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For many skiers, especially those who no longer take lessons, the uncertainty of whether practice is ‘correct’ or not can be difficult to gauge. A good instructor may give ‘tangible’ exercises which are less susceptible to incorrect repetition. Even so, whether it ‘feels right’ or not is completely left to the interpretation of the individual. This is where the SKI COACH helps by taking away the uncertainty with FACT! |
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If you compare the two images on the right you will instantly notice how different they are. Image 2 is leant over in the upper body more than image 1. This is highlighted by the green lines. In Image 2 the whole body is perpendicular to the slope angle whereas in Image 1 the upper body is more vertical than the lower body. Image 2 is a common sight seen on ski slopes around the world and is why the SKI COACH was developed. Image 1 is less common but allows for better skiing. The SKI COACH will help you to develop better body angles such as these. Lower/Upper Body Relationship In Image 2 the skier tips his skis on edge and allows his upper body to tip as well. This is a common mistake and will stop you improving. When you allow the whole body to tip over in this manner excess weight falls easily onto the uphill leg. This will cause the downhill ski to loose its grip and skid making balance difficult. In Image 1 the skier tips his skis on edge but does not allow his upper body to tip. See how the green line is more vertical in the upper body compared to the lower body. ‘Counterbalancing’ in this manner ensures excess weight does not fall onto the uphill leg. The relationship between lower body and upper body is clearly noticeable and allows the skier to perform more effectively. The SKI COACH can be used to help you avoid the mistake of leaning into the hill as demonstrated on the video footage and seen here in Image 2. The feedback received on each turn will enable you to instantly make changes to your skiing that may otherwise be unknown and become badly ingrained. |
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Image 2 |
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The SKI COACH in essence works like a spirit level. Inside the pouch a curved tube holds three ball bearings (Fig.1).
When turning, the ball bearings are pulled from one end of the tube to the other end of the tube as a result of the forces that develop. The only requirement to ensure the balls move is a correctly ‘positioned’ upper body as seen in the video footage and in Image 1.
By subtly counterbalancing whilst turning, the shoulders will remain relatively level to the slope angle as seen in Fig.2. The slight curve built into the tube is not enough resistance to stop the balls from moving as the forces develop, and as such the balls hit the opposite end of the tube with an audible ‘clink’.
If your shoulders do not remain relatively level to the slope angle but stay ‘tipped’ as seen in Image 2 the ball bearings cannot move. This is because the resistance is too great. The curve in the tube and an upper body inclined the opposite way to the direction the balls are trying to move mean the balls don’t move. Skiers who tip their shoulders unknowingly will now know as no audible ‘clink’ will be heard.
The ball bearings movement is dictated by the skier’s position, speed and slope angle. At higher speeds the forces are greater and therefore the balls will move in the tube more quickly. At slower speeds and on shallow slope angles the balls will move more slowly. In some instances one or two balls may only move.
Timing
Your first goal when using the SKI COACH should be to ensure an audible ‘clink’ is heard on all turns. Providing your position over the skis is good you will hear audible feedback from the SKI COACH about 2/3 of the way around each turn. Inconsistent ‘clinks’ late ‘clinks’ (see below) or no ‘clinks’ indicate more practice at counterbalancing is required.
The SKI COACH DVD that comes with our product will help you to become more accomplished at counterbalancing.
Early Feedback
When using the SKI COACH for the first time be careful to avoid deliberately ‘moving’ your shoulders to make the SKI COACH ‘clink’. If you hear the SKI COACH ‘clink’ in the first 1/3 of the turn there is a good chance that some ‘exaggerated’ movement of the shoulders has taken place. One could argue this is not a bad thing especially on steeper slopes as it commits early counterbalancing to take place.
One of the hardest things to teach in skiing is to get skiers to be more committed to the downhill ski. This is especially true for people who tend to be a little bit cautious or scared. Whilst an early clink can be extremely useful and will help people be more ‘committed’ to the downhill ski sooner, it can also cause excessive upper body movement in the process.
Unless you are skiing with a proficient skier or instructor who can help, try to avoid deliberately moving the shoulders to make the SKI COACH clink early in the turn. Focus on tipping the feet and let the upper body naturally counterbalance. This will ensure that the forces pull the balls to the opposite end of the tube as opposed to you deliberately moving them with your shoulders.
Late Feedback
If you hear an audible clink right at the end of your turns (except short radius where it will be near turn completion) this is an indicator that your upper body position over the skis is not quite optimal. In other words your upper body is slightly leant in towards the hill.
Aim to counterbalance a little earlier in the turn and you will find your balance and skiing are more solid as a result. The exercise which I demonstrate on the SKI COACH DVD will help you to counterbalance better and a little earlier in the turn.
Developing Symmetry in Your Skiing
Regardless of how proficient you are the SKI COACH is a great tool for developing symmetry in your skiing. Listening to your skiing is a cool way to tune into your upper body’s subtle counterbalancing movements. The SKI COACH may help you to identify a ‘weaker’ side or it just might help you to be more committed especially on the steeps.
If you have access to a video camera ski with a friend and do some ‘before’ and ‘after’ footage and make a comparison. If you are comfortable filming whilst skiing follow each other and video the balls moving backwards and forwards (You will need to open the flap) as seen on this website.
© 2005 'SKI COACH' and 'Stay on Track' are trademarks of CHRIS BRAISBY. |
Patent Pending |