Repost of "Slope8 滑雪技術討論 3 (pole plant)"

[Mike]

When one progresses from wedge turns to parallel turns, it is important to learn to use the poles. You will become a much better skier if you use the poles correctly.

Pole plant is much more important than most beginner skiers think, and there is much misconception about its purpose and how it is done properly.

If necessary, first review the previous topic: Slope8 滑雪技術討論 2 (parallel turns)

In short, there should be NO shoulder or hip rotation in starting a turn. Smooth up and down motion in every turn by bending and extending ankles and knees. Steer (pivot & edge) with feet and legs.

Pole planting will facilitate the up and down motion, stabilize the upper body (from rotation), and it is a timing device (it also creates the necessary body angulation and ski edge angles in the steeps).

http://www.slope8.com/jn/PolePlant.m1v (Posted earlier)

http://www.slope8.com/jn/parallelPolePlant.m1v (New)

http://www.slope8.com/jn/PolePlantMogul.avi (New)


All swinging movement of the poles comes from the WRIST.

Plant the pole at the end of a turn when the body is at the lowest point or just as when you are rising. Swinging the basket of the pole forward with the wrist, and ‘touch’ the pole tip lightly in the snow (more SOLID pole plant is needed in Short turns and Moguls).

Do NOT over swing your pole and then pull it back to plant.

Some people are confused in the sequence of events and the timing. It is not like rowing a boat (paddle the oar and the boat turns at the same time). Turning happens after pole plant and extension of legs.

Some people are also confused as to which pole to plant:
Plant the right pole and THEN turn right; plant the left pole and THEN turn left.

Begin swinging the other pole as soon as you start the new turn. You can think of matching the movement of the pole tips or baskets to your turning skis.

Watch the video clips repeatedly (download, and set to ‘REPEAT’), and notice all the points mentioned.

And the following comments from George Bertram:
Pole planting is important in certain situations. If you have been watching the Olympic skiers none will pole plant except those in the bump competitions.

This would suggest that pole planting is not always necessary. In the PSIA cert 3 exams pole planting is not required when performing meduim radius carved turns - this is because they are simply aren't necessary. With NZSIA full certification, the pole plant is not necessary in some types of short radius turns. If you watch slalom skiers they are not pole planting. Poles however do aid us in our balance.

We use poles mainly to stablise the upper body, and for timing and coordination. The stablising factor is particularly important on steep terrain, and in the bumps, where they can even act as a rotary mechanism in a recovery turn.

The pole should be swing by movement from the wrist and swung down the hill - not in the same tradgectory as the turn.

The timing of the pole swing is something only instructor aspire to perfect as they are examined on this aspect. The movement of a perfect swing should be in harmony with the turn shape

[Mike]

[skier]

On modern slalom racing, the poles are used to 'knock down' the collapsible gates and no time to pole plant between the tight gates. And also may not be necessary in medium and large carved turns.

However in general, for recreational skiing, pole plant is helpful, if not absolute 'necessary', especially in steep, powder, and moguls.....

I think this is a better video on pole planting by Bode Miller:

and this one on short turns:

[Mike]

[Mike]

[Mike]

Harald Harb instruction on pole plant

[Mike]

Here is a PSIA video on hand position:

The two biggest elements for improvement in skiing are:
1) look where you are going, and
2) keep your hands up and forward at all times (hand discipline).
All good skiers look ahead and have their hands ready to go.

[Mike]

Another video on pole plant :

http://vimeo.com/15862085