falling pole direction

[smck]

This may be a stupid question but in which direction does the pole go during the fly away phase? I've been watching some videos and it seems there is a conflict in technique: some people push the pole away and others pull it under the bar. Does it make a difference?

[Powervaulter]

The direction that the pole falls depends on what you do as you let go of the pole. For beginner vaulters jumping with a pole that will know down the bar need to push the pole back in order to have a succesful clearance. Once you're jumping higher than your pole will reach, I don't think many guys give it a lot of thought. If you were perfectly in line with the pole and were pushing straight down the pole at the top of the jump, it should fall under the bar. However, if you let go early, or a little off-centre, it can be different. I wouldn't say that it is of significant importance, but that's just me.