Video: First clip – fastest timed descent – tight course to force turning and projection into the turn on the steep. Remaining clips all regarding skating with the outside ski – from the uphill edge initially.
Control of Rotation
The main session was about consolidating the passage of the body over the downhill ski into the next turn early. Work was done on improving angulation (counter rotating the pelvis) – making sure Alex was aware of the postural (protective) reflex (lower abdomen) this achieves when executed correctly. The main aim of developing this is to prevent upper body rotation which then allows better pressure control on the fronts of the skis (body held well to the inside of the turn) and a clean linear passage of the centre of mass downhill into the next turn (often with a rebound).
Get to the Finish!
Other than when experimenting with technique every run must be an all out effort to battle through to the finish line. Come out the course then remain out of the course – don’t go back in. Do corrective exercises down the adjacent lane. If mistakes are made fight to save the run – avoid developing the habit of casually bailing out.
Skating (“foot forward” – more than just leg extension!)
Skating creates hip angulation!
Skating initially separates the trajectory of the ski from the trajectory of the centre of mass – generating greater dynamics (accelerations).
Skating puts the skier more specifically on ONE ski – so when carving it can bend and turn better.
Skating from the uphill edge of the uphill ski during the turn completion creates early pressure and because it is higher on the mountain than the downhill ski the centre of mass finds itself immediately already downhill and engaged in the next turn. (Timed to take over early from the “lifting up” power of the lower ski when crossing over it)
Imagine facing downhill and literally skating as fast as possible downhill – that’s the mental image at the start of the turn. Rotation kills the skate because the upper body must face away from the skating ski.
Old Poles are Junk
About 10 poles were smashed to bits today – all old plastic. I’m sure they were happy going out in action instead of just fading away.
All today’s video…