D-B1: Shuffle Turns
Highlighted Skill: Balance
This drill is a great way for the skier to explore and develop sensations that relate to the constantly changing conditions that challenge a balanced stance. While other skills are present in this drill, our focus is to coach and explore ways to improve balance and stance throughout the day.
Progression:
· Start by simply shuffling the feet and skis in place.
·Safely shuffle across the hill in a shallow fall line.
·Gradually increase the difficulty by introducing turn shape to the shuffle.
·Once the group has demonstrated the ability to perform task, choose terrain suitable for the group and ski it.
Coaching Points:
·While safety is always our main concern, demonstrate short and long shuffling movements.
·Fast and slow.
·Shuffle forward while skiing downhill.
·Shuffle backwards while skiing downhill. (Pull legs back, uphill).
·Large & small turns.
·Narrow and wide stance.
·Ask students what makes tasks easier, harder.
·Find fun terrain and different snow conditions to ski.
·Remind students to look ahead, not at their feet or skis.
·After lunch, bring it back to regular skiing. Explore best balance and stance options learned from drill. Have fun!
WTLF:
A common issue with this drill is the student stops shuffling the feet while starting and continuing through the turn. Then continues to shuffle and traverse across the hill. It’s difficult to shuffle and change direction when the hips are behind the base of support.