Coaches

Challenge -​ What kid doesn’t like to hit the lip next to a lift tower? Use it to your advantage by challenging your athletes to maintain balance in motion and to learn how to use pressure to carve the ski.

Equipment -​ Skis-Boots-Poles

Terrain - ​Any jump will do i.e. lip next to a lift tower, terrain park jump, snow making roller, etc.

Safety Set Up - Like any cross-hill drill, be mindful of uphill traffic to avoid collisions. Choose a quiet time of day, ensure there is good visibility, and perhaps designate a spotter who alerts athletes for when it is safe to go.

Execution -​ Skier hits jump and must land on two edges, carving the skis in a traverse that brings them up hill following the arc of their ski.

Cues – Bust your buckles, drive through your boots, or any cue that helps athletes maintain ankle flexion/drive COM forward.

Challenge – perform linked dynamic wedge turns

Goal – show balanced stance, pressure and edge control and steering

Equipment – Skis – Boots – poles

Terrain – groomed easy terrain enough pitch to be able to facilitate movement

Execution

• Skier starts making linked dynamic wedge turns at moderate speed and medium radius turns

• Skier should be able to link 8-10 turns maintaining consistent speed and radius

• At the initiation of each turn there is a slight extension of the outside leg as the ski is STEERED into the turn.

• Weight is then transferred to the outside ski, maintaining a consistent wedge shape

Challenge - Appropriate Rotary Movements

Goal - To pivot skis using leg rotation primarily at the femur/hip joint

Equipment - Skis-Boots-Poles