U12 and under athletes are the core of NYSSRA development
The age where exploration and acquisition for skill is a primary goal. The journey starts here for the foundational skills that will support all growth to build on: all mountain skiing, directed all mountain skiing, skill challenges, terrain based teaching, duals, skier X, and sectional environments, are all part of the palette that combine to create a fun, progressive, educational platform.
U10 / U12/U14 athletes develop and compete in six councils throughout most of the season.
Council and Club Affiliation
Athletes in the U10, U12, and some U14 categories develop their skills and compete within six councils throughout the season. Information about council and club affiliations can be found under the Club tab on the NYSSRA website. Each council organizes skill development projects that blend training with competition. Additionally, there are extra projects and post-season skiing opportunities. NYSSRA also hosts a Kandahar Festival for U10/U12 athletes, held in three geographic locations: East, Central, and West. These events, scheduled for March, are two-day festivals that combine skill development with racing in a fun and festive atmosphere.
Only U12 athletes will have a Kandahar Championships event after Kandahar Festivals. This event is open to all U12's (both first and second year). This will be a two-day event with race and additional skills.
The last project for the U12 age group is the Performance series. This is a SL focused event with progressions in and out of tall pole SL. Athletes experience environments that take a sharp aim on short radius turn shape, athleticism, adaptation, pole usage, clearing technique.
NYSSRA will also be running projects during the season including early fundamental projects and mid-season projects within each council, focusing on skill development and athleticism, adaptability, and attitude.
Simple goals for athletes moving up to U14
(Key Performance Markers-KPM):
Basic position
- Boots that fit properly and flex for athletes weight
- Solid dynamic stance- Flexed ankle, knee, hip, a rounded spine, hands and elbows in front of torso, eyes up and forward
- Lower leg activation, fore-aft, laterally, extension/ flexion, rotational.
- Long leg short leg
- Pole usage
Pole usage
These are just some simple skills that we can challenge the athletes to attain. Development in all areas of the sport is still a priority and a few performance markers can help with overall picture.
LUCA 's WINNING RUN
U8 - Giant Slalom Int. Kids Trophy Zauchensee