Summary
Dynamics http://madeinmountains.com/dynamics/
Feet
Angulation http://madeinmountains.com/chiskiing/
Pivot http://madeinmountains.com/pivo/
Posture
Dynamics
Despite both Shane and Ailbhe having some natural dynamics it wasn’t a conscious effort nor was it focused on the centre of mass. The natural dynamics were also hampered with Ailbhe trying to turn her skis with the feet and with Shane trying to push his skis outwards to the side.
The link in the summary above explains the mechanics and the exercises used on the mountain to enable basic dynamics. The key point though is to extend the uphill/outside leg to push the centre of mass into the new turn and then stand solidly on that leg for nearly the whole turn. Remember the inclination is active – it’s not passive “leaning”.
Feet
Ailbhe was twisting her support foot into the turn – instead of rocking the foot onto its inside edge using the subtaler joint (below the ankle and above the heel) and effectively turning the foot away from the turn.
Angulation (hip angulation)
Ailbhe was also deliberately twisting the body into the turn – so we had a look at “angulation” to counter and prevent the rotation. The link above in the summary explains what to do with the hip joint to enable angulation. Shane was also particularly stiff around the hips but we’ll look at that next time.
The angulation also keeps the torso over the fronts of the skis – enabling a more agile turn transition from one direction to the next.
Pivot
The pivot was introduced to show how a turn is more easily initiated from the uphill/outside edge of the uphill ski than from its downhill/inside edge. There is a whole process of developing “pivot” – with demonstrations – accessed from the link given above. The use here was to improve dynamics because this prevents the outside ski being pushed outwards at the turn initiation and obliges the centre of mass to be moved instead. This is why people ski for the most part in a narrow/close stance – it’s actually easier than a wide stance for many things.
Posture
Ailbhe has to correct a hollowed lower back to make sure postural reflexes are protecting her. Both tilting up the pelvis in the front (to neutral pelvis position) and pulling the hip joint of the support leg backwards during the turn both act to engage the postural reflexes.
Ailbhe – carry your forearms horizontal instead of reaching for the ground.
Shane – stop staring at the ground ! Eyes up!
