Those of us that love to ski or snowboard or bike most likely love the personal challenges and rewards to follow. Balance combined with motion combined with varied terrain is an inexhaustible and forever, never, boring personal challenge.
The complexities of this trio leaves for much to learn and much to strive for, and much to experiment with. As we Adrenalin Junkies are true adventurists in every sense of the word.
When we first hit the snow we have to find that sweet spot. Well here is a great avenue for Intermediate to advanced skiers.
We strive to get our legs “back under us” in the beginning of the season and even throughout the year as we challenge ourselves on easy and then on harder terrain.
“Drill for a skill” for the early season tune up or late in the season adjustment.
Unbuckle your boots. The top buckle and the ones overtop the foot. Most boots have 4 buckles these days. The one at the base of your ankle leave locked to start. Now in a standing position flex your ankle closed, or forward and down.
For advanced skiers or trainers and coaches, have your students try unbuckling them all as an advanced drill or as a progression. For beginners, do not unbuckle the boots, and for Intermediate to advanced intermediates just loosen the buckles. Use your best judgement to maintain control. Select appropriate terrain. Any drill for a skill requires a judgement call, so “safety comes first” and should always be considered by the individual prior to attempting a training drill. It’s their/your decision.
Feel that range of motion... Now start making some turns. Become aware of the pressure points in the shin and the base of your foot. Do you feel the inside front or the back, of the boot, at the cuff? The base at the toe or the heel? What’s happening with your skis and your turn shape? Do your ski’s ever wag like a dogs tail.
Your goal is to maintain forward pressure with the shin applying and maintaining contact with the inside front portion of our boot cuff. This is achieved by the closing and opening or flexing of the ankle joint. The open boot will allow you to maintain more flex and discover your range of motion. It will also tell you when your inaccuracies occur. Hmmmm.... try shorties.
Feel free to sign up for a lesson to really hone in on this skills at your local mountain. There’s much to learn and much to discover in skiing and snowboarding. It is an adventure!!! I’ll see you out there!!!! In the cold, the rain, the blizzard... as long as we are out there. Let’s hit it!!
“Drill for a skill” for the early season tune up or late in the season adjustment.
Unbuckle your boots. The top buckle and the ones overtop the foot. Most boots have 4 buckles these days. The one at the base of your ankle leave locked to start. Now in a standing position flex your ankle closed, or forward and down.
For advanced skiers or trainers and coaches, have your students try unbuckling them all as an advanced drill or as a progression. For beginners, do not unbuckle the boots, and for Intermediate to advanced intermediates just loosen the buckles. Use your best judgement to maintain control. Select appropriate terrain. Any drill for a skill requires a judgement call, so “safety comes first” and should always be considered by the individual prior to attempting a training drill. It’s their/your decision.
Feel that range of motion... Now start making some turns. Become aware of the pressure points in the shin and the base of your foot. Do you feel the inside front or the back, of the boot, at the cuff? The base at the toe or the heel? What’s happening with your skis and your turn shape? Do your ski’s ever wag like a dogs tail.
Your goal is to maintain forward pressure with the shin applying and maintaining contact with the inside front portion of our boot cuff. This is achieved by the closing and opening or flexing of the ankle joint. The open boot will allow you to maintain more flex and discover your range of motion. It will also tell you when your inaccuracies occur. Hmmmm.... try shorties.
Feel free to sign up for a lesson to really hone in on this skills at your local mountain. There’s much to learn and much to discover in skiing and snowboarding. It is an adventure!!! I’ll see you out there!!!! In the cold, the rain, the blizzard... as long as we are out there. Let’s hit it!!
— Rochelle Makoby/Vergalito
PSIA Certified Ski Instructor, Elk Mountain
& CEO of www.GottaGetGear.Pro
© 2011 GottaGetGear.Pro. All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.