowing that taking a few extra weeks or months focusing on performing things correctly will allow for greater levels of success later in the athlete's career. Yes that's right the vault can be a career. Who says there can't be a 35 plus year old pole vaulter? In fact, look at the age of some of the top men and women in the world. A lot of them are in their late twenties to mid thirties. Also look at what some of the master athletes are doing right now. If the vaulter truly loves the vault don't rush through the training progressions. Don't take the magic short cut to simply gain 6 inches today when it could cost you later. This is a common theme that we constantly preach to everyone that we have the privilege of coming in contact with. This point is also crucial to our system and methods. We do not promote or believe in short cuts or quick fixes. We believe in the technical model we teach and strive for anyone, male or female, whom works with us to realize the power beyond this statement and strive towards excellence. Remember perfection is achieved by perfect practice over and over again.
ADTF Academy is a USATF club who mainly specializes in the Pole Vault. We not only provide coaching and clinics, but we attempt to offer as many coaches and athletes a place to train. We also work with the other jumping events (high jump and long jump) and the sprints offering instruction to athletes in those events as well. Our services have even branched out to other sporting events as they finally realize that yes speed can be trained and improved. Additionally, we put on speed, agility and conditioning clinics and programs for high school and college athletes during their off seasons. We have dealt with Adults as well who are looking for personal training programs they can use either at their own gym or in their own home. We currently have two facilities for vaulters and others to train at or if you already are a member of a gym we can simply put together a training regiment for anyone. Contact us for all your training needs.
Contact Information | |
| 616-260-1406 | danny@adtfacademy.com |
Grand Rapids | |
| Indoor and Outdoor Facility | CAT 2770 Knape St. Corner of Leffingwell and Knape |
South Bend | |
| Indoor and Oudoor Facility | Bethel College 1001 West McKinley Avenue Goodman Gymnasium in the Winter |
Coaches and Athletes,
Below you will find a few questions and topics that I would like you to ponder. One of my hopes is to open the communication between us coaches and athletes. Overtime we will attempt to get as many coaches and athletes together to discuss these topics and others with the goal of producing a sound beginner's foundation to hand out to those coaches who are unsure how to coach the vault. Additionally, we hope to bring an overall answer to many of the common generic statements that are out there so they can be answered. If you can't answer any of these questions don't feel alone I am sure many won't be able to. I am hoping that by taking a little time to look at this list and by sitting down and answering them it will not only open up your mind to think, but will also allow you to think like someone who is not in your head so you can figure out different ways to explain these topics to them.
What causes the poles rotation about its axis in the box?
How does the pole bending aid in the poles rotation?
How does the pole bending either aid or hurt a vaulters ability to become inverted?
What causes the pole to bend?
How does the vaulter use the pole plant?
Where do you preach to takeoff from and why?
What is the purpose of the top arm?
What is the purpose of the bottom arm?
What should lead during the swinging action of the body?
How does the vaulter finish the swing to inversion?
What are the steps of the entire swinging motion?
What is the role of the shoulders during the swing?
What is the role of the hands during the swing?
What is the role of the hips during the swing?
What is the role of the legs during the swing?
How does the vaulter continue the poles rotation during inversion?
How does the turning of the body initiate?
When should the top arm pull down the pole?
What should the vaulter do on the top of the jump in preparation for clearance?
These are just a few topics to ponder. You can add more if you want and we may add more topics over time as well. I would personally like to hear what each and every one of you have to say on these topics. This is mainly to challenge my own mind set and thinking process. I am constantly trying to improve and put my model up against others to produce the best model for all my athletes to follow. Additionally, I am always looking for new and different ways to say things. What works for one athlete may not work for another. Feel free to send your replies to me. I would enjoy reading them. If you would like me to comment or give you something to think about in return let me know or I would simply enjoy reading what you have to say.
Grand Rapids
Weekly Sign upGrand Rapids Facility
Beg. Summer Camps Summer Open Pits Winter Information Indoor Schedule Winter CampDownloads
(MS Word Docs)
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Summer Open Pits Cost
Open Jumps
Club Membership $150.00
Checks Payable to:
ADTF Academy
311 Rue Flambeau Apt. 509 South Bend, IN 46615 Tuesdays: Pole Vault Practice from 7:00 till 9:00
Thursday: Pole Vault Practice from 7:00 till 9:00
Location: Cougar Athletic Trails
2770 Knape NE Grand Rapids, MI In order to take advantage of our Pole Vault Practices during the summer you must pay membership dues for the summer. Once a member practice will consist of vaulting, running and strength training applicable to the pole vault. During the summer is the best time to correct mechanical flaws and make the biggest improvements. Join our training group this summer. Please remember to fill out the mandatory waiver form. Contact Information:
Danny Wilkerson 616-260-1406 danny@adtfacademy.com
Grand Rapids Catholic Central Assistant Track Coach
Bethel College Jumps Coach
USATF National Level 2 Jumps, Hurdles, and Sprints
Grand Rapids Signup Form Grand Rapids Catholic Central and ADTF Academy Presents 2007 Indoor Pole Vault Clinics and Open Jumps Pole Vault Community: Grand Rapids Catholic Central would like to extend an offer to local pole vaulters and coaches from the greater Grand Rapids area to use our facilities during this upcoming winter and summer periods. We recognize the challenges for high school athletes and coaches in finding time and facilities to train their athletes. We will be offering two opportunities to local athletes and their coaches. First during the winter months ADTF Academy will be offering a winter long clinic/club program over the course of the winter months that will take place on Sundays and potential Thursday evenings. These clinics will cover the entire vault teaching beginners and novice vaulters the model we have been using to turn out some of the top Michigan High School vaulters in the past few years such as Zach Burrington 16'4 the 2003 D3 State Champ, Joe Wesley 16'10 MI state record holder and Katie Shaw 12' the 2005 D3 State Champ plus numerous other local, regional and state champions. The clinics will go into great detail on how and more importantly why the vault works the way it does. We will take time to explain what is occurring in the vault not simply from a visual stand point, but also from a biomechanical point of view. We will try to answer many of the generic statements that are all over the vault world today such as keep your trail leg back, finish your rock back, stop striding out at the plant, and finally jump at take off. Many of these things are visual correct statements, but why. Our goal is to help increase communication between coaches and athletes. We will challenge the traditional thinking of many coaches and vaulters who attend, but we hope you will come with an open mind so that you can comprehend the power behind the Petrov Model. They will be kicked off by a 3 day long Camp during winter break. Secondly, Grand Rapids Catholic Central who has had a long standing history in the vault with past state champions such as Dave Gerrity 16-1, Charles Dewildt 16-6 and Rachel Zukowski, 12-6 will be opening up their facility to athletes and coaches so that they may have a place to jump. We currently have two pits available to jump on indoors and outdoors. During the indoor period one of the pits is ideal for longer runs and older vaulters. The other pit is more for beginners or lower jumpers as well as more of a drill pit. Both outdoor pits can be used for any type of vaulter. We have them positioned to take advantage of either a West wind or an East wind. We will be offering more of an open gym setting with the GRCC coaching staff simply overseeing to watch for safety issues that may arise and at any time may limit an athlete's jumping based on those issues. We strongly ask that coaches only work with their athletes to limit problems that may occur from multiple coaches working with kids. This simply creates confusion for the athlete. If an athlete does not have a coach there will be options available to either locate a coach to work with or team up with the coaching staff we will have available during all sessions. Poles may be available to borrow with the understanding that the vaulter is responsible for any damages that may occur. However, we strongly suggest contacting your local coach and securing a pole to use. If you need to purchase a pole for your use we have a great relationship with KP Athletics and strongly suggest that you utilize them for all your pole vault needs. Simply tell them ADTF Academy sent you. Pole vault is more entertaining and enjoyable when you can jump with others and observe them. Indoor Season Schedule Cost
Open Jumps
Club Members: Free
Club Membership: $150 Non Club Members: $35 Up Front Insurance Fee plus $8 each time you attend Winter Break Camps Dates to Be Determined Non-Club Members: $175 Includes:
ADTF Academy Long Sleeve or Short Sleeve T-Shirt
Club Membership Checks Payable to:
ADTF Academy
311 Rue Flambeau Apt. 509 South Bend, IN 46615
Time Frame
Tuesday & Thursday: Open Gym from 6:30 to 8:30 pm
Depending on how long it takes to tear down.
Head down the stairs and enter through the west double doors. Gym is straight ahead we will be on your right. No spikes allowed and please bring a separate pair of shoes to work out in.
Please remember to fill out the mandatory waiver form prior to attending
Location: CAT
Corner of Leffingwell and Knape (need to update map link) 2770 Knape Grand Rapids, MI 49507 We are unsure at this time the number of people that will be interested in using this opportunity, but we will try to keep it under 35 jumpers. If the numbers get to large we will be forced to limit the number and people that can attend each week. A vaulter can guarantee their spot by becoming a Club Member. Club membership will be capped at the first 35 vaulters who apply. Contact Information:
Danny Wilkerson 616-260-1406 danny@adtfacademy.com
Grand Rapids Catholic Central Assistant Track Coach
Bethel College Jumps Coach
USATF National Level 2 Jumps, Sprints and Hurdles
ADTF Academy Winter Camp Hello, I would like to introduce myself, my name is Danny Wilkerson I am the one of the founders of ADTF Academy. We are a track and field club that specializes in the training of Pole Vault athletes as well as the other jumping events. We have spent the last 7 years traveling around the country listening to some of the top coaches and athletes speak on the vault. We have taken this information and put together a presentation of the Petrov Model that we have been using over the past three years to produce some of Michigan's top high school jumpers such as Zach Burrington 16'4, Joe Wesley 16'10, and Katie Shaw 12' as well as numerous others. The point of our presentation is to educate the vaulter and coach so that they can better communicate with one another. We believe that if a vaulter and coach can understand why a fault is occurring and how to fix it, the overall success will be greatly increased. If you're looking for a camp to simply get a lot of jumping in then ours is not for you. Over the course of the 3 days we hope to break the vault down and explain exactly why things are happening and the best course of action to solve or prevent many of the common errors that are observed in the vault. We also hope to answer many of the generic statements that are running rampant in the vault world today such as keep your trail leg back, finish your sweep, get inverted, jump at takeoff and don't stride out at the plant, plus many more. We look forward to working with as many people from around the state as possible to not only share what we have to offer, but gain from their insights as well. We simply hope you come with an open mind and willingness to evaluate what we have to offer. We will take time to look at how to train effectively for the pole vault. Due to the shortening of Christmas Break for many school districts we will only be running a single 2 day camp combination this winter. The camp will be the 28th and 29th of December. This camp is designed for whom we consider beginning jumpers those jumping under 13' for guys and 10'6" for girls. The camp will run from 8:30 am to 12:00 pm on both days. Also during this camp we will not spend time on proper running mechanics due to time constraints with the shortened camp setting. If you would like to add this element as well we will be putting on a speed clinic as well from roughly 2:00 pm till 5:00. The cost of this clinic is only $25.00. Contact Danny for more information. This winter we are not putting on any camps for jumpers looking for more advanced coaching. This camp is designed with the beginner in mind and will therefore not get into any indepth conversations on advanced technique. Please contact us for more advanced individual instruction. Christmas Break Camps TO BE DETERMINED
TO BE DETERMINED
This camp will take place at the CAT. Feel free to contact Danny if you want any additional information at danny@adtfacademy.com or 616-260-1406. Once again these clinics are limited to 15 and are on a first come first serve basis and are limited. Please remember to fill out the mandatory waiver form please. Danny Wilkerson South Bend Facility Bethel College This facility is located just south of the Michigan border in the town of Mishawaka. We have set up a raised runway provided by Pat O'Keefe that will allow for a runway surface of up to 130 feet. The location is ideal for drill work and short run approaches of 5 to 7 steps. We are also looking at setting up a shorter runway of around 40 feet to be used as overflow for those simply working on drills. This location is mainly done in a club format and under the supervision of an ADTF Academy instructor. On limited basis we will simply allow others to use the facility. Spikes may be worn, but we ask none larger than 1/4 inch and ask to be aware of the gym surface. If we notice anyone not watching out for the surface you will be asked to remove your spikes and will not be allowed to wear them in the future. We also ask that everyone bring a second pair of shoes during the winter months to help keep the gym floor dry and clean. We will be heading indoors approximately mid to late November. Please contact us for more information. South Bend Signup Form Bethel College and ADTF Academy Presents Indoor Pole Vault Clinics and Open Jumps Pole Vault Community: Bethel College would like to extend an offer to local pole vaulters and coaches from the greater Mishawaka area to use our facilities during this upcoming winter period. We recognize the challenges for high school athletes and coaches in finding time and facilities to train their athletes. We will be offering two opportunities to local athletes. ADTF Academy will be offering a winter long training program on Sundays (time to be determined) and potential Tuesday evenings over the course of the winter months through the outdoor season. This winter long clinic will cover the entire vault teaching beginners and novice vaulters the model we have been using to turn out some of the top Michigan High School vaulters in the past few years such as Zach Burrington 16'4 the 2003 State Champ, Joe Wesley 16'10 Michigan State Record Holder, and Katie Shaw 12' the 2005 State Champ plus numerous other local, regional and state champions. The winter long clinic will go into great detail on how and more importantly why the vault works the way it does. We will take time to explain what is occurring in the vault not simply from a visual stand point, but also from a biomechanical point of view. We will try to answer many of the generic statements that are all over the vault world today such as; keep your trail leg back, finish your rock back, stop striding out at the plant, and finally jump at take off. Many of these things are visual correct statements, but why. Our goal is to help increase communication between coaches and athletes. This opportunity also gives local vaulters the opportunity to practice and become comfortable with the sport and demands being asked of them. The setting of the winter clinic will be to provide athletes instruction on different aspects of the vault. We will spend time going over the entire vault then each individual athlete will focus on the area of the vault they need the most work. This process will continue till the start of their seasons so to put every vaulter who takes part in the best position possible to excel once their season begins. So that everyone gets plenty of pit time we have to limit the number of athletes who can take part to around 30 athletes on a first come first serve basis. We will meet Sundays in Goodmen Gymnasium on the campus of Bethel College from 5:15 to 7:00. The first half hour is for warmup and running drills followed by roughly an 1 hour 15 min of pit time. So join the club today. Scholarships are available to those who demonstrate financial need. Please contact Danny Wilkerson for more information on these scholarships and other opportunities that are available to help cover membership dues. Secondly, depending on the numbers who take part in the clinic we may simply open the facility up to local coaches and their athletes to merely use the facility in an open gym setting for a one time insurance fee of $35 and then $15.00 per visit. This is also depending on availability. If our club fills up we will not allow outsiders in to jump. There will be a couple Sundays that we will not be able to open the facility due to National Meets Bethel College athletes will be participating in or outside activities that are going on. Danny Wilkerson ADTF Academy Indoor Vaulting Schedule Cost
ADTF Academy Winter Long Clinic
Athlete: $200.00
$75 discount on 2nd Child
Includes:
Every Sunday 5:00 to 7:00 unless Provided
Club Membership 1 day Camp Fee to Learn the System we Coach Open Gym Setting Fee Athlete:
One time Insurance fee $35.00 plus $15.00 each time you attend
Depending on Availability Call for more information
Winter Pole Vault Camp
Athlete $75.00
The date of this camp in South Bend is yet to be determined. Check back or call for more information. Checks Payable to:
ADTF Academy
311 Rue Flambeau Apt. 509 South Bend, IN 46615
Time Frame To Be Determined
Additionally each athlete will be given a workout routine to following during the week that focuses on core strength, speed and the general conditioning needed to pole vault. Therefore this is a full functional training program with the emphasis on pole vault taking you into your spring season. Kick off Camp: Will be in December date has yet to be determined contact Danny. Remember to fill out the mandatory waiver form prior to attending. Thanks Location:
Bethel College
Goodmen Gymnasium 1001 W. McKinley Ave. Mishawaka, In 46545 Contact Information:
Danny Wilkerson
616-260-1406 danny@adtfacademy.com Poles may be available to borrow (please contact ahead of time) with the understanding that the vaulter is responsible for any damages that may occur. However, we strongly suggest contacting your local coach and securing a pole to use. If you need to purchase a pole for your use we have a great relationship with KP Athletics and strongly suggest that you utilize them for all your pole vault needs. Simply tell them ADTF Academy sent you.
KP Athletics
Contact: Kevin Patterson
Phone: 616-560-7204 Email: KPatter341@aol.com Website: www.grandhavenbeachvault.com South Bend Weekly SignupSouth Bend Facility General Information Winter ScheduleDownloads Advertise With Us!
Do you own a company and would like to advertise on this site or are you willing to provide sponsorship to help us to continue offering vaulters and athletes training opportunities please contact Danny Wilkerson Links
Thank you for your form submission!
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