Albert Popov: GEPA photos
The Far West Improvement Initiative (FWDI), supported by Melissa and Martin Huml, created The Younger Skier’s Information: Fundamentals of Ski Racing to help the event of U14 racers, however luckily, it advantages all ages. Ron LeMaster’s beautiful photographs and movies lead the instructing, with Ron Kipp’s textual content providing priceless help. Ski Racing Media is happy to publish 9 articles highlighting the guide’s key ideas. The idea coated on this, the third within the collection, is flip connection/transition.
The Position of Photomontages
The superb Ron LeMaster photographs intention to immerse athletes within the pictures of ski racers, serving to them internalize the approach via their neuromuscular system. Athletes then replicate the “approach” their coaches educate, aligned with these ideas.
The 9 Important Ideas
Higher Physique Dealing with Downhill
Equal Ankle Flexion
Flip Connection/Transition
Inclination
Angulation
Lengthy Leg/Quick Leg
Stress within the Fall-Line
Edge Angle
Stability Towards the Outdoors Ski
Click on on the picture to enlarge
Flip Connection/Transition
Rationalization:
A flip connection/transition is when one flip is completed and the upcoming flip hasn’t began. At this level, the flip isn’t a proper or left flip. The skis are flat towards the snow and the skier’s middle of mass is between each skis.
Why that is essential:
This linking of turns must be environment friendly. The middle of mass is centered laterally between each skis and longitudinally over the ski boots, permitting the skier choices for the upcoming flip.
Timing:
Going from one set of edges to a brand new set needs to be carried out inside one ski size. Any longer and the optimum line might be compromised. In GS, this might be about one-tenth of a second. With 18 to 19 meters per second speeds, the skier travels a ski size each tenth of a second. If the transition takes two-tenths of a second, the skier may have traveled two ski lengths, taking them off their line.
When:
Between turns. The coach ought to search for how and the place the ski racers have un-edged their skis and begin to reorient or re-edge them.
Exceptions:
The primary and final flip of a race course.
What to search for:
The flip connection/transition ought to occur inside one ski size. Look ahead to lateral and fore/aft actions.
Why:
Resulting from inefficient flip connections, many ski racers can’t keep a desired line.
What transitions seem like if not environment friendly:
A protracted traverse or lifeless spot between turns.
Results of inefficiency:
When the flip takes longer to provoke, the gap to the upcoming gate decreases and the ski racer has much less time to make their flip.
Synonyms:
Swap, Cross-over, Finishiation (slang combining end and initiation)
Drills:
1000 steps, lengthy radius to brief radius turns, persistence turns, persistence activates inside and outdoors skis, transition field drill, blue line drill.
Teaching emphasis:
Whereas getting edge and edge angles is important, it’s simply as essential to effectively un-edge or scale back edge angles.
Speaking factors or cues:
“Make the top of 1 flip the beginning of the brand new flip,” “Start shifting towards the brand new flip instantly after path change,” “Transfer downhill,” “Pull your ft again.”
