D-R2: Hop Turns
Highlighted Skill: Rotary
Hop Turns require a good base of support, engaging the ankles and knees effectively to lift both skis off the ground simultaneously. Managing pressure and edge set on landing are needed to maintain good body position over the feet. While the skis are off the snow, powerful and skillful rotary input is needed to change ski direction. Today our main focus is on the Rotary component of this drill.
Progression:
· Start with hop turns in just boots on the flats.
· Emphasize turning the legs in the hip sockets, maintaining a disciplined upper body in the fall line.
· Add pole touch.
· Allow plenty of time for a rhythm to be displayed before adding the skis.
· Move to slight or moderate pitch. A goal of ten to fifteen hops turns should be set.
· After lunch, ski and highlight the rotary sensations found in the drill.
WTLF:
· When the up movement is not coming from the ankles first, or the student is attempting to hop from a place other than from the base of support, there usually is a deep knee bend and or a fold at the waist to hop off the ground.