Leon Group (minus Ben’s head) – Pivot Day

I’m not going to write a whole lot about the pivot because it’s already clearly documented here: PIVOT

This “Pivot” is in effect an exercise only – it’s precise training in swinging the ski laterally into a “breaking” turn – skis always being on their uphill edges.

The centre of mass in now controlled by using the ski pole for support – but the centre of mass itself controls the pivot. (This is what the poles are really for). Pivot is about having the skis travelling sideways – so the pole provides the support instead of the “lifting up ” effect from a forward running ski.

The main purpose of this exercise today was to make everyone aware that a ski responds even better to the motion of the centre of mass with respect to the ski being on its uphill edge – rather than on its downhill, inside edge – where ease of entry into a turn at controlled speed is concerned.

Joystick (centre of mass) control over simple side slipping was used to demonstrate the sensitivity of the sideways travelling skis to the motion (or placement) of the centre of mass.

Our final goal was to be able to initiate the dynamics to start a turn while using the outside edge of the uphill ski to get an earlier and more secure thrust and skating action.

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