I was hoping for a few pointers on how to improve my skiing technique... A friend video'd me at Hemel Hempstead a week or so ago and it looks to me like I need to focus on putting weight over the outside ski.
This was my first time back on the snow in 2 years so I was taking it a little slow when the video was taken, but I was trying to focus on technique.
@davidmt83, David, in the first instance I would look at your stance and balance on the skis. At 21 seconds it's easy to see that you are very much in the backseat. Your ankles are rigid and you're weight is behind your heels. Try flexing the ankles, knees and hips rather than just the knees and hips. Get your hands forward a bit and try to relax. So many of issues you are facing emanate from being out of balance. There is a lot more going on as well, however.
I would strongly suggest that you take a few lessons. Without wishing to sound harsh, it's difficult at this level of skiing to self teach; in fact almost impossible as you don't get appropriate feedback to be able to make changes. All the drills and ideas in the world aren't going to make much difference if you can't visualise accurately how it looks and feels. This is why I haven't contributed earlier. This may sound like a cop out but honestly it will be worth it in the long run.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Good luck by the way and with a good bit of work and some good advice, high level skiing is not beyond you.
davidmt83
davidmt83 Guest
@Ade57, Thanks - I think I'll head over to MK and sign up for...
Lesson 5
This lesson is ideal for someone who wants to improve their technique or who wants a refresher after taking a break from the sport. This is the perfect session for developing your coordination and rhythm, introducing parallel turns in skiing and consolidating turns in snowboarding. Once you feel confident we would recommend taking part in one of our coaching sessions to develop your skills even further
Then you can post your own questions or snow reports...
Then you can post your own questions or snow reports...
Start with the Intermediate ones (video lessons 3 and 4).
After all it is free
After all it is free
@davidmt83, Watch the Warren Smith DVD's (4 of them), I found them helpful (albeit really boring). Personally I dont go along with the argument that says go to UK fridges and get lessons (theyre too short a descent to be useful IMO unless you are practicing slalom or short radius turns etc when they are OK)...... I'd suggest getting out to the Alps and having a weeks intensive 1:1 with a ski teacher initially for 2 -3 days followed by a day skiing and aiming to practice what you've learnt, then another day with the teacher and so on. Repeat this for 2-3 weeks and you'll get it and advance quicker IMO. Like most things if you are going to improve quickly it costs money to get the tuition. I personally dont like ski schools where there's 8-10 people snaking along, unless you are 1-2 behind the teacher its a waste of time.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
@davidmt83, if Hemel is close by then some fellow snowheads run a series of lessons/clinics which seem to get very well received by folk that have been on them
Start with the Intermediate ones (video lessons 3 and 4).
So Good I'm off to buy his apps. Very clear lessons.
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
Here's my two penneth's worth.... Get thee to the Alps with friends or family or both. Day 1 toodle about and have a laugh and get used to your equipment. Day 2 share a private lesson with one or two others . Day 3 to 6 continue toodling, putting what you learned into practice, push your boundaries and have as many laughs and as much fun as you can! Something I do is watch others around me and try and copy the people who obviously know what they're doing.
I'm out in les Arc in January too so if you see someone wiping out, turning themselves into a human snowball whilst laughing insanely and singing from the Frozen songbook in a northern accent, say Hi!
So if you're just off somewhere snowy come back and post a snow report of your own and we'll all love you very much
So if you're just off somewhere snowy come back and post a snow report of your own and we'll all love you very much
Graham - this Frozen singing thing - are you going to do this while we're skiing together?
You know it makes sense.
You know it makes sense.
@davidmt83, Well done for posting the vid. Ask your instructor about an "Athletic Posture" you'll then be in a better position to develope your skills
Be really really disciplined with yourself & this will fix most of your problems and set you on the right path.
Good luck
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Try not to bend at waist as it blocks your leg movement and sends you weight back, flex ankles more and also get shorter ski poles. But overall for 3 weeks it's not too bad.
davidmt83
davidmt83 Guest
It's painful to watch this video now Back from a 2 hour lesson at MK today which was really good!
Mental notes taken. I know some of these are very much aimed for the level of the skiier I am but here's what I learnt... Made so much of a difference it's untrue.
1. POSTURE - hips, ankles, head forward over the skis. Crouch a little to absorb bumps, not much.
2. HANDS - constantly reassess hands. Need to be forward and wipe apart, out from your body
3. FOR-AGONAL CROSSOVER - hips forward / diagonal, when starting a turn. When moving into next turn CROSSOVER your hips i.e. move them sideways to transfer weight to bottom ski.
4. INSIDE BALL OF FEET - on the bottom ski, where the weight is, balance on the INSIDE of the foot, on the BALL of the foot
5. TURNS - always finish turns. Start a turn with gentle pressure and INCREASE towards the end of a turn. Then CROSSOVER hips and link next turn.
6. ANGLE - at the start of a turn, top ski should be a little ahead of bottom ski creating an angle which your hips and shoulders should follow.
FAQ
davidmt83
Someone surely has something to say, even get a better jacket!
Back from a 2 hour lesson at MK today which was really good!
