Scott, D., Scott, L. M., & Goldwater, B. (1997).
A performance improvement program for an international-level track and field athlete.
Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis,
30, 573-575.
This study outlined the development, implementation, and
evaluation of an intervention strategy that was designed to
improve the technical skill and performance of an
international-level pole vaulter. Intervention, in the form of a
prompting and shaping procedure, consisted of breaking a
photoelectric beam with the hands at the moment of take-off. The
height of the beam was gradually increased until the vaulter
reached maximum arm extension at take-off. Increase in arm
extension was matched by an increase in bar height clearance.
DESCRIPTORS: pole vault, take-off, photoelectric beam, prompting,
shaping