HelluvaSkier wrote:
The cornerstone of good instruction, regardless of where it comes from, is not about teaching everything. Rather, it is about teaching the right things and combining them into a full package that does not include excess, or confusing/conflicting instructions. Individually, most drills and movements don't mean a lot, but how you select certain ones and put them into a finished product is what really matters when you're talking about repeatability in developing skiers/athletes as a coach.
I see very few skiers in a season who are balanced laterally... even fewer who are truly balanced fore/aft. Both can be counted on one hand.
I am totally in agreement with Greg's thinking. Fore/Aft balance, especially, will be the focal point of my skiing this season, as, viewing photo's from past season, it's clear that I am in the dreaded backseat. We have had some discussions about fore/aft when pic's or video have been posted, but, rarely discuss how to get it right. It's called the "backseat" and that translates as a slur on the individual, which is contrary to the intent of good feedback regarding technique. The "backseat" is the dreaded default positon and needs good coaching to get rid of it.
For me, the hips have to get much more forward and over my feet. To this end, I've been working on the series of PMTS dryland tipping board drills that Harald developed this season and shared via Youtube. I started into these exercises just to develop tipping, but, as I do them in front of a full mirror, it was obvious my posture was poor. So, I'm hoping to get a "two for one" benefit from these dryland exercises. Check out the below link for the exercises.
http://harbskisystems.com/web-lessons/slant-board-training/segments-03-04.html?m_id=&cd=32&hyb=1&menu_id=74I am a little surprised by Helluva's statement that lateral ( side to side ) balance is poor. How is lateral balance defined? PSIA friends coach shared balance between two feet, PMTS commits all weight to a single ski, except in transitions. There also the natural ability to remain in balance, and, most would agree that any exercise that challanges the body to be in balance is beneficial to skiing. Bush makes a strong argument that mountain biking has great carry over benefit to skiing, I would concur.
So, as the season approaches, ( I been shut out due to warm weather ), let's have a discussion about improving balance.
Thoughts?