Pole Plant

The pole plant is the transition of the pole from pole carry position into position for the free takeoff.

It begins at the same moment as the free pole drop, and ends when the takeoff foot touches the ground — the same moment that marks the final plant position.

It has two objectives. First, not to interfere with run up acceleration by avoiding the leverage turnover forces that occur when the pole’s descent is not free. Second, to reach the final plant position — the position that allows the free jump to be completed without pole resistance.

Although the plant and the free pole drop begin at the same moment, they do not necessarily end together. The free pole drop ends when the pole tip reaches the ground, which can happen before or after the takeoff foot does. The plant continues until the takeoff foot touches down, regardless of when the pole tip arrives.