Today, we'll cover:
1. The Value Of Fore Aft
2. What Is Fore / Aft Balance?
3. How To Maximize Your Fore / Aft
4. Fore / Aft Balance Exercises
OK, let's get started:
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The Value Of Fore / Aft
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The difference between a mere mortal skier and Harald Harb is that Harald has amazing fore / aft balance that is rarely threatened.
The only time his fore / aft balance is in question is day one, run one of the season.
After that, his fore / aft balance runs via his ‘World Cup Fore / Aft Autopilot Skiing Management’ system.
Harald skiing in full flight is pure poetry because he demonstrates world class fore / aft balance, before he makes any other skiing movement!For everyone else…
It’s been my experience that when skiers turn up to ski camp - only one in 20 demonstrated ideal fore / aft balance. And that’s being generous!
And here is the ‘insane part’…
If your fore / aft balance is off even by an inch or a few centimeters skiing becomes 2, 5, 10 times harder than it needs to be.
Here is what I mean…
You can quickly and easily turn any run into a much steeper run that burns your thighs and limits your skiing performance.
Simply ski down any hill in the back seat. By the back seat I mean…
Have you feet in front of your hips.I’ll explain skiing fore / aft positions in just a few moments, but right now…
The good news is…Fore / aft is easy to master – and it only takes a few sessions.
Plus… If you are and inch or even up to five inches out, that means you don’t have to move things too far or a lot of distance to fix things and have you skiing with ideal fore / aft and maximizing your performance and time on the slope.
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What Is Fore / Aft Balance?
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Your fore / aft position is dictated by the relationship between your feet and your hips.
I coach the relationship this way…
When standing on the flat your feet are under your hips.
I call this neutral.
If you pull your heels back so your feet are behind your hips,
I call this skiing in the front quadrant.
Hips ahead of your feet – AS A RESULT OF YOU PULLING THEM BACK.
This distinction is extremely important.If you push your feet forward in front of your hips, I call this skiing in the back quadrant. Skiing in the back seat.
And is the curse of most skiers wondering why their legs hurt so much at the end of the day, this is a major reason why!
What you may or may not surprise you is that very few skies EVER get to experience the power, joy and excitement of carving their ski turns by skiing in the front quadrant. Especially starting their turns this way on the groomed.
As most skiers bounce between skiing in neutral and in the back quadrant.Why?Fear.So because it’s fearful and unfamiliar, our brain sets up a back seat / skiing back quadrant comfort zone for us to burn up our thighs through!
It’s our brain’s way of trying to help, but skiing in the back quadrant in most conditions is very inefficient and tiring, especially if trying to ski the High C part of the turn on groomed terrain – which I’ll explain why next.
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How To Maximize Your Fore / Aft
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So what is ideal fore / aft balance?
Standing in the lift queue…
It’s easy standing stationery on the flat. The ideal fore / aft position is when your feet are below your hips.Starting a turn…
On groomed terrain, I start every turn with my feet back behind my hips.
Skiing the front quadrant.Middle of the turn…Feet under my hips. Neutral.
End of the turn…Feet under my hips. Neutral
This way I never get as tired, as I would if I let my feet get ahead of my hips.
Note: I wouldn’t and don’t recommend skiing with your feet behind your hips at the start of the turn in some variable conditions like chopped up powder or crud, as you need a ‘buffer’ just incase you feet suddenly decelerate.
Otherwise you’ll go over the handlebars.
If you want to see an action photo of this at the end of the turn in the race course, visit http://www.peak-performance-coaching.com.au/about.html and scroll down to the bottom of the page.
My feet are under me at the end of the turn and my next move will be pulling my feet back behind my hips and inch or two, possibly three to begin the next turn.Plus check out my chicken legs, so I can’t afford to ski any other way but neutral or from the front quadrant, which is even more crucial at this podium setting speed!
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Fore / Aft Balance Exercises
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All the fore / aft exercises in Harlad’s book “The Essentials Of Skiing” are excellent.Once you have gone through these and to get used to sensation of skiing with your feet behind your hips.
Try making complete turns on green terrain while skiing only on the front half of the ski.
This means the back part of the skis are in the air for the whole turn.
Make sure you achieve this by pulling your feet back and not any other type of movement.
Caution: Pick ideal consistent snow conditions for this exercise. Otherwise you may lose your balance forward – over the handlebars! Ouch!!
Remember you may only need to adjust you natural comfort fore / aft balance zone by less than a few inches and the results and instant feedback you’ll get will be amazing.
So go for it and let me know how you go!
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Latest Non Skiing Coaching Offer
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Article brought to you by ex-ski coach now peak performance life coach Peter Stone from http://www.peak-performance-coaching.com.au/. Visit us for free resources on how to live a rich and fulfilling life with all the energy, time and money you need to do what you want!
Monday, January 26, 2009
How To Train Your Ski Brain Or Go Insane!
Last month we looked at the five games of skiing.
The Ski Fit Game
The Ski Equipment Game
The Ski Movement & Understanding Game
The Mind Game
The Ski Movement Mastery Game
And the most questions, comments and feedback I received after last months eZine was about
The Mind Game.
So, as per my promise last month, let's look at what you asked for most, by finding a few tips for the mind game, so we can smooth our way to better skiing.
The trick in training your ski brain is to first understand how it works.
Your ski brain is there to protect you. Would you be surprised to learn that the number one thing that holds skiers back after they are fit, focused and know what they are doing is what happens upstairs between the ears!
I doubt this would surprise you as we see it every day on the ski hill.
You may have experienced this yourself. I know I do from time to time. The reason for this is because...
Your ski brain has two modes.
One mode looks for all the problems, dangers and disasters that lie ahead. The protection mode, which taken to extreme becomes the ‘Scaredy Cat' mode.
The other mode looks for all the ways you can have fun, enjoy and succeed down the hill.
The fun mode is the ‘Cool Cat' mode taken to extreme is the ‘Evil Knievel” (not recommended) mode.
Step one: Is to recognize which mode your brain is in?
Step two: Is to get out of ‘scaredy cat' mode and into ‘cool cat' mode.
Why is it so important to get out of ‘Scaredy Cat' mode?
Because being aware and taking a glance at the risks is common sense, but stay in ‘scaredy cat' mode and the ‘risks and dangers' become bigger than they really are, which is disastrous for your skiing.
The reason why seeing too much danger and risk is so detrimental to your ability to become a better skier is because the negative thoughts move from the brain into the body and all of a sudden a new skier, the ‘scaredy cat', who locks your skiing muscles with fear moves into your body.
And that spells disaster for your skiing performance.
Why?
I hope you know by now that to ski better requires more movement, not less.
So if you allow a ‘scaredy cat' skier to move into your body then with locked muscles then its GAME OVER!
So who will take your skiing to the next level?
You guessed it. ‘Cool cat'. Confident ‘cool cat' (mode two) is the skier you want to move in to your body from your brain. Because the ‘cool cat' skier skis with unlocked muscles that move through a full range of motion.
Skiing ‘cool cat' is the way you'll be in great shape to ski well by absorbing terrain, counter balancing, tipping the free foot over to the little toe side even more than they you done in the past.
Skiing with the ‘cool cat' skier inside you will greatly improve your chances of becoming a better skier.
How to get out of ‘scaredy cat' mode?
Tip 1:
One of our young, very talented ski campers and Harb Graduate from last season at Fernie shared some advice with me.
I ran into Evan with Dad Shawn and brother Hugh, also very talented skiers, for a coffee last month in Sydney.
“How was your week in Whistler after Fernie,” I asked. “Great said Evan, it all came together for me,” he explained. “What made the difference,” I asked and always ask as I learnt this from Harald! “I started skiing really well once I stopped worrying about hurting myself,” Evan explained. “Interesting, can I used that in the next eZine,” I enquired. “Sure”.
So take Evan's advice next time you go skiing.
Focus on the fun stuff and let the ‘cool cat' skier move into your body. Favorable results will be instantaneous.
Tip 2:
Another way to move ‘scaredy cat' out and the ‘cool cat' in is to take on the form of ‘cool cat' before you start skiing down the slope.
Ask yourself how would ‘cool cat' stand?
How would ‘cool cat' breath?
What facial expression would ‘cool cat' have?
As I bet ‘cool cat' would be standing tall and confident, breathing deeply with authority and with a confident expression on their face.
Tip 3:
Find and study a ‘cool cat' role model and imitate.
Let me know how you go, all you ‘cool cats' out there!
Article brought to you by ex-ski coach now peak performance life coach Peter Stone from www.peak-performance-coaching.com.au. Visit us for free resources on how to live a rich and fulfilling life with all the energy, time and money you need to do what you want!
The Ski Fit Game
The Ski Equipment Game
The Ski Movement & Understanding Game
The Mind Game
The Ski Movement Mastery Game
And the most questions, comments and feedback I received after last months eZine was about
The Mind Game.
So, as per my promise last month, let's look at what you asked for most, by finding a few tips for the mind game, so we can smooth our way to better skiing.
The trick in training your ski brain is to first understand how it works.
Your ski brain is there to protect you. Would you be surprised to learn that the number one thing that holds skiers back after they are fit, focused and know what they are doing is what happens upstairs between the ears!
I doubt this would surprise you as we see it every day on the ski hill.
You may have experienced this yourself. I know I do from time to time. The reason for this is because...
Your ski brain has two modes.
One mode looks for all the problems, dangers and disasters that lie ahead. The protection mode, which taken to extreme becomes the ‘Scaredy Cat' mode.
The other mode looks for all the ways you can have fun, enjoy and succeed down the hill.
The fun mode is the ‘Cool Cat' mode taken to extreme is the ‘Evil Knievel” (not recommended) mode.
Step one: Is to recognize which mode your brain is in?
Step two: Is to get out of ‘scaredy cat' mode and into ‘cool cat' mode.
Why is it so important to get out of ‘Scaredy Cat' mode?
Because being aware and taking a glance at the risks is common sense, but stay in ‘scaredy cat' mode and the ‘risks and dangers' become bigger than they really are, which is disastrous for your skiing.
The reason why seeing too much danger and risk is so detrimental to your ability to become a better skier is because the negative thoughts move from the brain into the body and all of a sudden a new skier, the ‘scaredy cat', who locks your skiing muscles with fear moves into your body.
And that spells disaster for your skiing performance.
Why?
I hope you know by now that to ski better requires more movement, not less.
So if you allow a ‘scaredy cat' skier to move into your body then with locked muscles then its GAME OVER!
So who will take your skiing to the next level?
You guessed it. ‘Cool cat'. Confident ‘cool cat' (mode two) is the skier you want to move in to your body from your brain. Because the ‘cool cat' skier skis with unlocked muscles that move through a full range of motion.
Skiing ‘cool cat' is the way you'll be in great shape to ski well by absorbing terrain, counter balancing, tipping the free foot over to the little toe side even more than they you done in the past.
Skiing with the ‘cool cat' skier inside you will greatly improve your chances of becoming a better skier.
How to get out of ‘scaredy cat' mode?
Tip 1:
One of our young, very talented ski campers and Harb Graduate from last season at Fernie shared some advice with me.
I ran into Evan with Dad Shawn and brother Hugh, also very talented skiers, for a coffee last month in Sydney.
“How was your week in Whistler after Fernie,” I asked. “Great said Evan, it all came together for me,” he explained. “What made the difference,” I asked and always ask as I learnt this from Harald! “I started skiing really well once I stopped worrying about hurting myself,” Evan explained. “Interesting, can I used that in the next eZine,” I enquired. “Sure”.
So take Evan's advice next time you go skiing.
Focus on the fun stuff and let the ‘cool cat' skier move into your body. Favorable results will be instantaneous.
Tip 2:
Another way to move ‘scaredy cat' out and the ‘cool cat' in is to take on the form of ‘cool cat' before you start skiing down the slope.
Ask yourself how would ‘cool cat' stand?
How would ‘cool cat' breath?
What facial expression would ‘cool cat' have?
As I bet ‘cool cat' would be standing tall and confident, breathing deeply with authority and with a confident expression on their face.
Tip 3:
Find and study a ‘cool cat' role model and imitate.
Let me know how you go, all you ‘cool cats' out there!
Article brought to you by ex-ski coach now peak performance life coach Peter Stone from www.peak-performance-coaching.com.au. Visit us for free resources on how to live a rich and fulfilling life with all the energy, time and money you need to do what you want!
How To Ski Better With The Five Games Of Skiing
Are you aware there are five games of skiing that all contribute to how well you'll ski this season?
The five games of skiing are...
The Ski Fit Body Game
The Ski Equipment Game
The Ski Movement Understanding Game
The Mind Game
The Ski Movement Mastery Game
No wonder skiing is so much fun!
Over the coming months we'll look into all these areas to see where we can make the biggest improvements in your skiing.
Now if you improve one of the games, you'll enjoy more skiing success. But if you can make improvements in more than one area, then your skiing will begin to improve geometrically.
Why?
The simple answer is because each game is interconnected. So when you improve one element of your skiing game, then there's a positive flow through effect into many of the other games as well. This is nature's way of rewarding you for a ‘good job'.
Let me give you an example.
Let's look at improving your skiing confidence, which is part of the mind game, and how it can be improved by improving some of the other games.
Let's take a look at couple of months forward from now, for those of you in the southern hemisphere, and let's look six months ahead for those of you in the northern hemisphere.
Let's see ourselves preparing to take your fist run of the ski new season.
The snow is fresh, light and early season dry. The sun is out. The sky is deep blue, not a breath of wind. The run is exceedingly quiet, there isn't a snowboarder in sight.
You look around, take a deep breath and a moment to smile and reflect on all the things you have improved to get you to this point.
During this moment you look back at the pre season work you have done on the various ski improvement games.
You look back and reflect on...
The ski fit body game, and how you improved your muscle flexibility & strength, balance and cardiovascular fitness... Standing atop the hill feeling ski fit, strong and powerful you know your body is ready to ski well.
The ski equipment game where you improved your ski tune, boots, footbeds, liners, indoor alignment or purchased that new slalom ski to build that bullet-proof short turn so you can take on the bumps this season. As you look down at your perfect ski equipment setup you know your equipment is ready to ski well.
In the ski movement understanding game you remind yourself of the camps, lessons, ski books, ski DVD's, chat groups and notes you experienced or reviewed to build your solid game plan for making your first run. As you look down the slope and prepare to go, you confirm with yourself, yes I am clear on what I need to do / move to ski well.
Realising these three areas are ‘good to go' your confidence is understandably very high, so your mind game, the confidence part, is also improved as a bonus for the great work you have done in the other areas.
So now with four improved games, body, equipment, understanding, and confidence you set off to play in the last of the five games... The ski movement mastery game.
And thanks to nature's multiplier effect, if you look after your other ski games then you'll be well on your way to skiing better as you've given yourself every opportunity of reaching the next level.
I figured this could be timely reminder for you to consider thinking about how tight your ski games are and encourage you to look at and highlight the areas of your game you know you can improve on.
As there's still time to make a start, and set yourself up, for the greatest chance of success to ski better this coming winter.
So which game could you begin working on today?
Your Ski Fit Body Game
Your Ski Equipment Game
Your Ski Movement Understanding Game
Your Mind Game
Your Ski Movement Mastery Game
Drop me a line and let me know what you are currently or would like to work on, so you can employ nature's multiplier effect to help bring your skiing to the next level.
And finally, a word of caution.
Just as there is a positive multiplier effect from nature, there's also a reverse / negative multiplier effect as well. The reverse / negative multiplier effect happens when you let things slide.
If you put off your ski fit training. If you put off looking after your equipment. If you put off improving your understanding. If you put off improving your mind game. Then it will be a lot tougher to ski better, than it need be, this season.
The choice is yours.
As always, it's up to you.
Article brought to you by ex-ski coach now peak performance life coach Peter Stone from www.peak-performance-coaching.com.au. Visit us for free resources on how to live a rich and fulfilling life with all the energy, time and money you need to do what you want!
The five games of skiing are...
The Ski Fit Body Game
The Ski Equipment Game
The Ski Movement Understanding Game
The Mind Game
The Ski Movement Mastery Game
No wonder skiing is so much fun!
Over the coming months we'll look into all these areas to see where we can make the biggest improvements in your skiing.
Now if you improve one of the games, you'll enjoy more skiing success. But if you can make improvements in more than one area, then your skiing will begin to improve geometrically.
Why?
The simple answer is because each game is interconnected. So when you improve one element of your skiing game, then there's a positive flow through effect into many of the other games as well. This is nature's way of rewarding you for a ‘good job'.
Let me give you an example.
Let's look at improving your skiing confidence, which is part of the mind game, and how it can be improved by improving some of the other games.
Let's take a look at couple of months forward from now, for those of you in the southern hemisphere, and let's look six months ahead for those of you in the northern hemisphere.
Let's see ourselves preparing to take your fist run of the ski new season.
The snow is fresh, light and early season dry. The sun is out. The sky is deep blue, not a breath of wind. The run is exceedingly quiet, there isn't a snowboarder in sight.
You look around, take a deep breath and a moment to smile and reflect on all the things you have improved to get you to this point.
During this moment you look back at the pre season work you have done on the various ski improvement games.
You look back and reflect on...
The ski fit body game, and how you improved your muscle flexibility & strength, balance and cardiovascular fitness... Standing atop the hill feeling ski fit, strong and powerful you know your body is ready to ski well.
The ski equipment game where you improved your ski tune, boots, footbeds, liners, indoor alignment or purchased that new slalom ski to build that bullet-proof short turn so you can take on the bumps this season. As you look down at your perfect ski equipment setup you know your equipment is ready to ski well.
In the ski movement understanding game you remind yourself of the camps, lessons, ski books, ski DVD's, chat groups and notes you experienced or reviewed to build your solid game plan for making your first run. As you look down the slope and prepare to go, you confirm with yourself, yes I am clear on what I need to do / move to ski well.
Realising these three areas are ‘good to go' your confidence is understandably very high, so your mind game, the confidence part, is also improved as a bonus for the great work you have done in the other areas.
So now with four improved games, body, equipment, understanding, and confidence you set off to play in the last of the five games... The ski movement mastery game.
And thanks to nature's multiplier effect, if you look after your other ski games then you'll be well on your way to skiing better as you've given yourself every opportunity of reaching the next level.
I figured this could be timely reminder for you to consider thinking about how tight your ski games are and encourage you to look at and highlight the areas of your game you know you can improve on.
As there's still time to make a start, and set yourself up, for the greatest chance of success to ski better this coming winter.
So which game could you begin working on today?
Your Ski Fit Body Game
Your Ski Equipment Game
Your Ski Movement Understanding Game
Your Mind Game
Your Ski Movement Mastery Game
Drop me a line and let me know what you are currently or would like to work on, so you can employ nature's multiplier effect to help bring your skiing to the next level.
And finally, a word of caution.
Just as there is a positive multiplier effect from nature, there's also a reverse / negative multiplier effect as well. The reverse / negative multiplier effect happens when you let things slide.
If you put off your ski fit training. If you put off looking after your equipment. If you put off improving your understanding. If you put off improving your mind game. Then it will be a lot tougher to ski better, than it need be, this season.
The choice is yours.
As always, it's up to you.
Article brought to you by ex-ski coach now peak performance life coach Peter Stone from www.peak-performance-coaching.com.au. Visit us for free resources on how to live a rich and fulfilling life with all the energy, time and money you need to do what you want!
How To Build Speed And Say In Control!
One of the keys to better skiing is the ability to maintain control while increasing the speed of your skiing.
This sounds pretty simple doesn't it? Just go faster, maintain control, and you'll be a better skier!
But how do we do it?
How do we build up speed and maintain control?
Well the key here, is to understand, how we maintain control while skiing, and to use this knowledge and apply it, so we can maintain control while skiing faster.
As most skiing actions in the Harb system flow from the actions of the free foot.
Could it be possible that controlling the ‘free foot' while skiing faster and faster is the easiest way to maintain control while skiing faster and faster?
Now, for those of you who haven't met your free foot yet, your free foot is the foot that is light and is usually on the inside of the turn.
Check out our website for more on this. Go to the instructor page for the free lessons.
Harb calls controlling the ‘free foot' free foot management. So what is free foot management?
Free foot management is the ability to ski well by focusing on and managing the free foot. And the reason why we focus on the free foot is because most skiing actions in the Harb system flow from the actions of the free foot. So if we can master our free foot management, we master our skiing?
With that said...
One of the main reasons skiers' cant build up speed and stay in control, is because they try to manage their faster skiing, with their slower skiing free foot management!
I mean isn't it obvious?
Skiers won't enjoy much success at all, if they try using a slow free foot management system, when attempting to ski faster and faster!
So why do skiers do this to themselves?
Possibly, the answer is, because that's all they know how to do! I mean if you are a small child and you have only learnt to crawl, you aren't going to suddenly jump up and win the 100 meter final at the next Olympics!
So where am I going with all of this? I am glad you asked!!!!
It's the same with skiing.
If you would like to build speed and stay in control, then your current free foot management won't get you there! So the first thing you'll need to accept is that something in your current skiing has to change.
And if most of our good skiing actions flow from good free foot management.
Could it be that we need a new free foot management system, a new faster one, one that can allow you to build speed and maintain control?
I hope so... As this is what I plan to focus on over the next few Ezines. Especially as this is fresh in my mind having just returned from the last few ski races of the season, where I realized, my slow skiing free foot management system doesn't help me ski faster in the race course. So I had to create a new one!
Let's look at the benefits to learning a new free foot management system that maintains control at higher speeds?
Well the benefits are endless, here are a few off the top of my head. A new free foot management system that allows us to build speed and maintain control will:
Help us to keep up with faster skiers
Help us keep ahead of snowboarders (this alone is priceless) Open up steeper terrain Help us ski bumps
Help us ski powder
So what is the first step?
What is the first step to discovering how to ski faster while maintain control?
The first step is to understand WHY you move the things you move, especially the free foot, while skiing!
Let's for a moment look at a master reference point.
And a skier with impeccable free foot management.
A skier who maintains their free foot in the ideal position, I call the free foot sweet spot, on each and every turn?
Who is this reference point?
Harald Harb that's who! Harald skis beautifully in all conditions, at all speeds and on all terrain.
Why?
Because Harald knows how to find and manage his ‘free foot sweet spot' in every condition even at full speed and he likes speed, just try and keep up with him when he is skiing! You'll find out what I mean!
Let's be 100% clear here.
Step one in building speed while maintaining control is to know how to find and manage your free foot so it remains in the ‘free foot sweet spot' while you performing faster and faster turns.
So what is your free foot sweet spot?
I have talked about this before.
Your skiing ‘free foot sweet spot' is the spot where you free foot resides so you maintain 100% balance on your stance ski.
One way to check and or discover that your free foot is in the right spot, is to imagine taking away your stance ski during a turn, and if you can complete the turn without ‘moving a muscle', by simply transferring your balance to your free foot, then your free foot is residing in the free foot sweet spot!
I feel the need to capitalize this.
WHAT I JUST SHARED WITH YOU IS PURE SKIING GOLD! I CAN”T STRESS THIS ENOUGH!
Why?
Because the only way to ski well is to manage your free foot so it maintains it's ‘free foot sweet spot' position from the start, middle and through to the end of the turn.
So many skiers forget this primary fact!
And this is what trips up most skiers. They forget this primary fact. Or they weren't aware of it until now.
And forgetting this fact is what leads skiers down the path of confusion!
See if you lose sight of your outcome, you lose your ability to think, move and ski with the certainty to ski well.
You see, trying to ski faster and faster with a slow speed ‘free foot sweet spot' positioning is a recipe for failure!
What makes this strategy even less effective is that when skiing at lower speeds, you can use a sloppy ‘free foot sweet spot' position and get away with it because of the lower speeds and lower demands placed on you.
This fact becomes ‘in your face' apparent when you try and step up by increasing your speed, when sloppy slow speed free foot management tactics!
You find out straight away, that slower speed free foot management won't do the job, at higher speeds!
So over the next few issues, we'll apply this new understanding to clearly identify why we move on skis.
This will hopefully open your eyes to seeing skiing in a whole new light!
For instance in the next issue we'll look at the release. As many skiers ask me? How much flex should I use to release the stance ski?
And armed with this new information we can now answer this question with 100% certainty.
And the answer for you to ponder over until next issue is...
Let's answer WHY we release the stance ski before we answer how much to release it by. As when we understand WHY, how much we release takes care of itself!
So WHY do we release the stance ski? Well we just identified that the key to skiing well is to maintain the free foot in the ‘free foot sweet spot' through the whole turn.
So could it be possible that the reason why we release the stance ski is so that it can switch into the free foot while maintaining it in its ideal ‘free foot sweet spot' position.
Let's assume for a moment this is right.
Then how much do we release it? How much do we allow it to flex, shorten contract etc...?
And the answer is simple now...
All you need to do is release the stance ski in a way that allows the releasing stance ski to switch into the free foot while maintaining it in its ideal ‘free foot sweet spot' position
I'll give you some examples on this next issue.
And I'll leave you with this fact.
Once you know that every skiing movement you make should support your free foot management, so your free foot maintains its ‘free foot sweet spot' position, then you'll be able to take your skiing to whatever level you desire!
And you'll certainly be able to build up high speed and stay in control!
Article brought to you by ex-ski coach now peak performance life coach Peter Stone from www.peak-performance-coaching.com.au. Visit us for free resources on how to live a rich and fulfilling life with all the energy, time and money you need to do what you want!
This sounds pretty simple doesn't it? Just go faster, maintain control, and you'll be a better skier!
But how do we do it?
How do we build up speed and maintain control?
Well the key here, is to understand, how we maintain control while skiing, and to use this knowledge and apply it, so we can maintain control while skiing faster.
As most skiing actions in the Harb system flow from the actions of the free foot.
Could it be possible that controlling the ‘free foot' while skiing faster and faster is the easiest way to maintain control while skiing faster and faster?
Now, for those of you who haven't met your free foot yet, your free foot is the foot that is light and is usually on the inside of the turn.
Check out our website for more on this. Go to the instructor page for the free lessons.
Harb calls controlling the ‘free foot' free foot management. So what is free foot management?
Free foot management is the ability to ski well by focusing on and managing the free foot. And the reason why we focus on the free foot is because most skiing actions in the Harb system flow from the actions of the free foot. So if we can master our free foot management, we master our skiing?
With that said...
One of the main reasons skiers' cant build up speed and stay in control, is because they try to manage their faster skiing, with their slower skiing free foot management!
I mean isn't it obvious?
Skiers won't enjoy much success at all, if they try using a slow free foot management system, when attempting to ski faster and faster!
So why do skiers do this to themselves?
Possibly, the answer is, because that's all they know how to do! I mean if you are a small child and you have only learnt to crawl, you aren't going to suddenly jump up and win the 100 meter final at the next Olympics!
So where am I going with all of this? I am glad you asked!!!!
It's the same with skiing.
If you would like to build speed and stay in control, then your current free foot management won't get you there! So the first thing you'll need to accept is that something in your current skiing has to change.
And if most of our good skiing actions flow from good free foot management.
Could it be that we need a new free foot management system, a new faster one, one that can allow you to build speed and maintain control?
I hope so... As this is what I plan to focus on over the next few Ezines. Especially as this is fresh in my mind having just returned from the last few ski races of the season, where I realized, my slow skiing free foot management system doesn't help me ski faster in the race course. So I had to create a new one!
Let's look at the benefits to learning a new free foot management system that maintains control at higher speeds?
Well the benefits are endless, here are a few off the top of my head. A new free foot management system that allows us to build speed and maintain control will:
Help us to keep up with faster skiers
Help us keep ahead of snowboarders (this alone is priceless) Open up steeper terrain Help us ski bumps
Help us ski powder
So what is the first step?
What is the first step to discovering how to ski faster while maintain control?
The first step is to understand WHY you move the things you move, especially the free foot, while skiing!
Let's for a moment look at a master reference point.
And a skier with impeccable free foot management.
A skier who maintains their free foot in the ideal position, I call the free foot sweet spot, on each and every turn?
Who is this reference point?
Harald Harb that's who! Harald skis beautifully in all conditions, at all speeds and on all terrain.
Why?
Because Harald knows how to find and manage his ‘free foot sweet spot' in every condition even at full speed and he likes speed, just try and keep up with him when he is skiing! You'll find out what I mean!
Let's be 100% clear here.
Step one in building speed while maintaining control is to know how to find and manage your free foot so it remains in the ‘free foot sweet spot' while you performing faster and faster turns.
So what is your free foot sweet spot?
I have talked about this before.
Your skiing ‘free foot sweet spot' is the spot where you free foot resides so you maintain 100% balance on your stance ski.
One way to check and or discover that your free foot is in the right spot, is to imagine taking away your stance ski during a turn, and if you can complete the turn without ‘moving a muscle', by simply transferring your balance to your free foot, then your free foot is residing in the free foot sweet spot!
I feel the need to capitalize this.
WHAT I JUST SHARED WITH YOU IS PURE SKIING GOLD! I CAN”T STRESS THIS ENOUGH!
Why?
Because the only way to ski well is to manage your free foot so it maintains it's ‘free foot sweet spot' position from the start, middle and through to the end of the turn.
So many skiers forget this primary fact!
And this is what trips up most skiers. They forget this primary fact. Or they weren't aware of it until now.
And forgetting this fact is what leads skiers down the path of confusion!
See if you lose sight of your outcome, you lose your ability to think, move and ski with the certainty to ski well.
You see, trying to ski faster and faster with a slow speed ‘free foot sweet spot' positioning is a recipe for failure!
What makes this strategy even less effective is that when skiing at lower speeds, you can use a sloppy ‘free foot sweet spot' position and get away with it because of the lower speeds and lower demands placed on you.
This fact becomes ‘in your face' apparent when you try and step up by increasing your speed, when sloppy slow speed free foot management tactics!
You find out straight away, that slower speed free foot management won't do the job, at higher speeds!
So over the next few issues, we'll apply this new understanding to clearly identify why we move on skis.
This will hopefully open your eyes to seeing skiing in a whole new light!
For instance in the next issue we'll look at the release. As many skiers ask me? How much flex should I use to release the stance ski?
And armed with this new information we can now answer this question with 100% certainty.
And the answer for you to ponder over until next issue is...
Let's answer WHY we release the stance ski before we answer how much to release it by. As when we understand WHY, how much we release takes care of itself!
So WHY do we release the stance ski? Well we just identified that the key to skiing well is to maintain the free foot in the ‘free foot sweet spot' through the whole turn.
So could it be possible that the reason why we release the stance ski is so that it can switch into the free foot while maintaining it in its ideal ‘free foot sweet spot' position.
Let's assume for a moment this is right.
Then how much do we release it? How much do we allow it to flex, shorten contract etc...?
And the answer is simple now...
All you need to do is release the stance ski in a way that allows the releasing stance ski to switch into the free foot while maintaining it in its ideal ‘free foot sweet spot' position
I'll give you some examples on this next issue.
And I'll leave you with this fact.
Once you know that every skiing movement you make should support your free foot management, so your free foot maintains its ‘free foot sweet spot' position, then you'll be able to take your skiing to whatever level you desire!
And you'll certainly be able to build up high speed and stay in control!
Article brought to you by ex-ski coach now peak performance life coach Peter Stone from www.peak-performance-coaching.com.au. Visit us for free resources on how to live a rich and fulfilling life with all the energy, time and money you need to do what you want!
Three Ways To Make Your Skiing Twice As Easy This Season!
Did you know there are two ways to ski?
There is an easy way and there is a hard way!
Are you aware of both ways?
Do you use the easy approach to ski or the hard one?
I hope you use the easy way to ski.
To make sure that you do, let's take a look at three elements of skiing and explore what you can do today, that can make your skiing twice as easy this season.
Some of what I'll discuss may seem so simple to you, it seems ridiculous.
But that's the idea!
The idea is to make your skiing so simple that it's ridiculously easy for you! There are plenty of role models out there that already make difficult skiing look ridiculously easy like Harald Harb for example. So if others can do it, why not you!
And here's how...
• Use Correctly Fitting Ski Boots!
Let's not discount the importance of the above statement because your ski boot fit is the most critical element of all your ski equipment.
Let's just imagine for a moment that your ski boots don't fit you correctly. As there is an infinite number of ways that a ski boot might not fit you, let's pick one common example.
Let's imagine that your boots fit you perfectly, except for around the outside of your outside ankle bones. On the little-toe-side of your legs. And let's say every time you roll or tip your free foot over to the little toe side (ie. to the outside) your ankles cause you pain!
Having incorrectly fitting ski boots around your ankles means every time you attempt to make the elite ski movement of tipping your free foot over to the little toe side, your brain will register pain. Over time your brain will protect you from yourself by shutting down your ability to tip over as far as you would like.
This protection also blocks you from improving your skiing.
This example highlights a classic case of the brain protecting you by stopping you performing an elite ski movement even when you have the best intentions to make the move.
Whereas correctly fitting ski boots allow you to make all the elite skiing movements you desire by allowing you an unimpeded full range of motion and balance in all skiing conditions.
That's the easy way to approach skiing!
Now you don't have to be skiing at high speed to perform elite skiing movements, these movements are required at slow speeds and on easier terrain as well.
Hanging on to $400, $600 or $1000 ski boots that don't fit you in some way or not getting them sorted out 100% for you, is the hard way to try and improve your skiing.
2) Flexibility
If you are unable to demonstrate an elite level of muscle and joint flexibility indoors then don't even try and attempt performing elite skiing movements that require the same elite level of muscle and joint flexibility on snow, because you are doomed to fail!
Why?
Because you brain's primary job is to protect you from yourself, so if you don't already possess an elite level of muscle and joint flexibility, your brain is very unlikely to allow you to create these positions on the snow while skiing under increased muscle stress, no matter how hard you try.
This is the hard approach to try and improve your skiing.
And let's remember you don't have to be skiing fast to require an elite level of muscle and joint flexibility. All skiers require this ability.
So what is the easy approach?
Developing elite muscle and joint flexibility in doors, in a safe environment, where your brain will develop the confidence to allow your body to move into these positions. Then on snow you can gradually build these movements into on your next skiing adventure. And it will be an adventure!
Ski Flex by Harald Harb covers this in detail.
An Easy Fast Track Approach To Elite Muscle And Joint Flexibility?
I thoroughly recommend you purchase a pair of Harb Carvers along with all the safety gear and spend 10 to 15 hours on a wide flat surface developing your elite muscle and joint flexibility.
The Harb Carvers are 100% perfect for this role and as an added benefit, will give you direct feedback on the elite movement patterns required for skiing success on green, blue, black and double black terrain.
Once you master the flat, you can test your new elite muscle and joint flexibility out on a gentle slope. Once you master this then you can progress to a slightly steeper slope.
Total time required to create elite muscle and joint flexibility with the use of the Harb Carvers is 20 to 50+ hours depending on your level of muscle and joint flexibility fitness to begin with.
I have also got to say it's also a lot of fun. And if you invest the time in developing this range of flexibility and these skills, it will be equivalent to you spending two months on snow skiing five days per week, with a ski coach!
The Harb Carvers are that beneficial!
3) Ski Fitness And Strength
You guessed it... If you are unable to demonstrate an elite or higher level of muscle strength and fitness indoors than you had last season, then you are under prepared and will struggle to perform at an elite or higher level of skiing this season!
This means it will be difficult to make a substantial breakthrough in your skiing this season.
Especially if you are planning on making a breakthrough on your own.
With exert help you still have a chance of a skiing breakthrough this season, but you aren't doing yourself any favors by not preparing properly.
Not improving your strength and fitness is the hard way to try and improve your skiing this season.
So what is the easy way?
Walking, biking, running, skating, Harb Carves and gym work a minimum of four days per week. Training to an intensity of at least 7 out of 10 where you sweat. Ideally with a 20 minute warm up, with 30+ minutes of exercise followed by a cool down and stretch.
The good news is there is still time to make a start on your fitness and strength. Why not make a start today!
So it's over to you.
What's it going to be? The hard way or the easy way this season!
Next time I'll look at how to clear your head space to make it easier for you to ski better this coming season!
Article brought to you by ex-ski coach now peak performance life coach Peter Stone from www.peak-performance-coaching.com.au. Visit us for free resources on how to live a rich and fulfilling life with all the energy, time and money you need to do what you want!
There is an easy way and there is a hard way!
Are you aware of both ways?
Do you use the easy approach to ski or the hard one?
I hope you use the easy way to ski.
To make sure that you do, let's take a look at three elements of skiing and explore what you can do today, that can make your skiing twice as easy this season.
Some of what I'll discuss may seem so simple to you, it seems ridiculous.
But that's the idea!
The idea is to make your skiing so simple that it's ridiculously easy for you! There are plenty of role models out there that already make difficult skiing look ridiculously easy like Harald Harb for example. So if others can do it, why not you!
And here's how...
• Use Correctly Fitting Ski Boots!
Let's not discount the importance of the above statement because your ski boot fit is the most critical element of all your ski equipment.
Let's just imagine for a moment that your ski boots don't fit you correctly. As there is an infinite number of ways that a ski boot might not fit you, let's pick one common example.
Let's imagine that your boots fit you perfectly, except for around the outside of your outside ankle bones. On the little-toe-side of your legs. And let's say every time you roll or tip your free foot over to the little toe side (ie. to the outside) your ankles cause you pain!
Having incorrectly fitting ski boots around your ankles means every time you attempt to make the elite ski movement of tipping your free foot over to the little toe side, your brain will register pain. Over time your brain will protect you from yourself by shutting down your ability to tip over as far as you would like.
This protection also blocks you from improving your skiing.
This example highlights a classic case of the brain protecting you by stopping you performing an elite ski movement even when you have the best intentions to make the move.
Whereas correctly fitting ski boots allow you to make all the elite skiing movements you desire by allowing you an unimpeded full range of motion and balance in all skiing conditions.
That's the easy way to approach skiing!
Now you don't have to be skiing at high speed to perform elite skiing movements, these movements are required at slow speeds and on easier terrain as well.
Hanging on to $400, $600 or $1000 ski boots that don't fit you in some way or not getting them sorted out 100% for you, is the hard way to try and improve your skiing.
2) Flexibility
If you are unable to demonstrate an elite level of muscle and joint flexibility indoors then don't even try and attempt performing elite skiing movements that require the same elite level of muscle and joint flexibility on snow, because you are doomed to fail!
Why?
Because you brain's primary job is to protect you from yourself, so if you don't already possess an elite level of muscle and joint flexibility, your brain is very unlikely to allow you to create these positions on the snow while skiing under increased muscle stress, no matter how hard you try.
This is the hard approach to try and improve your skiing.
And let's remember you don't have to be skiing fast to require an elite level of muscle and joint flexibility. All skiers require this ability.
So what is the easy approach?
Developing elite muscle and joint flexibility in doors, in a safe environment, where your brain will develop the confidence to allow your body to move into these positions. Then on snow you can gradually build these movements into on your next skiing adventure. And it will be an adventure!
Ski Flex by Harald Harb covers this in detail.
An Easy Fast Track Approach To Elite Muscle And Joint Flexibility?
I thoroughly recommend you purchase a pair of Harb Carvers along with all the safety gear and spend 10 to 15 hours on a wide flat surface developing your elite muscle and joint flexibility.
The Harb Carvers are 100% perfect for this role and as an added benefit, will give you direct feedback on the elite movement patterns required for skiing success on green, blue, black and double black terrain.
Once you master the flat, you can test your new elite muscle and joint flexibility out on a gentle slope. Once you master this then you can progress to a slightly steeper slope.
Total time required to create elite muscle and joint flexibility with the use of the Harb Carvers is 20 to 50+ hours depending on your level of muscle and joint flexibility fitness to begin with.
I have also got to say it's also a lot of fun. And if you invest the time in developing this range of flexibility and these skills, it will be equivalent to you spending two months on snow skiing five days per week, with a ski coach!
The Harb Carvers are that beneficial!
3) Ski Fitness And Strength
You guessed it... If you are unable to demonstrate an elite or higher level of muscle strength and fitness indoors than you had last season, then you are under prepared and will struggle to perform at an elite or higher level of skiing this season!
This means it will be difficult to make a substantial breakthrough in your skiing this season.
Especially if you are planning on making a breakthrough on your own.
With exert help you still have a chance of a skiing breakthrough this season, but you aren't doing yourself any favors by not preparing properly.
Not improving your strength and fitness is the hard way to try and improve your skiing this season.
So what is the easy way?
Walking, biking, running, skating, Harb Carves and gym work a minimum of four days per week. Training to an intensity of at least 7 out of 10 where you sweat. Ideally with a 20 minute warm up, with 30+ minutes of exercise followed by a cool down and stretch.
The good news is there is still time to make a start on your fitness and strength. Why not make a start today!
So it's over to you.
What's it going to be? The hard way or the easy way this season!
Next time I'll look at how to clear your head space to make it easier for you to ski better this coming season!
Article brought to you by ex-ski coach now peak performance life coach Peter Stone from www.peak-performance-coaching.com.au. Visit us for free resources on how to live a rich and fulfilling life with all the energy, time and money you need to do what you want!
So What Is My Ideal Free Foot Position?
Last month I talked about free foot positioning and how it makes you a better skier.
I mentioned that at Harb Ski Camps, most skiers turn up skiing with their free foot to far forward.
That is, until we show them how rapidly they can improve their skiing, by making some subtle changes, in their free foot positioning.
For those of you who don't know. The free foot is the foot that is inside of the ski turn. The stance foot is on the outside of the ski turn.
This month, we'll ask and answer the question: Why do skiers ski with their free foot to far forward?
Then I'll give you some on snow free foot checks.
So you can work on your free foot positioning.
Why do skiers ski with their free foot to far forward?
The simple answer is, there are countless reasons why skiers ski with their free foot to far forward, here are two of the most common –
Reason 1 - Misalignment.
When your natural alignment robs you of a stable skiing platform it throws out your free foot positioning.
Reason 2 - It began as a habit when learning to ski.
If you learned to ski in a snow plough, often skiers develop a comfort zone of bracing against their big toe edges.
To achieve this, skiers allow their hips to drop back behind their feet. This creates a backseat brace position. This habit is hard to shake, without expert help, and is one of the most common reasons why skiers are held back.
And here is what happens when you try to make a parallel turn with a free foot that's to far forward, or hips in back seat.
Imagine standing by balancing on one foot on a banana peel that is directly under your hip. It would be slippery, uncomfortable but manageable.
Now imagine standing by balancing on a banana peel on one foot.
This time your foot is positioned two centimeters (one inch) ahead of your hip. How long do you think you can remain balanced? It would be difficult, very slippery, but by engaging extra muscles you could manage it for quite a while.
Now imagine positioning your foot 10 centimeters (four inches) ahead of your hip. Very difficult to do this. Why? Because lots of extra muscle work is required. And I suspect it wouldn't take long before your foot shoots forward and you would end up on your butt. So please don't try this at home!
So how does this relate to making a parallel turn in skiing?
I hear you ask.
Well, imagine skiing down a ski hill with your free foot too far forward. Let's say it's seven centimeters (aprox three inches) ahead of your ideal position. Your ideal position for this exercise is under your free foot hip.
Now, with your free foot to far forward what do you think will happen when it is time to make a new turn?
When you make a new turn, you transfer your balance from your stance ski to your free foot.
A switch of balance from stance to free foot when you switch turns from one way to the other.
But remember, your free foot is in the wrong spot. It is too far forward. So what will happen when you try to balance on it?
Just like the banana peel example, when you move to stand and balance on your free foot that is too far forward and in the wrong spot, it will want to slip away and forward of you.
Why?
Because your free foot side isn't stacked skeletally due to incorrect free foot positioning, so you will need to engage additional muscles to manage the transfer of balance, to make sure you foot and ski doesn't run out from under you, and you don't end up falling on your ski butt.
Have you every wondered why you pick up too much speed when making turns, or short radius turns, or in the bumps, or while making powder turns?
If you do, there is a good chance it's because your free foot isn't where it needs to be!
In Summary:
If your free foot is in the wrong position (too far forward or too wide), your turn transition will be delayed due to your brain over riding your desire to turn at the desired time.
Why?
Because the brain's primary job is to ensure your balance at all times.
So your brain will delay things until it is confident that you won't fall.
This delay, causes your ski turn to accelerate unnecessarily, because there is now a dead spot in your turn.
Plus you will also need to recruit extra muscles to maintain balance to prevent the ski running away from you. This also leads to unnecessary fatigue and sets up a chain reaction turn after turn until you are forced to break, bail out or pull your free foot back and in to the correct position!
Now the reverse is also true.
Have you ever wondered why on a particular run you had all the time in the world?
Chances are it's because your free foot is where it needs to be!
Here are two on snow free foot checks –
So where is your ideal free foot position?
Well the ‘simple' answer is your ideal free foot position is where at any moment in time, in any part of the turn, you could transfer your balance over to your free foot and it would continue the turn from a skeletally strong position, seamlessly.
Now, a quick word of caution here. Skiing on your inside or free foot requires building up muscle, joint and ligament strength. Also if your alignment is out, chances are you'll be putting additional stress on your body. So take it easy with these exercises and if you have any doubts about your alignment, get it checked.
On snow free foot check 1 – Downhill ski traverse...
While traversing across a groomed green/blue slope balance on your downhill foot / ski and pick up your uphill foot. Then try -
1) Pulling your lifted foot in / out back and forward until it is back in balance under your hip.
2) Relaxing your downhill leg muscles so you transfer your balance onto your uphill foot / ski. Hold and ski on your uphill ski, then transfer your balance back to your downhill ski. Repeat.
On snow free foot check 1 – Uphill ski traverse...
This time rather than start your traverse on your downhill foot / ski, start it on your uphill ski. The try -
1) Begin your traverse on your uphill ski, then relax those leg muscles and transfer balance to your downhill ski, then transfer balance back up to your uphill ski
2) Begin your traverse on your uphill ski and maintain your balance all the way across the hill.
Training your body to balance and stand on your what is normally your free foot (uphill ski) helps you identify where your free foot needs to be at the end of the turn, so when you transfer to it. It is right there under you, where it needs to be.
Advanced free foot training includes. Banana turns. Weighted releases. Inside ski turns. One footed skiing. But that's for another time.
Article brought to you by ex-ski coach now peak performance life coach Peter Stone from www.peak-performance-coaching.com.au. Visit us for free resources on how to live a rich and fulfilling life with all the energy, time and money you need to do what you want!
I mentioned that at Harb Ski Camps, most skiers turn up skiing with their free foot to far forward.
That is, until we show them how rapidly they can improve their skiing, by making some subtle changes, in their free foot positioning.
For those of you who don't know. The free foot is the foot that is inside of the ski turn. The stance foot is on the outside of the ski turn.
This month, we'll ask and answer the question: Why do skiers ski with their free foot to far forward?
Then I'll give you some on snow free foot checks.
So you can work on your free foot positioning.
Why do skiers ski with their free foot to far forward?
The simple answer is, there are countless reasons why skiers ski with their free foot to far forward, here are two of the most common –
Reason 1 - Misalignment.
When your natural alignment robs you of a stable skiing platform it throws out your free foot positioning.
Reason 2 - It began as a habit when learning to ski.
If you learned to ski in a snow plough, often skiers develop a comfort zone of bracing against their big toe edges.
To achieve this, skiers allow their hips to drop back behind their feet. This creates a backseat brace position. This habit is hard to shake, without expert help, and is one of the most common reasons why skiers are held back.
And here is what happens when you try to make a parallel turn with a free foot that's to far forward, or hips in back seat.
Imagine standing by balancing on one foot on a banana peel that is directly under your hip. It would be slippery, uncomfortable but manageable.
Now imagine standing by balancing on a banana peel on one foot.
This time your foot is positioned two centimeters (one inch) ahead of your hip. How long do you think you can remain balanced? It would be difficult, very slippery, but by engaging extra muscles you could manage it for quite a while.
Now imagine positioning your foot 10 centimeters (four inches) ahead of your hip. Very difficult to do this. Why? Because lots of extra muscle work is required. And I suspect it wouldn't take long before your foot shoots forward and you would end up on your butt. So please don't try this at home!
So how does this relate to making a parallel turn in skiing?
I hear you ask.
Well, imagine skiing down a ski hill with your free foot too far forward. Let's say it's seven centimeters (aprox three inches) ahead of your ideal position. Your ideal position for this exercise is under your free foot hip.
Now, with your free foot to far forward what do you think will happen when it is time to make a new turn?
When you make a new turn, you transfer your balance from your stance ski to your free foot.
A switch of balance from stance to free foot when you switch turns from one way to the other.
But remember, your free foot is in the wrong spot. It is too far forward. So what will happen when you try to balance on it?
Just like the banana peel example, when you move to stand and balance on your free foot that is too far forward and in the wrong spot, it will want to slip away and forward of you.
Why?
Because your free foot side isn't stacked skeletally due to incorrect free foot positioning, so you will need to engage additional muscles to manage the transfer of balance, to make sure you foot and ski doesn't run out from under you, and you don't end up falling on your ski butt.
Have you every wondered why you pick up too much speed when making turns, or short radius turns, or in the bumps, or while making powder turns?
If you do, there is a good chance it's because your free foot isn't where it needs to be!
In Summary:
If your free foot is in the wrong position (too far forward or too wide), your turn transition will be delayed due to your brain over riding your desire to turn at the desired time.
Why?
Because the brain's primary job is to ensure your balance at all times.
So your brain will delay things until it is confident that you won't fall.
This delay, causes your ski turn to accelerate unnecessarily, because there is now a dead spot in your turn.
Plus you will also need to recruit extra muscles to maintain balance to prevent the ski running away from you. This also leads to unnecessary fatigue and sets up a chain reaction turn after turn until you are forced to break, bail out or pull your free foot back and in to the correct position!
Now the reverse is also true.
Have you ever wondered why on a particular run you had all the time in the world?
Chances are it's because your free foot is where it needs to be!
Here are two on snow free foot checks –
So where is your ideal free foot position?
Well the ‘simple' answer is your ideal free foot position is where at any moment in time, in any part of the turn, you could transfer your balance over to your free foot and it would continue the turn from a skeletally strong position, seamlessly.
Now, a quick word of caution here. Skiing on your inside or free foot requires building up muscle, joint and ligament strength. Also if your alignment is out, chances are you'll be putting additional stress on your body. So take it easy with these exercises and if you have any doubts about your alignment, get it checked.
On snow free foot check 1 – Downhill ski traverse...
While traversing across a groomed green/blue slope balance on your downhill foot / ski and pick up your uphill foot. Then try -
1) Pulling your lifted foot in / out back and forward until it is back in balance under your hip.
2) Relaxing your downhill leg muscles so you transfer your balance onto your uphill foot / ski. Hold and ski on your uphill ski, then transfer your balance back to your downhill ski. Repeat.
On snow free foot check 1 – Uphill ski traverse...
This time rather than start your traverse on your downhill foot / ski, start it on your uphill ski. The try -
1) Begin your traverse on your uphill ski, then relax those leg muscles and transfer balance to your downhill ski, then transfer balance back up to your uphill ski
2) Begin your traverse on your uphill ski and maintain your balance all the way across the hill.
Training your body to balance and stand on your what is normally your free foot (uphill ski) helps you identify where your free foot needs to be at the end of the turn, so when you transfer to it. It is right there under you, where it needs to be.
Advanced free foot training includes. Banana turns. Weighted releases. Inside ski turns. One footed skiing. But that's for another time.
Article brought to you by ex-ski coach now peak performance life coach Peter Stone from www.peak-performance-coaching.com.au. Visit us for free resources on how to live a rich and fulfilling life with all the energy, time and money you need to do what you want!
What's The Biggest Thing Holding Skiers Back?
One of the reasons skiing is so much fun is because you can learn and improve every day, hour, minute you ski.
There are literally thousands of opportunities to experience the thrill of ski improvement.
So what is ski improvement, I hear you ask?
Well I think of ski improvement as the art of closing performance gaps.
To improve means to move from one level to another.
Different levels create gaps between the levels.
Rarely does someone ski with us who is 100% happy with every aspect of their skiing.
In fact, I encourage you to start thinking about where do you want your skiing to be.
What is the next standard you are committed to reaching?
And in doing so let's create some gaps together!!!!!!
So as ski coach I am in the business of helping you close the gaps.
It's my job to help you get to the next level.
The cool thing is that watching someone close a gap, even if its a small step, is so rewarding.
Watching skiers eyes light up is what it's all about for me and I am privileged to share the experience with them.
So today I am going to talk about the biggest gap in skiing!
And how to close it!!!!
But first let me share with you a few turns I had with Harald Harb this season.
Talk about a gap!
It has been a couple of years since I skied with Harald.
So I couldn't wait to ski with him again.
I know he is one of the best skiers going around.
After watching two turns, from the great one, I was quickly reminded how good he truly is.
The benefit for me was an instant wake up call. Harald's brilliant ability to make to difficult look ridiculously easy is firstly a little earth shattering, and then when you watch him do it again, and again and again becomes easier to accept.
I was already working on closing my gaps, but after watching Harald perform, my gaps quickly doubled and tripled as I set much higher standards for my own skiing.
It's easy to get a little complacent from time to time and I thank Harald for those two turns.
Two turns that showed me I can be more.
Harald has a simple philosophy.
He is never satisfied with his performance.
So he sets a new level. That is he creates a gap. Then he does what ever it takes to fill the gap.
Once he reaches the level he set, guess what, he sets another level, then he does what ever it takes to fill the gap. And so on.
Harald has a wining formula.
And fortunately he generously shares what he does, so I can share it with you so you can become the skier you deserve to be. So here goes what is the biggest gap in our clients skiing when they turn up to camp?
Skiers turn up to camp, skiing with their free foot (inside foot) too far forward!
Yes, that's it. Now I know if I had of said this way earlier you would have said – Oh is that it?
I already know that!
Well skiers just don't seem to get this fact, even the ones who have read all the books, watched the videos etc.
If you want to improve your skiing levels in a session.
Learn how to pull your free foot back. Then learn how to pull it back further. The learn how to pull it back some more.
How far back is ideal?
A good guide is so that your free foot is resting under your free foot hip.
A more accurate guide is that if you stopped skiing on your outside ski and lifted it off the snow your free foot ski could carry on carving seamlessly and be in the ideal position to balance your weight.
99% of all skiers ski with their free foot (their inside foot) too far forward.
If you remember this next time you go skiing
Pull your free foot back.
Pull your free foot back as far as you can.
Now pull your free foot back even further until it is in the ‘ideal' carving position if you chose to ski on it.
Now If you say, I ski with my free foot back already! Ask yourself is it in the right place all the time? In the powder, on the steeps, in the bumps? The more you push the more effort required to manage your free foot in the right position.
Next time, before the snow falls, I'll give you some on snow exercises to test your free foot position, to determine if there are any gaps that need to be filled.
Article brought to you by ex-ski coach now peak performance life coach Peter Stone from www.peak-performance-coaching.com.au. Visit us for free resources on how to live a rich and fulfilling life with all the energy, time and money you need to do what you want!
There are literally thousands of opportunities to experience the thrill of ski improvement.
So what is ski improvement, I hear you ask?
Well I think of ski improvement as the art of closing performance gaps.
To improve means to move from one level to another.
Different levels create gaps between the levels.
Rarely does someone ski with us who is 100% happy with every aspect of their skiing.
In fact, I encourage you to start thinking about where do you want your skiing to be.
What is the next standard you are committed to reaching?
And in doing so let's create some gaps together!!!!!!
So as ski coach I am in the business of helping you close the gaps.
It's my job to help you get to the next level.
The cool thing is that watching someone close a gap, even if its a small step, is so rewarding.
Watching skiers eyes light up is what it's all about for me and I am privileged to share the experience with them.
So today I am going to talk about the biggest gap in skiing!
And how to close it!!!!
But first let me share with you a few turns I had with Harald Harb this season.
Talk about a gap!
It has been a couple of years since I skied with Harald.
So I couldn't wait to ski with him again.
I know he is one of the best skiers going around.
After watching two turns, from the great one, I was quickly reminded how good he truly is.
The benefit for me was an instant wake up call. Harald's brilliant ability to make to difficult look ridiculously easy is firstly a little earth shattering, and then when you watch him do it again, and again and again becomes easier to accept.
I was already working on closing my gaps, but after watching Harald perform, my gaps quickly doubled and tripled as I set much higher standards for my own skiing.
It's easy to get a little complacent from time to time and I thank Harald for those two turns.
Two turns that showed me I can be more.
Harald has a simple philosophy.
He is never satisfied with his performance.
So he sets a new level. That is he creates a gap. Then he does what ever it takes to fill the gap.
Once he reaches the level he set, guess what, he sets another level, then he does what ever it takes to fill the gap. And so on.
Harald has a wining formula.
And fortunately he generously shares what he does, so I can share it with you so you can become the skier you deserve to be. So here goes what is the biggest gap in our clients skiing when they turn up to camp?
Skiers turn up to camp, skiing with their free foot (inside foot) too far forward!
Yes, that's it. Now I know if I had of said this way earlier you would have said – Oh is that it?
I already know that!
Well skiers just don't seem to get this fact, even the ones who have read all the books, watched the videos etc.
If you want to improve your skiing levels in a session.
Learn how to pull your free foot back. Then learn how to pull it back further. The learn how to pull it back some more.
How far back is ideal?
A good guide is so that your free foot is resting under your free foot hip.
A more accurate guide is that if you stopped skiing on your outside ski and lifted it off the snow your free foot ski could carry on carving seamlessly and be in the ideal position to balance your weight.
99% of all skiers ski with their free foot (their inside foot) too far forward.
If you remember this next time you go skiing
Pull your free foot back.
Pull your free foot back as far as you can.
Now pull your free foot back even further until it is in the ‘ideal' carving position if you chose to ski on it.
Now If you say, I ski with my free foot back already! Ask yourself is it in the right place all the time? In the powder, on the steeps, in the bumps? The more you push the more effort required to manage your free foot in the right position.
Next time, before the snow falls, I'll give you some on snow exercises to test your free foot position, to determine if there are any gaps that need to be filled.
Article brought to you by ex-ski coach now peak performance life coach Peter Stone from www.peak-performance-coaching.com.au. Visit us for free resources on how to live a rich and fulfilling life with all the energy, time and money you need to do what you want!
Ask The Right Questions And Become A Better Skier
This last week, circumstances put me in a position of student, rather than ski instructor.
And it got me thinking about what makes a student become a better skier?
And why do some students do better than others?
What characteristics do they share?
And to my surprise, I realised that I was asking a series of questions... lots and lots of questions.
So I asked myself another question!
Is it possible that good skiers ask the right questions?
So I explored it further (with another question).
And I looked at what questions I ask myself when I ski down a ski run?
And the list I came up was huge! Here are a few off the top of my head. Do you ask similar questions?
Questions like:
How fast am I going?
Where can I speed up / slow down?
Which way is that skier in front of me going to turn?
What's the snow / terrain doing ahead?
What radius turn should I use here?
What line should I ski through here?
Where is my free foot?
How's my left hand pole plant?
How's my counter.
How can I counter more?
How's my fore aft balance?
Do I need to pull my free-foot back?
What do I need to do to maintain balance?
Should I throw my arm out?
Where on earth did they buy that ski suit!
So what makes a good or improving skier?
Is it the questions they ask and answer? I suspect the answer is YES, good skiing requires...
Asking The Right Questions And Getting The Right Answers.
And so the light went on.
I began to realise why skiers book Alignment Checkups and Harb Ski Camps and even sign up for newsletters like this one.
Because skiers want answers to their questions on how to Ski Better.
It took me a while, I am a little slow at times, but I realised that the best skiers surround themselves with the best ski instructors, alignment technicians and resources like videos books etc that not only supply answers to their questions.
And these resources can challenge the student further, by asking questions the student hasn't even though of yet!
So today I am going to share with you THE KEY QUESTIONS that you need to ask of yourself so you become a better skier.
And give you direction to where the answers are found.
Question: Am I ski fit? How can I get fitter for skiing?
Answer: Spend approx 50% of your time on cardio fitness, muscle strength and flexibility (especially hip flexibility). Spend the other 50% of your time on skiing balance exercises.
Resources: Harb's new book Ski Fit now available in Australia . Book 2 Anyone can be an Expert Skier. Train on a Skiers Edge machine. Contact me to try out the top model Skiers Edge machine if you live in Sydney as it's included as part of your alignment checkup.
Design your own program. Bike, run, swim, balance boards, tight ropes etc.
Buy a pair of Harb Carvers www.harbcarvers.com – contact me for Australian ordering details.
Question: What skis and boots will give me the greatest chance of skiing better?
Answers can be found:
At Harb Ski Camps in Fernie Alpine Resort. Through instructor feedback, video feedback, written feedback.
At Alignment Checkups - Sydney / Melbourne / Fernie
In Harb's Book 1 Chapter 12, “Anyone can be an Expert Skier”
www.harbskisystems.com Alignment Section
Question: How do I know if I am aligned? Or is my alignment holding me back?
Answers can be found:
www.harbskisystems.com
Question: How can I improve my skiing understanding?
Answers can be found:
At Harbs Ski Camp in Fernie Alpine Resort
In Harb's Books and videos “Anyone can be an Expert Skier”
Online lessons at www.harbskisystems.com
Question: How do I know if I am making the best ski movements?
Answers can be found:
At Harb Ski Camps. Through instructor feedback, video feedback, written feedback.
Other common questions that require answers so you become a better skier are:
Question: What do I need to work on for my next skiing breakthrough?
Question: Why does my ski break away from under me in the last third of the turn?
Question: How do I get early for each and every turn?
Question: How do I control my speed?
Question: How do I ski parallel?
Question: How do I ski more consistently?
Question: What muscles should I relax when starting a new turn?
Question: How do I ski bumps?
Question: How do I ski powder?
Question: How do I leave pencil thin carved lines in the snow?
Question: When I get to this point in the turn I freeze. What should I do next?
Question: How do I increase my confidence on the tougher slopes?
Question: Where can I ski with fun group of skiers?
Question: Where is a great place to ski in Canada ?
Question: How come you have answers to all my questions except - Where does the white color go when the snow melts?
Now, the answers to these questions above can all be found at Harb Ski Camps this season.
Except for the one about where does the white color go when the snow melts!
So it struck me this last week.
If you want to ski better: prepare your questions, ask them of yourself, and surround yourself with resources that can supply the right answers to help you become a better skier. Then head out ski, ski, ski and ski some more!
Do I want to be a better skier this season?
www.harbskisystems.com
Article brought to you by ex-ski coach now peak performance life coach Peter Stone from www.peak-performance-coaching.com.au. Visit us for free resources on how to live a rich and fulfilling life with all the energy, time and money you need to do what you want!
And it got me thinking about what makes a student become a better skier?
And why do some students do better than others?
What characteristics do they share?
And to my surprise, I realised that I was asking a series of questions... lots and lots of questions.
So I asked myself another question!
Is it possible that good skiers ask the right questions?
So I explored it further (with another question).
And I looked at what questions I ask myself when I ski down a ski run?
And the list I came up was huge! Here are a few off the top of my head. Do you ask similar questions?
Questions like:
How fast am I going?
Where can I speed up / slow down?
Which way is that skier in front of me going to turn?
What's the snow / terrain doing ahead?
What radius turn should I use here?
What line should I ski through here?
Where is my free foot?
How's my left hand pole plant?
How's my counter.
How can I counter more?
How's my fore aft balance?
Do I need to pull my free-foot back?
What do I need to do to maintain balance?
Should I throw my arm out?
Where on earth did they buy that ski suit!
So what makes a good or improving skier?
Is it the questions they ask and answer? I suspect the answer is YES, good skiing requires...
Asking The Right Questions And Getting The Right Answers.
And so the light went on.
I began to realise why skiers book Alignment Checkups and Harb Ski Camps and even sign up for newsletters like this one.
Because skiers want answers to their questions on how to Ski Better.
It took me a while, I am a little slow at times, but I realised that the best skiers surround themselves with the best ski instructors, alignment technicians and resources like videos books etc that not only supply answers to their questions.
And these resources can challenge the student further, by asking questions the student hasn't even though of yet!
So today I am going to share with you THE KEY QUESTIONS that you need to ask of yourself so you become a better skier.
And give you direction to where the answers are found.
Question: Am I ski fit? How can I get fitter for skiing?
Answer: Spend approx 50% of your time on cardio fitness, muscle strength and flexibility (especially hip flexibility). Spend the other 50% of your time on skiing balance exercises.
Resources: Harb's new book Ski Fit now available in Australia . Book 2 Anyone can be an Expert Skier. Train on a Skiers Edge machine. Contact me to try out the top model Skiers Edge machine if you live in Sydney as it's included as part of your alignment checkup.
Design your own program. Bike, run, swim, balance boards, tight ropes etc.
Buy a pair of Harb Carvers www.harbcarvers.com – contact me for Australian ordering details.
Question: What skis and boots will give me the greatest chance of skiing better?
Answers can be found:
At Harb Ski Camps in Fernie Alpine Resort. Through instructor feedback, video feedback, written feedback.
At Alignment Checkups - Sydney / Melbourne / Fernie
In Harb's Book 1 Chapter 12, “Anyone can be an Expert Skier”
www.harbskisystems.com Alignment Section
Question: How do I know if I am aligned? Or is my alignment holding me back?
Answers can be found:
www.harbskisystems.com
Question: How can I improve my skiing understanding?
Answers can be found:
At Harbs Ski Camp in Fernie Alpine Resort
In Harb's Books and videos “Anyone can be an Expert Skier”
Online lessons at www.harbskisystems.com
Question: How do I know if I am making the best ski movements?
Answers can be found:
At Harb Ski Camps. Through instructor feedback, video feedback, written feedback.
Other common questions that require answers so you become a better skier are:
Question: What do I need to work on for my next skiing breakthrough?
Question: Why does my ski break away from under me in the last third of the turn?
Question: How do I get early for each and every turn?
Question: How do I control my speed?
Question: How do I ski parallel?
Question: How do I ski more consistently?
Question: What muscles should I relax when starting a new turn?
Question: How do I ski bumps?
Question: How do I ski powder?
Question: How do I leave pencil thin carved lines in the snow?
Question: When I get to this point in the turn I freeze. What should I do next?
Question: How do I increase my confidence on the tougher slopes?
Question: Where can I ski with fun group of skiers?
Question: Where is a great place to ski in Canada ?
Question: How come you have answers to all my questions except - Where does the white color go when the snow melts?
Now, the answers to these questions above can all be found at Harb Ski Camps this season.
Except for the one about where does the white color go when the snow melts!
So it struck me this last week.
If you want to ski better: prepare your questions, ask them of yourself, and surround yourself with resources that can supply the right answers to help you become a better skier. Then head out ski, ski, ski and ski some more!
Do I want to be a better skier this season?
www.harbskisystems.com
Article brought to you by ex-ski coach now peak performance life coach Peter Stone from www.peak-performance-coaching.com.au. Visit us for free resources on how to live a rich and fulfilling life with all the energy, time and money you need to do what you want!
Seven Steps To Improved Skiing Through Modeling What All Successful Skiers Do!!!
If you have ever wondered why some skiers seem to have it all, while others continually struggle, making only small and sometimes no improvement each season?
Or wondered why the slopes are littered with well intentioned skiers making average turns and progress each season.
If being average isn't for you… then here's a way to model how the ‘successful' skiers do it.
Today I am going to share with you their successful skiing recipe to enjoy rapid ski improvement!
This is a great time of the year for anyone planning on skiing this Northern Winter.
As there is still time to dream about the season ahead, and what it will bring.
Time to get into ski shape. Time to investigate and shop for new ski gear. Time to fix up any ski gear issues. Time to plan that ideal skiing experience you deserve.
Some skiers achieve rapid results.
But many don't. So what's the difference between the two groups?
What's the difference between the first group who make their skiing dreams happen and the second group that bring out the ‘same dream' season after season, making little or sometimes no progress, and never really getting the kind of skiing experience they know they deserve?
Having worked with literally thousands of skiers over the years, the difference I see, is in their approach… successful skiers follow a series of steps before and on the ski hill.
Successful skiers share some commonalities. Commonalities I'll share with you toady… so you can model what they do to become a better skier.
Step 1 –An Honest Assessment Of Where You Are At
Successful skiers ask themselves these four questions?
The same four questions you can ask yourself to become a better skier.
Q1) Where is my skiing at?
Am I a green, green blue, blue, blue black, black, double black, heli, race or other skiing level.
Q2) How is my ski equipment? Especially how's my skis and boots. Does my current ski equipment support my current level of skiing and will it support my next level?
Q3) How is my ski fitness? Am I as ski fit (balance / strength) as last year? What's the level of fitness I'll need to take my skiing to the next level?
Q4) Do I know how to ski at the higher level? What movements will I need to make. Do I understand how to ski bumps, steeper terrain, shorter radius turns or faster to keep up with the kids?
And then the next step is to…
Step 2 – Get Specific About What You Want… Dare To Dream!!!!
It's your life, your skiing, your world. What is it you want to get out of your skiing this season? Or what would you like to work on with your skiing if you could this season?
Common answers I get back are…
This season I want to ski some black runs with confidence, rather than getting down them felling awkward!
Or this season I am going to ski some blue bumps, linking twelve falling turns in a row.
Or this season I am going to build a bullet proof short turn that holds together on icy slopes.
Remember it's your ski life…. Your dream… Have some fun with it and write down exactly what you want to achieve this season.
I suggest you purchase a bound book so you can record you skiing goals, achievements and cues so you can review and update it each time you ski. You will be amazed at how much this will help you regain your ski legs from the previous season and fast tracks your ski improvement.
And then the next step is to…
Step 3 – Look At You Answers To The Four Questions In Step One
What needs to change to achieve your skiing goals / dreams?
If you said something like:
This season my goal is to:
GOAL: Ski some black runs with confidence, rather than getting down them felling awkward!
And your answers in step one were something like:
Question 1) I am a blue skier and can ski a perfectly groomed black run with perfect snow. I struggle with harder snow conditions.
Question 2) My boots are five season old rear entry. My skis aren't shaped and were given to me by my brother. My goggles fog.
Question 3) I am currently as ski fit a last season.
Question 4) I don't know how to ski steeper terrain
And then the next step is to…
Step 4 - Develop a plan
Jot down the things you need to do to ensure you enjoy a new fresh skiing experience this season.
Organize time off work New Boots Join gym Study ski technique for black runs
And then the next step is to…
Step 5 - Rank your plan in order
Rank your plan with the things that need to happen first at the top
1) Organize time off work
2) Book skiing vacation
3) New Boots
4) Join gym
5) Study ski technique for black runs
And then the next step is to…
Step 6 – Write what down what you need to do to complete your first task
• Talk to boss
• Rule out ‘ski time' in diary
• Book holiday
• etc
AND MAKE IT A MUST TO FOLLOW THROUGH…
The difference between successful skiers and average skiers is successful skiers simply make everything they do about skiing a MUST!
‘One day' I'll get to it, doesn't get you there, ONLY SKIING MUSTS do.
And then the next step is to…
Step 7 - Don't let another day slip by without moving forward to your goal.
Take action today….
Make the call
Send the email
Go to the gym
Book your holiday
Have your alignment checked
Do what ever it takes today… and this ski season you will be fit, equipped, ready and in a great place to nail those bumps, ski that harder run, link those powder turns, see through your goggles when it gets foggy, or look great in your new outfit…
What ever it takes!!!
Its your dream have fun with it… but remember make it a must, successful skiers make skiing a must… and take action on it today.
Article brought to you by ex-ski coach now peak performance life coach Peter Stone from www.peak-performance-coaching.com.au. Visit us for free resources on how to live a rich and fulfilling life with all the energy, time and money you need to do what you want!
Or wondered why the slopes are littered with well intentioned skiers making average turns and progress each season.
If being average isn't for you… then here's a way to model how the ‘successful' skiers do it.
Today I am going to share with you their successful skiing recipe to enjoy rapid ski improvement!
This is a great time of the year for anyone planning on skiing this Northern Winter.
As there is still time to dream about the season ahead, and what it will bring.
Time to get into ski shape. Time to investigate and shop for new ski gear. Time to fix up any ski gear issues. Time to plan that ideal skiing experience you deserve.
Some skiers achieve rapid results.
But many don't. So what's the difference between the two groups?
What's the difference between the first group who make their skiing dreams happen and the second group that bring out the ‘same dream' season after season, making little or sometimes no progress, and never really getting the kind of skiing experience they know they deserve?
Having worked with literally thousands of skiers over the years, the difference I see, is in their approach… successful skiers follow a series of steps before and on the ski hill.
Successful skiers share some commonalities. Commonalities I'll share with you toady… so you can model what they do to become a better skier.
Step 1 –An Honest Assessment Of Where You Are At
Successful skiers ask themselves these four questions?
The same four questions you can ask yourself to become a better skier.
Q1) Where is my skiing at?
Am I a green, green blue, blue, blue black, black, double black, heli, race or other skiing level.
Q2) How is my ski equipment? Especially how's my skis and boots. Does my current ski equipment support my current level of skiing and will it support my next level?
Q3) How is my ski fitness? Am I as ski fit (balance / strength) as last year? What's the level of fitness I'll need to take my skiing to the next level?
Q4) Do I know how to ski at the higher level? What movements will I need to make. Do I understand how to ski bumps, steeper terrain, shorter radius turns or faster to keep up with the kids?
And then the next step is to…
Step 2 – Get Specific About What You Want… Dare To Dream!!!!
It's your life, your skiing, your world. What is it you want to get out of your skiing this season? Or what would you like to work on with your skiing if you could this season?
Common answers I get back are…
This season I want to ski some black runs with confidence, rather than getting down them felling awkward!
Or this season I am going to ski some blue bumps, linking twelve falling turns in a row.
Or this season I am going to build a bullet proof short turn that holds together on icy slopes.
Remember it's your ski life…. Your dream… Have some fun with it and write down exactly what you want to achieve this season.
I suggest you purchase a bound book so you can record you skiing goals, achievements and cues so you can review and update it each time you ski. You will be amazed at how much this will help you regain your ski legs from the previous season and fast tracks your ski improvement.
And then the next step is to…
Step 3 – Look At You Answers To The Four Questions In Step One
What needs to change to achieve your skiing goals / dreams?
If you said something like:
This season my goal is to:
GOAL: Ski some black runs with confidence, rather than getting down them felling awkward!
And your answers in step one were something like:
Question 1) I am a blue skier and can ski a perfectly groomed black run with perfect snow. I struggle with harder snow conditions.
Question 2) My boots are five season old rear entry. My skis aren't shaped and were given to me by my brother. My goggles fog.
Question 3) I am currently as ski fit a last season.
Question 4) I don't know how to ski steeper terrain
And then the next step is to…
Step 4 - Develop a plan
Jot down the things you need to do to ensure you enjoy a new fresh skiing experience this season.
Organize time off work New Boots Join gym Study ski technique for black runs
And then the next step is to…
Step 5 - Rank your plan in order
Rank your plan with the things that need to happen first at the top
1) Organize time off work
2) Book skiing vacation
3) New Boots
4) Join gym
5) Study ski technique for black runs
And then the next step is to…
Step 6 – Write what down what you need to do to complete your first task
• Talk to boss
• Rule out ‘ski time' in diary
• Book holiday
• etc
AND MAKE IT A MUST TO FOLLOW THROUGH…
The difference between successful skiers and average skiers is successful skiers simply make everything they do about skiing a MUST!
‘One day' I'll get to it, doesn't get you there, ONLY SKIING MUSTS do.
And then the next step is to…
Step 7 - Don't let another day slip by without moving forward to your goal.
Take action today….
Make the call
Send the email
Go to the gym
Book your holiday
Have your alignment checked
Do what ever it takes today… and this ski season you will be fit, equipped, ready and in a great place to nail those bumps, ski that harder run, link those powder turns, see through your goggles when it gets foggy, or look great in your new outfit…
What ever it takes!!!
Its your dream have fun with it… but remember make it a must, successful skiers make skiing a must… and take action on it today.
Article brought to you by ex-ski coach now peak performance life coach Peter Stone from www.peak-performance-coaching.com.au. Visit us for free resources on how to live a rich and fulfilling life with all the energy, time and money you need to do what you want!
How To Get The Most Out Of Your Skiing – Harb Graduates Reveal All
Last month I threw in a challenge to our hundreds of past Harb Ski Camp graduates to share what's worked for them, so you can gain more of an insight into how to get the most out of your own skiing.
I am pleased to say we had some graduates take up the challenge, after all if you can't find a few minutes to think about your skiing, and sharing it with the world, what's going on – or what's going wrong!!!
I shouldn't need to remind you guys that skiing is one of the greatest gifts you can receive on this earth…. But I will!
When Mother Nature sets down a blanket of white dry snow, and the morning sun streams down through the surrounding peaks, when you see and hear your breath billow out into the crisp mountain air, there's a building feeling of excited contentment knowing you are exactly where you want to be!
In the mountains, away from the noise and bustle of the everyday, where you can be yourself and return to nature and have a fantastic time!
Skiing is a wonderful gift, and so I extend a big thank you to those that have shared their skiing experiences for you, so you can gain a little more insight into how to get the most out of your skiing this season.
Before we hit the stories there is a new opportunity for Sydney skies this month, to become a better skier.
How To Get The Most Out Of Your Skiing – Harb Graduates Reveal All
I'm just pissed that I didn't discover Harald Harb (HH) at the beginning of my skiing career - 15 wasted years going nowhere! Then you guys came along: some foot beds; some shimming; 10 days of HH lessons; and BINGO, it all just HAPPENS - BALANCE and CONTROL.
My somewhat skeptical son saw some video of my latest skiing exploits at Perisher and commented: "Hey dad, you now look like you're no longer afraid to fall over!"
It is hard to believe it is only 2 years since I did my 1st Harb course with you and Scotty at Perisher. Since then I reckon I've skied about 26 days including last week - i.e. 12 days in Canada , 1 week in Japan and 1 week in Australia .
On my final day at Perisher last week, it ALL CLICKED for the first time!!! EUREKA !
It all happened at about 3:00 PM on Friday and I skied until the last chair closed at 5:00 PM . I didn't want to stop in case it never happens again. I can put my finger on some "thoughts" that made it happen.
They were:
- focusing on the insteps going up on the T-bars -sensing the pressure under the sole of each foot; then doing the same pressure sensing skiing down again -staying perfectly centered (balanced) over each foot.
- bending down deliberately (flexing the legs more) before starting off down the hill.
Key 2 came as a surprise to me, though. Perhaps it shouldn't, when I recollect the video footage Scotty took 2 years ago; the one thing that bothered me was how "upright" I appeared.
Now, bending down and flexing the legs (still staying centred) my legs actually started working (contracting and extending) - BINGO!!! Suddenly, the upper and lower body could move independently. In retrospect it makes sense - if the body is too "straight" you can't extend the legs; fatal for bump skiing. By building in some "flex" in the legs before starting off, there's room to move - up or down. How could it have taken so long for the penny to drop? - best not answer that!
Peter N – Sydney
I did a Harb Camp in 2003 and since then I've never enjoyed my skiing so much.
Before the camp I was a very below average skier with poor confidence in my ability, even on the groomed slopes. I had previously tried non-PMTS Traditional Lessons, even private lessons, but they didn't seem to help. In fact, they seem to cause me more confusion as to what I should or should not be doing when skiing.
That's all changed for me and I now find I'm confidently taking on new slopes and conditions and enjoying it, thanks to the Harb Camp. Even my family remark that they can see a significant difference.
I've found the supporting Harb Videos, Harb Books and Harb Website are a great resource whenever I want to revise any of the instruction which I received at the Harb Camp.
Another major benefit for me has been that the Harb Camp improved the efficiency with which I ski. That means less tired and aching muscles at the end of the day.
This is a big plus for my older body from the safety viewpoint as tired muscles at the end of a day meant a greater chance of mishap and possible injury.
Lastly, the Harb Camp was a lot of fun for me. It wasn't full of the usual boring drills and the improvement in my skills occurred from day one. I finished the Harb Camp with a sense of achievement and was amazed at how much I learnt and have kept in my body-memory.
Paul M – Sydney
As you know, I've always been quite happy doing my own thing on the blue runs but got into problems on anything steeper.
I just thought it was because I had one stronger turn (on the right leg) and a weaker turn on the left leg. So my skiing consisted of a reasonable turn followed by less reasonable turn (call it pathetic!) and the steeper the slope, the more out of control I got and the less confident I became.
And so it was I came to you for guidance. After watching me try to traverse across a mountain on my weaker left leg, it became quickly obvious that my knee ' dropped in' and I was quite unbalanced.
I LOVE my skis with the wedge angled under my left foot. It's taken me a little while to psychologically accept that I can now turn equally well on either side, but now that I have I am over the moon. Slopes that I would have never tackled are now just waiting for me to ski them!
Last week I tried some black runs at Perisher - Parachute, Rock Garden etc and it was such an amazing feeling to generally have such good control going down them all. Using my free leg to assist in braking too just helped things along when I felt my speed was gathering momentum.
Riding a big traverse on my left leg, whilst lifting my right ski gave me such a lot of pleasure, I was screaming "Yikes, oh my goodness, who would've ever believed this...."
Simple things please simple minds I guess, but I was pretty happy.
I'm back down again on Wednesday and just can't wait to tackle a few more slopes....
Joyce O - Sydney
I came to your Fernie clinic by word of mouth (Barb and Dave Watts) and after hearing you present to the Sports Medicine Australia conference.
I expected to have my alignment measured and corrected as required, but had no idea how far out I was, or how hard I was working when skiing.
What I did not expect was the teaching experience.
I had not had any lessons for years and always found them to be annoying, in that you get taught tricks that don't work except in specific situations. The small group was of quite widely varying standards (another surprise) and yet we all learned and laughed and supported each other through the week.
It was a great group and made re-learning ski technique fun. The learning process was quite personalised with each member of the group having the others observing for progression with problem areas of technique.
The actual technique taught is really easy to understand and to do, with practice. I have been going back to some of the exercises to keep me on track.
After my recent week in Perisher I realise how much more efficiently I can ski now and how much my balance has improved.
Although this season has been excellent, the week I was there we had very high winds, some warmer conditions and a couple of days of really difficult and variable snow conditions. Even in poor light I felt stable, could roll with the terrain changes and react to unexpected kicks from deep and heavy snow with a minimum of fuss. I had no pain from skiing (except in one stupid fall caused by a definite snow snake) and almost no feeling of fatigue.
I have personal interest in functional anatomy and biomechanics (note: Louis is a Sports Medicine Doctor) and the Harb system of alignment and training has made me conscious of the advantages available to all levels of skier. I thoroughly recommend the program. It has made a greater difference than going to shaped skis. Thanks for the revelation.
Louis F - QLD
Article brought to you by ex-ski coach now peak performance life coach Peter Stone from www.peak-performance-coaching.com.au. Visit us for free resources on how to live a rich and fulfilling life with all the energy, time and money you need to do what you want!
I am pleased to say we had some graduates take up the challenge, after all if you can't find a few minutes to think about your skiing, and sharing it with the world, what's going on – or what's going wrong!!!
I shouldn't need to remind you guys that skiing is one of the greatest gifts you can receive on this earth…. But I will!
When Mother Nature sets down a blanket of white dry snow, and the morning sun streams down through the surrounding peaks, when you see and hear your breath billow out into the crisp mountain air, there's a building feeling of excited contentment knowing you are exactly where you want to be!
In the mountains, away from the noise and bustle of the everyday, where you can be yourself and return to nature and have a fantastic time!
Skiing is a wonderful gift, and so I extend a big thank you to those that have shared their skiing experiences for you, so you can gain a little more insight into how to get the most out of your skiing this season.
Before we hit the stories there is a new opportunity for Sydney skies this month, to become a better skier.
How To Get The Most Out Of Your Skiing – Harb Graduates Reveal All
I'm just pissed that I didn't discover Harald Harb (HH) at the beginning of my skiing career - 15 wasted years going nowhere! Then you guys came along: some foot beds; some shimming; 10 days of HH lessons; and BINGO, it all just HAPPENS - BALANCE and CONTROL.
My somewhat skeptical son saw some video of my latest skiing exploits at Perisher and commented: "Hey dad, you now look like you're no longer afraid to fall over!"
It is hard to believe it is only 2 years since I did my 1st Harb course with you and Scotty at Perisher. Since then I reckon I've skied about 26 days including last week - i.e. 12 days in Canada , 1 week in Japan and 1 week in Australia .
On my final day at Perisher last week, it ALL CLICKED for the first time!!! EUREKA !
It all happened at about 3:00 PM on Friday and I skied until the last chair closed at 5:00 PM . I didn't want to stop in case it never happens again. I can put my finger on some "thoughts" that made it happen.
They were:
- focusing on the insteps going up on the T-bars -sensing the pressure under the sole of each foot; then doing the same pressure sensing skiing down again -staying perfectly centered (balanced) over each foot.
- bending down deliberately (flexing the legs more) before starting off down the hill.
Key 2 came as a surprise to me, though. Perhaps it shouldn't, when I recollect the video footage Scotty took 2 years ago; the one thing that bothered me was how "upright" I appeared.
Now, bending down and flexing the legs (still staying centred) my legs actually started working (contracting and extending) - BINGO!!! Suddenly, the upper and lower body could move independently. In retrospect it makes sense - if the body is too "straight" you can't extend the legs; fatal for bump skiing. By building in some "flex" in the legs before starting off, there's room to move - up or down. How could it have taken so long for the penny to drop? - best not answer that!
Peter N – Sydney
I did a Harb Camp in 2003 and since then I've never enjoyed my skiing so much.
Before the camp I was a very below average skier with poor confidence in my ability, even on the groomed slopes. I had previously tried non-PMTS Traditional Lessons, even private lessons, but they didn't seem to help. In fact, they seem to cause me more confusion as to what I should or should not be doing when skiing.
That's all changed for me and I now find I'm confidently taking on new slopes and conditions and enjoying it, thanks to the Harb Camp. Even my family remark that they can see a significant difference.
I've found the supporting Harb Videos, Harb Books and Harb Website are a great resource whenever I want to revise any of the instruction which I received at the Harb Camp.
Another major benefit for me has been that the Harb Camp improved the efficiency with which I ski. That means less tired and aching muscles at the end of the day.
This is a big plus for my older body from the safety viewpoint as tired muscles at the end of a day meant a greater chance of mishap and possible injury.
Lastly, the Harb Camp was a lot of fun for me. It wasn't full of the usual boring drills and the improvement in my skills occurred from day one. I finished the Harb Camp with a sense of achievement and was amazed at how much I learnt and have kept in my body-memory.
Paul M – Sydney
As you know, I've always been quite happy doing my own thing on the blue runs but got into problems on anything steeper.
I just thought it was because I had one stronger turn (on the right leg) and a weaker turn on the left leg. So my skiing consisted of a reasonable turn followed by less reasonable turn (call it pathetic!) and the steeper the slope, the more out of control I got and the less confident I became.
And so it was I came to you for guidance. After watching me try to traverse across a mountain on my weaker left leg, it became quickly obvious that my knee ' dropped in' and I was quite unbalanced.
I LOVE my skis with the wedge angled under my left foot. It's taken me a little while to psychologically accept that I can now turn equally well on either side, but now that I have I am over the moon. Slopes that I would have never tackled are now just waiting for me to ski them!
Last week I tried some black runs at Perisher - Parachute, Rock Garden etc and it was such an amazing feeling to generally have such good control going down them all. Using my free leg to assist in braking too just helped things along when I felt my speed was gathering momentum.
Riding a big traverse on my left leg, whilst lifting my right ski gave me such a lot of pleasure, I was screaming "Yikes, oh my goodness, who would've ever believed this...."
Simple things please simple minds I guess, but I was pretty happy.
I'm back down again on Wednesday and just can't wait to tackle a few more slopes....
Joyce O - Sydney
I came to your Fernie clinic by word of mouth (Barb and Dave Watts) and after hearing you present to the Sports Medicine Australia conference.
I expected to have my alignment measured and corrected as required, but had no idea how far out I was, or how hard I was working when skiing.
What I did not expect was the teaching experience.
I had not had any lessons for years and always found them to be annoying, in that you get taught tricks that don't work except in specific situations. The small group was of quite widely varying standards (another surprise) and yet we all learned and laughed and supported each other through the week.
It was a great group and made re-learning ski technique fun. The learning process was quite personalised with each member of the group having the others observing for progression with problem areas of technique.
The actual technique taught is really easy to understand and to do, with practice. I have been going back to some of the exercises to keep me on track.
After my recent week in Perisher I realise how much more efficiently I can ski now and how much my balance has improved.
Although this season has been excellent, the week I was there we had very high winds, some warmer conditions and a couple of days of really difficult and variable snow conditions. Even in poor light I felt stable, could roll with the terrain changes and react to unexpected kicks from deep and heavy snow with a minimum of fuss. I had no pain from skiing (except in one stupid fall caused by a definite snow snake) and almost no feeling of fatigue.
I have personal interest in functional anatomy and biomechanics (note: Louis is a Sports Medicine Doctor) and the Harb system of alignment and training has made me conscious of the advantages available to all levels of skier. I thoroughly recommend the program. It has made a greater difference than going to shaped skis. Thanks for the revelation.
Louis F - QLD
Article brought to you by ex-ski coach now peak performance life coach Peter Stone from www.peak-performance-coaching.com.au. Visit us for free resources on how to live a rich and fulfilling life with all the energy, time and money you need to do what you want!
The Power Of An Olympic Approach To Success - Assessment, Decision, Action
Let's look at the similarities between the Olympic Sport of cycling and Skiing.
From the couch side of the television, it appears to me, an Olympic cyclist needs some or all of the following to succeed -
A Fast Bike
A Fast Body
Knowing What To Do
A Fast Attitude
Let's look at the bike equipment side, and see how it relates to your skiing success.
Equipment - A Fast Bike
What makes a fast bike?
- Having access to fast bike builders. - Selecting the right bike. - Adjusting the bike to fit - perfectly.
How does a cyclist select the right bike?
The cyclist is measured by an expert in bikes.
The bike builder builds the bike to those measurements.
The bike is then tested and adjusted to fit them perfectly.
Assessment – Measure the athlete
Decision Which bike – Informed decision comes from measurement / experience
Action – Build the bike / Set it up / Test
How do skiers select the right ski gear?
The traditional approach has been to – Read ski magazine reviews, research the web, talk with ski friends, instructor recommendation, ski store recommendation.
The latest approach, we offer, is to follow a similar system Olympic Cyclists use, where –
The skier is measured by an expert in ski equipment / skier alignment.
The equipment is selected from the measurements
The equipment (new or existing) is adjusted to fit the skier – perfectly.
Assessment – Measure Skier
Decision Ski Gear – Informed decision comes from measurement / experience
Action – Build a skiers balanced platform through adjusting the ski equipment / test
Why this New ‘Olympic Approach' to ski and boot selection is proving so successful.
Quite frankly, no cyclist is going to win a gold medal or perform at their best on equipment that...
- Is not right for them - Is not set up right for them
What may surprise you is that around 80% of skiers are out there on the slopes every day on ski equipment that
- Is not right for them - Is not set up right for them
I've just returned from a few days skiing the Australian slopes and I saw it day after day after day. Skiers struggling needlessly with ski equipment that
• Isn't right for them • Or they were on ski equipment that is perfect for them – that isn't set up right for them.
The bottom line is: To balance on a pencil thin ski edge requires everything in your favour.
The first step to achieving this balance is to own and operate the right ski equipment that is tailored to your needs.
Most of the skies I talk with are challenged with the simple fact – THEY DON”T GET ENOUGH SKI DAYS EACH SEASON!!!!
So my question to these guys is –
Why waste your first few days or a week of your skiing holiday trying to regain your balance?
When a large percentage of you are skiing around on equipment, that is so far from balanced it is a joke…. I am not laughing here though, because I know how hard you guys work at getting in a few ski days each season.
Now if skiing alignment isn't an issue, then next time you go skiing, you should expect to see plenty of skiers carving around the slopes without any muscle soreness, knee pain, one turn clearly better than the other, in control in the bumps etc.
When I look up the hill, I see misaligned skiers struggling down, lacking confidence, hoping the terrain gets easier. Not being in a strong balanced position to tackle the slopes.
I also agree that good movements and focus will overcome some skiing misalignments. However when it costs so much to get to the slopes, why pay a high price wasting time regaining your balance, when you can be skiing around with more balance and control, that is just a phone call away?
Remember the Olympic formula for success. Assessment – Decision - Action.
Article brought to you by ex-ski coach now peak performance life coach Peter Stone from www.peak-performance-coaching.com.au. Visit us for free resources on how to live a rich and fulfilling life with all the energy, time and money you need to do what you want!
From the couch side of the television, it appears to me, an Olympic cyclist needs some or all of the following to succeed -
A Fast Bike
A Fast Body
Knowing What To Do
A Fast Attitude
Let's look at the bike equipment side, and see how it relates to your skiing success.
Equipment - A Fast Bike
What makes a fast bike?
- Having access to fast bike builders. - Selecting the right bike. - Adjusting the bike to fit - perfectly.
How does a cyclist select the right bike?
The cyclist is measured by an expert in bikes.
The bike builder builds the bike to those measurements.
The bike is then tested and adjusted to fit them perfectly.
Assessment – Measure the athlete
Decision Which bike – Informed decision comes from measurement / experience
Action – Build the bike / Set it up / Test
How do skiers select the right ski gear?
The traditional approach has been to – Read ski magazine reviews, research the web, talk with ski friends, instructor recommendation, ski store recommendation.
The latest approach, we offer, is to follow a similar system Olympic Cyclists use, where –
The skier is measured by an expert in ski equipment / skier alignment.
The equipment is selected from the measurements
The equipment (new or existing) is adjusted to fit the skier – perfectly.
Assessment – Measure Skier
Decision Ski Gear – Informed decision comes from measurement / experience
Action – Build a skiers balanced platform through adjusting the ski equipment / test
Why this New ‘Olympic Approach' to ski and boot selection is proving so successful.
Quite frankly, no cyclist is going to win a gold medal or perform at their best on equipment that...
- Is not right for them - Is not set up right for them
What may surprise you is that around 80% of skiers are out there on the slopes every day on ski equipment that
- Is not right for them - Is not set up right for them
I've just returned from a few days skiing the Australian slopes and I saw it day after day after day. Skiers struggling needlessly with ski equipment that
• Isn't right for them • Or they were on ski equipment that is perfect for them – that isn't set up right for them.
The bottom line is: To balance on a pencil thin ski edge requires everything in your favour.
The first step to achieving this balance is to own and operate the right ski equipment that is tailored to your needs.
Most of the skies I talk with are challenged with the simple fact – THEY DON”T GET ENOUGH SKI DAYS EACH SEASON!!!!
So my question to these guys is –
Why waste your first few days or a week of your skiing holiday trying to regain your balance?
When a large percentage of you are skiing around on equipment, that is so far from balanced it is a joke…. I am not laughing here though, because I know how hard you guys work at getting in a few ski days each season.
Now if skiing alignment isn't an issue, then next time you go skiing, you should expect to see plenty of skiers carving around the slopes without any muscle soreness, knee pain, one turn clearly better than the other, in control in the bumps etc.
When I look up the hill, I see misaligned skiers struggling down, lacking confidence, hoping the terrain gets easier. Not being in a strong balanced position to tackle the slopes.
I also agree that good movements and focus will overcome some skiing misalignments. However when it costs so much to get to the slopes, why pay a high price wasting time regaining your balance, when you can be skiing around with more balance and control, that is just a phone call away?
Remember the Olympic formula for success. Assessment – Decision - Action.
Article brought to you by ex-ski coach now peak performance life coach Peter Stone from www.peak-performance-coaching.com.au. Visit us for free resources on how to live a rich and fulfilling life with all the energy, time and money you need to do what you want!
How do I ski Parallel
This extract is written by Harald Harb, President of PMTS.org and a PMTS trainer, for his subscribers to the PMTS.org newsletter.
From the onset, my initiative to write ski articles and books came from my desire to make sense of skiing movements and terminology.
I saw too many complicated words and concepts bantered about in discussions of skiing technique.
In many ways, elaborate terminology opens up the opportunity for misinterpretation rather then developing clarity and easy understanding.
In discussing PMTS Direct Parallel technique, we often describe actions.
For example: changing edges finishes one turn and begins the next turn.
In the process of changing edges we release the edges, change balance and re-engage the edges.
This simple description of the transition between turns can be summarized as "RTE" - release (edges), transfer (balance) and engage (new edges).
Sometimes it's necessary to be more detailed about how the turn transition is made.
It's important to realize there is more than one way to effect the transition.
The challenge, then, is to determine how many ways are there to change edges and to describe them without becoming complicated and overly technical.
Can we use regular language, avoiding jargon, so that any skier can understand and learn the required actions?
Limiting Movements Revealed!
I watch skiers on the slopes of Colorado , in Canada , and in Europe - skiers from all around the world.
These skiers share a similarity.
Most skiers change edges with a stem, which is a move from one inside or big-toe edge to the other. The stem is an entry-level edge change. Skiers who use this method must push one ski away from the other in order to shift their weight and balance onto the new big-toe edge for the upcoming turn.
Essentially, this method uses only two edges of the skis - the two inside edges. In the stem, the skier moves one ski to the side to transfer weight onto that ski.
How To Ski Parallel
In contrast, when we change edges in parallel skiing, the body moves from one side of the skis to the other, moving over the skis.
The skis stay under the body and don't move to the side unless the skier pushes them sideways, while parallel.
A phrase I use to convey the efficient movement pattern is, "edges are born under the body, not to the side".
In other words, tip the skis on and off edge while they are under your hips.
The simplest way to ski parallel is…. In Direct Parallel technique, we have the tried and true "Phantom Move".
The phantom move combines lifting (or lightening) and tilting the old outside or downhill ski near the end of a turn. The lightening of the old outside ski takes away the base of support, thereby transferring balance and weight to the other ski.
The tipping of the free foot to its little-toe-edge (which was the old outside / downhill ski which is now light from lifting) helps to move the body toward the new turn and also helps to change edges. The forces created through the motion of skiing also respond to the change in the base of support.
These forces help to move the body into the new turn.
This is an example of one way to perform the transition from turn to turn.
Although the Phantom Move sounds simple enough and thousands of skiers have enjoyed the immediate benefits of performing it, not everyone is doing it correctly. Fortunately, even an incorrect phantom move yields positive results.
By Harald Harb is President of PMTS.org and a PMTS trainer.
Article brought to you by ex-ski coach now peak performance life coach Peter Stone from www.peak-performance-coaching.com.au. Visit us for free resources on how to live a rich and fulfilling life with all the energy, time and money you need to do what you want!
From the onset, my initiative to write ski articles and books came from my desire to make sense of skiing movements and terminology.
I saw too many complicated words and concepts bantered about in discussions of skiing technique.
In many ways, elaborate terminology opens up the opportunity for misinterpretation rather then developing clarity and easy understanding.
In discussing PMTS Direct Parallel technique, we often describe actions.
For example: changing edges finishes one turn and begins the next turn.
In the process of changing edges we release the edges, change balance and re-engage the edges.
This simple description of the transition between turns can be summarized as "RTE" - release (edges), transfer (balance) and engage (new edges).
Sometimes it's necessary to be more detailed about how the turn transition is made.
It's important to realize there is more than one way to effect the transition.
The challenge, then, is to determine how many ways are there to change edges and to describe them without becoming complicated and overly technical.
Can we use regular language, avoiding jargon, so that any skier can understand and learn the required actions?
Limiting Movements Revealed!
I watch skiers on the slopes of Colorado , in Canada , and in Europe - skiers from all around the world.
These skiers share a similarity.
Most skiers change edges with a stem, which is a move from one inside or big-toe edge to the other. The stem is an entry-level edge change. Skiers who use this method must push one ski away from the other in order to shift their weight and balance onto the new big-toe edge for the upcoming turn.
Essentially, this method uses only two edges of the skis - the two inside edges. In the stem, the skier moves one ski to the side to transfer weight onto that ski.
How To Ski Parallel
In contrast, when we change edges in parallel skiing, the body moves from one side of the skis to the other, moving over the skis.
The skis stay under the body and don't move to the side unless the skier pushes them sideways, while parallel.
A phrase I use to convey the efficient movement pattern is, "edges are born under the body, not to the side".
In other words, tip the skis on and off edge while they are under your hips.
The simplest way to ski parallel is…. In Direct Parallel technique, we have the tried and true "Phantom Move".
The phantom move combines lifting (or lightening) and tilting the old outside or downhill ski near the end of a turn. The lightening of the old outside ski takes away the base of support, thereby transferring balance and weight to the other ski.
The tipping of the free foot to its little-toe-edge (which was the old outside / downhill ski which is now light from lifting) helps to move the body toward the new turn and also helps to change edges. The forces created through the motion of skiing also respond to the change in the base of support.
These forces help to move the body into the new turn.
This is an example of one way to perform the transition from turn to turn.
Although the Phantom Move sounds simple enough and thousands of skiers have enjoyed the immediate benefits of performing it, not everyone is doing it correctly. Fortunately, even an incorrect phantom move yields positive results.
By Harald Harb is President of PMTS.org and a PMTS trainer.
Article brought to you by ex-ski coach now peak performance life coach Peter Stone from www.peak-performance-coaching.com.au. Visit us for free resources on how to live a rich and fulfilling life with all the energy, time and money you need to do what you want!
How do I warm up on the slopes?
Ok.
You're in your ski gear and standing on top of the hill.
Lets go for a warm up!!!
Balance is your very best friend when skiing.
So lets wake up your skiing balance!!!!
While standing on a flat slope try lifting one foot and ski off the snow.
Use your poles for added support. Try again, this time keep your poles off the snow as well. Change feet and repeat.
From a traverse across the slope, try lifting the uphill ski.
You should be able to balance and leave a straight pencil thin line across the slope. Even in icy conditions. Repeat on the other side.
If you can't do this after several attempts, your alignment may be out. Best to contact us and book in for an Alignment Checkup. www.harbskisystems.com
From a traverse across the hill, this time lift the downhill ski and leave a straight pencil thin line across the slope with the uphill ski.
Again this should be a simple task.
If you're out, you know the drill - come see us and we'll make this task easier on your muscles and body!!!
Next - A great move in skiing is the release.
A release is the ability to allow the stance ski (usually downhill) to flatten to the snow. The stance ski flattens from its big-toe-edge to flat. This sets up a chain reaction where the skis begin to slide (hence the name release - of the big-toe-edge) and seek the fall-line.
To continue across the fall-line begin to lighten and tip the ski that you just flattened (released) to its little-toe edge.
For more detail on the release visit www.harbskisystems.com then go to the blue lesson. Select number two - Release to full turn.
To increase your ability to cross the fall-line - blue lesson select number three.
For advanced skiing you should be able to perform a one and two-footed release within the space of your arms width.
Skiers who have the book and or video Anyone can be an Expert Skier 2, revisit the one and two-footed releases (page 63 book).
These releasing exercises are a brilliant warm up. Done properly, they are the best way to start the day.
From the releasing exercises, you can increase the movements into dynamic turns. Once warmed, you can dial things up further with some one footed skiing.
One footed skiing is another way to take your warm up and skiing to the next level.
Article brought to you by ex-ski coach now peak performance life coach Peter Stone from www.peak-performance-coaching.com.au. Visit us for free resources on how to live a rich and fulfilling life with all the energy, time and money you need to do what you want!
You're in your ski gear and standing on top of the hill.
Lets go for a warm up!!!
Balance is your very best friend when skiing.
So lets wake up your skiing balance!!!!
While standing on a flat slope try lifting one foot and ski off the snow.
Use your poles for added support. Try again, this time keep your poles off the snow as well. Change feet and repeat.
From a traverse across the slope, try lifting the uphill ski.
You should be able to balance and leave a straight pencil thin line across the slope. Even in icy conditions. Repeat on the other side.
If you can't do this after several attempts, your alignment may be out. Best to contact us and book in for an Alignment Checkup. www.harbskisystems.com
From a traverse across the hill, this time lift the downhill ski and leave a straight pencil thin line across the slope with the uphill ski.
Again this should be a simple task.
If you're out, you know the drill - come see us and we'll make this task easier on your muscles and body!!!
Next - A great move in skiing is the release.
A release is the ability to allow the stance ski (usually downhill) to flatten to the snow. The stance ski flattens from its big-toe-edge to flat. This sets up a chain reaction where the skis begin to slide (hence the name release - of the big-toe-edge) and seek the fall-line.
To continue across the fall-line begin to lighten and tip the ski that you just flattened (released) to its little-toe edge.
For more detail on the release visit www.harbskisystems.com then go to the blue lesson. Select number two - Release to full turn.
To increase your ability to cross the fall-line - blue lesson select number three.
For advanced skiing you should be able to perform a one and two-footed release within the space of your arms width.
Skiers who have the book and or video Anyone can be an Expert Skier 2, revisit the one and two-footed releases (page 63 book).
These releasing exercises are a brilliant warm up. Done properly, they are the best way to start the day.
From the releasing exercises, you can increase the movements into dynamic turns. Once warmed, you can dial things up further with some one footed skiing.
One footed skiing is another way to take your warm up and skiing to the next level.
Article brought to you by ex-ski coach now peak performance life coach Peter Stone from www.peak-performance-coaching.com.au. Visit us for free resources on how to live a rich and fulfilling life with all the energy, time and money you need to do what you want!
What is Skier Alignment?
Simply stated…
Ideal skiing alignment is the ability to stand comfortably in your ski gear and to be able to balance on one ski.
To traverse across the slope on the downhill or the uphill ski easily, without the need to recruit additional muscles.
When aligned, your muscle groups are in harmony and it is easy to stand on one ski. If you are misaligned, you need to recruit additional muscles to balance and ski.
Through selecting and tailoring (aligning) ski equipment, misaligned skiers muscles are freed up!
These freed muscles are then recruited to ski well, rather than getting tired trying to constantly maintain balance. Around 80% of skiers are misaligned.
Why offer an Alignment Service?
When locked misaligned muscles are freed to focus on efficient ski movements you end up with:
More energy at the end of the day
Faster recovery rates
First day back-stiffness is gone when combined with efficient movements (speaking from experience here!)
Knee soreness is eliminated when combined with efficient movements
It's easier to balance in the bumps, powder, steeps and groomed
You look cooler as everything (ankles, knees, hips) 'stack up' each and every turn
Any doubts on equipment set up are removed, freeing your mind to focus on the next task that will create your next breakthrough
Every day on the slopes I see skiers being held back by their equipment and its set up (their alignment). The way to fast track your Ski Improvement by making skier easier is through an Alignment Checkup. www.harbskisystems.com
Because to balance on a pencil thin ski edge requires everything in your favour, so why not let the experts who have helped hundreds of skiers improve rapidly by freeing up their misaligned muscles - set you up for success as well.
Article brought to you by ex-ski coach now peak performance life coach Peter Stone from www.peak-performance-coaching.com.au. Visit us for free resources on how to live a rich and fulfilling life with all the energy, time and money you need to do what you want!
Ideal skiing alignment is the ability to stand comfortably in your ski gear and to be able to balance on one ski.
To traverse across the slope on the downhill or the uphill ski easily, without the need to recruit additional muscles.
When aligned, your muscle groups are in harmony and it is easy to stand on one ski. If you are misaligned, you need to recruit additional muscles to balance and ski.
Through selecting and tailoring (aligning) ski equipment, misaligned skiers muscles are freed up!
These freed muscles are then recruited to ski well, rather than getting tired trying to constantly maintain balance. Around 80% of skiers are misaligned.
Why offer an Alignment Service?
When locked misaligned muscles are freed to focus on efficient ski movements you end up with:
More energy at the end of the day
Faster recovery rates
First day back-stiffness is gone when combined with efficient movements (speaking from experience here!)
Knee soreness is eliminated when combined with efficient movements
It's easier to balance in the bumps, powder, steeps and groomed
You look cooler as everything (ankles, knees, hips) 'stack up' each and every turn
Any doubts on equipment set up are removed, freeing your mind to focus on the next task that will create your next breakthrough
Every day on the slopes I see skiers being held back by their equipment and its set up (their alignment). The way to fast track your Ski Improvement by making skier easier is through an Alignment Checkup. www.harbskisystems.com
Because to balance on a pencil thin ski edge requires everything in your favour, so why not let the experts who have helped hundreds of skiers improve rapidly by freeing up their misaligned muscles - set you up for success as well.
Article brought to you by ex-ski coach now peak performance life coach Peter Stone from www.peak-performance-coaching.com.au. Visit us for free resources on how to live a rich and fulfilling life with all the energy, time and money you need to do what you want!
Structure your Practice for Success
Do you ever get frustrated in your skiing that you seem to master a new move on easier slopes, but then lose it when the terrain becomes more difficult?
With the right plan for practice, you'll be able to take your improvements into more difficult terrain and keep them working.
What you need to do is make your practice on the easy slopes more rigorous before you take the original task to more difficult terrain.
Let's say that you're learning to balance on the little-toe edge of the new stance ski, then lift and tilt the free foot to start each turn (This is the Phantom Move and is explained in detail through the Blue & Black online lessons you can link to it via http://www.harbskisystems.com. ).
You've practiced diligently on the groomed runs, you're performing it quite consistently, and you've even done it on slightly steeper slopes.
Then you try to make the move in small moguls, and it fizzles. Suddenly you can feel your stance ski tail flaring open and that ski rolling onto its big-toe edge: the dreaded wedge returns!
What happened?
Well, determine what's different about the terrain.
Moguls will challenge your fore/aft balance because they vary in pitch.
Also, they define exactly where and when you must turn – there's little time to waver in your commitment to the new stance ski.
Then, go back to the easier terrain where you initially had success, and build new tasks that you must perform that will help address the challenges of the more difficult terrain.
For the above example, you first need to address the fore/aft balance issues.
Some of your new, intermediate tasks could be lifting and tilting the free ski tail; the whole length of the ski; and the tip of the ski (with the tail on the ground.)
You'll need to practice making turns that are prescribed to you. Skiing an easy slalom course with the correct movements would be ideal.
If you lack access to a slalom course, pick out snow chunks or pine boughs on the slope and make your own course around them. Pick a path of varying turn size and rhythm, just as the moguls will be.
Also, examine the movement components of the task you are trying to achieve.
Isolate any movement components and then make a version of them that's more difficult.
If your goal in the moguls is to lift and tilt at the beginning of turns, then make turns on the groomed where you lift and tilt and keep the free ski lifted off the snow throughout the arc of the turn.
This requires better balance, and that balance will pay off when you head back to the bumps.
A major movement component in our example is the transfer to the little-toe edge of your new stance ski, so this would become a focus of your practice.
In linked turns, rather than waiting until you have finished your turn and then lifting the free ski, see if you can transfer to the new ski earlier so that you have to ride the little-toe edge longer.
Make traverses where you transfer balance back and forth from downhill ski to uphill ski, always landing on the little-toe edge of the uphill ski.
See how quickly you can go back and forth from foot to foot; see how long you can ride the uphill, little-toe edge.
Transfer to the uphill ski with both legs extended; transfer to it with both legs flexed.
Once you have mastered these additional, more rigorous steps, head back to the bumps.
Your chances of performing your original movement goal are much better now that you have practiced specific and more difficult tasks on the easier terrain.
This article was by By Diana Rogers, VP of Administration, PMTS and Harb Ski Camps trainer and taken from Primary Movements Teaching Systems PMTS.org Newsletter March 21, 2003 .
Article brought to you by ex-ski coach now peak performance life coach Peter Stone from www.peak-performance-coaching.com.au. Visit us for free resources on how to live a rich and fulfilling life with all the energy, time and money you need to do what you want!
With the right plan for practice, you'll be able to take your improvements into more difficult terrain and keep them working.
What you need to do is make your practice on the easy slopes more rigorous before you take the original task to more difficult terrain.
Let's say that you're learning to balance on the little-toe edge of the new stance ski, then lift and tilt the free foot to start each turn (This is the Phantom Move and is explained in detail through the Blue & Black online lessons you can link to it via http://www.harbskisystems.com. ).
You've practiced diligently on the groomed runs, you're performing it quite consistently, and you've even done it on slightly steeper slopes.
Then you try to make the move in small moguls, and it fizzles. Suddenly you can feel your stance ski tail flaring open and that ski rolling onto its big-toe edge: the dreaded wedge returns!
What happened?
Well, determine what's different about the terrain.
Moguls will challenge your fore/aft balance because they vary in pitch.
Also, they define exactly where and when you must turn – there's little time to waver in your commitment to the new stance ski.
Then, go back to the easier terrain where you initially had success, and build new tasks that you must perform that will help address the challenges of the more difficult terrain.
For the above example, you first need to address the fore/aft balance issues.
Some of your new, intermediate tasks could be lifting and tilting the free ski tail; the whole length of the ski; and the tip of the ski (with the tail on the ground.)
You'll need to practice making turns that are prescribed to you. Skiing an easy slalom course with the correct movements would be ideal.
If you lack access to a slalom course, pick out snow chunks or pine boughs on the slope and make your own course around them. Pick a path of varying turn size and rhythm, just as the moguls will be.
Also, examine the movement components of the task you are trying to achieve.
Isolate any movement components and then make a version of them that's more difficult.
If your goal in the moguls is to lift and tilt at the beginning of turns, then make turns on the groomed where you lift and tilt and keep the free ski lifted off the snow throughout the arc of the turn.
This requires better balance, and that balance will pay off when you head back to the bumps.
A major movement component in our example is the transfer to the little-toe edge of your new stance ski, so this would become a focus of your practice.
In linked turns, rather than waiting until you have finished your turn and then lifting the free ski, see if you can transfer to the new ski earlier so that you have to ride the little-toe edge longer.
Make traverses where you transfer balance back and forth from downhill ski to uphill ski, always landing on the little-toe edge of the uphill ski.
See how quickly you can go back and forth from foot to foot; see how long you can ride the uphill, little-toe edge.
Transfer to the uphill ski with both legs extended; transfer to it with both legs flexed.
Once you have mastered these additional, more rigorous steps, head back to the bumps.
Your chances of performing your original movement goal are much better now that you have practiced specific and more difficult tasks on the easier terrain.
This article was by By Diana Rogers, VP of Administration, PMTS and Harb Ski Camps trainer and taken from Primary Movements Teaching Systems PMTS.org Newsletter March 21, 2003 .
Article brought to you by ex-ski coach now peak performance life coach Peter Stone from www.peak-performance-coaching.com.au. Visit us for free resources on how to live a rich and fulfilling life with all the energy, time and money you need to do what you want!
How To Buy The Right Ski Boots
To make sure you get your hands on the ski boot that's right for you, you'll need to move swiftly this season, to avoid missing out.
Now, which ski boot (and skis for that matter!) are right for you?
I'm glad you asked, as there are a couple of ways to go about finding out this season.
Now, everyone wants to ski better.
Everyone wants to buy the right ski gear… to set up their gear for success… to make 'efficient' moves… to ski interesting and varied terrain… to achieve their next skiing breakthrough.
But few skiers know how.
Few skiers really understand how to make every ski improvement dollar work for them - to bring rapid improvement.
In fact, of all the clients we've worked with in the past year, only one turned up to who came close to achieving their full skiing potential.
Even this client, as admirable as his efforts and results were, only realized 80% of the skiing success he could be enjoying.
Most of our clients, which includes some very savvy and experienced skiers, are only realizing 60% or less of their full skiing potential.
See, while ski improvement can be explained in many ways, there are three main factors that influence the success of any improvement program.
These elements have been sifted down to this simple, but powerful formula:
The Right Gear + The Right Set Up + The Right Movements = Rapid Ski Improvement And Enjoyment!
Most skiers miss one, two or all of these elements, and as a result, have very ineffective ski improvement results.
Often skiers compound their problems by getting advice from different people in all three areas, with most 'advisors' unaware of the big picture.
Know Your Alignment - Choosing The 'Right' Ski Gear!
I'm going to cover this point first because choosing boots, footbeds, bindings and skis is the first critical component of any ski improvement program.
I don't care how fit you are, how great your technique is, how much you know about the structure of a parallel turn.
If you turn up to the ski slope in the wrong ski equipment all of you time, effort, and money is pretty much wasted.
Here's the cold hard truth.
Purchase the wrong ski equipment and your ski performance will suffer… badly.
So how do you know which ski equipment to buy? Before you spend another cent on ski equipment, you need to know… What Your Skiing Alignment Is.
Know Your Alignment - Which category do you fall into!
Skiing alignment for our purposes, is the relationship between your ski equipment, body and the resulting angle to the snow.
Now, that might sound a bit technical or complicated, but in actual use, it couldn't be simpler.
Alignment is merely the ability to ride a flat ski by choosing and adjusting ski equipment to suit you.
What may surprise you is that… around 80% of skiers DON'T enjoy skiing around with an easy aligned set up!
Know Your Alignment - Identifying Your Alignment Category
There are two ways to identify your alignment set up.
The first way is to have an Alignment Checkup.
What's an Alignment Check Up?
Here's a quick outline of how an Alignment Checkup works...
A trained instructor takes a series of measurements of your lower legs, mobility and skiing set up to identify your skiing alignment requirements. Next your footbeds, ski boots, skis and their set up is assessed to ensure they are meeting your alignment needs. Everything is analysed, from your range of motion to your equipment requirements and even discuss your skiing movement patterns.
From this session, you will be well informed so you'll know which ski boot and ski equipment to buy, which to avoid and how to set it up for immediate improvement. www.harbskisystems.com
The second way is to determine your alignment set up yourself.
The way to go about this is get a copy of a FREE Report that details the role alignment plays in ski equipment selection and set up. Email me and I'll send you a FREE Report copy.
Article brought to you by ex-ski coach now peak performance life coach Peter Stone from www.peak-performance-coaching.com.au. Visit us for free resources on how to live a rich and fulfilling life with all the energy, time and money you need to do what you want!
Now, which ski boot (and skis for that matter!) are right for you?
I'm glad you asked, as there are a couple of ways to go about finding out this season.
Now, everyone wants to ski better.
Everyone wants to buy the right ski gear… to set up their gear for success… to make 'efficient' moves… to ski interesting and varied terrain… to achieve their next skiing breakthrough.
But few skiers know how.
Few skiers really understand how to make every ski improvement dollar work for them - to bring rapid improvement.
In fact, of all the clients we've worked with in the past year, only one turned up to who came close to achieving their full skiing potential.
Even this client, as admirable as his efforts and results were, only realized 80% of the skiing success he could be enjoying.
Most of our clients, which includes some very savvy and experienced skiers, are only realizing 60% or less of their full skiing potential.
See, while ski improvement can be explained in many ways, there are three main factors that influence the success of any improvement program.
These elements have been sifted down to this simple, but powerful formula:
The Right Gear + The Right Set Up + The Right Movements = Rapid Ski Improvement And Enjoyment!
Most skiers miss one, two or all of these elements, and as a result, have very ineffective ski improvement results.
Often skiers compound their problems by getting advice from different people in all three areas, with most 'advisors' unaware of the big picture.
Know Your Alignment - Choosing The 'Right' Ski Gear!
I'm going to cover this point first because choosing boots, footbeds, bindings and skis is the first critical component of any ski improvement program.
I don't care how fit you are, how great your technique is, how much you know about the structure of a parallel turn.
If you turn up to the ski slope in the wrong ski equipment all of you time, effort, and money is pretty much wasted.
Here's the cold hard truth.
Purchase the wrong ski equipment and your ski performance will suffer… badly.
So how do you know which ski equipment to buy? Before you spend another cent on ski equipment, you need to know… What Your Skiing Alignment Is.
Know Your Alignment - Which category do you fall into!
Skiing alignment for our purposes, is the relationship between your ski equipment, body and the resulting angle to the snow.
Now, that might sound a bit technical or complicated, but in actual use, it couldn't be simpler.
Alignment is merely the ability to ride a flat ski by choosing and adjusting ski equipment to suit you.
What may surprise you is that… around 80% of skiers DON'T enjoy skiing around with an easy aligned set up!
Know Your Alignment - Identifying Your Alignment Category
There are two ways to identify your alignment set up.
The first way is to have an Alignment Checkup.
What's an Alignment Check Up?
Here's a quick outline of how an Alignment Checkup works...
A trained instructor takes a series of measurements of your lower legs, mobility and skiing set up to identify your skiing alignment requirements. Next your footbeds, ski boots, skis and their set up is assessed to ensure they are meeting your alignment needs. Everything is analysed, from your range of motion to your equipment requirements and even discuss your skiing movement patterns.
From this session, you will be well informed so you'll know which ski boot and ski equipment to buy, which to avoid and how to set it up for immediate improvement. www.harbskisystems.com
The second way is to determine your alignment set up yourself.
The way to go about this is get a copy of a FREE Report that details the role alignment plays in ski equipment selection and set up. Email me and I'll send you a FREE Report copy.
Article brought to you by ex-ski coach now peak performance life coach Peter Stone from www.peak-performance-coaching.com.au. Visit us for free resources on how to live a rich and fulfilling life with all the energy, time and money you need to do what you want!
Six Simple Ways To Improve Your Good Skiing Muscles
Coaching Harb Ski Camps this season at Fernie reinforces the need for our clients to come physically prepared to get the most out of themselves and their skiing experience.
Many skiers don't have the luxury of skiing more than a few weeks a year.
At Harb Ski Camps we can fast track your improvement through equipment set up that leads to improved balance and performance.
Fast track your on hill skiing through sharing Harb's skiing methods based on efficiency of movement.
During the week we work on all these areas to bring skiers rapid success.
What we can't do for you in a week or two weeks is ensure you have the right strength and fitness your improved skiing will demand of you.
So this month I'll focus on some simple ways to prepare your skiing muscles, which will bring you more rapid skiing success.
This season we consistently found skiers with good physical preparation coped best with their skiing improvement.
As many of our clients progresses rapidly, their new goals and terrain choices progress just as rapidly.
"Now I want to try steeper bumps".
"How can I tighten these turns even further?".
"I want to focus on high speed carving turns".
"Bring on the dark blue, black and double blacks!".
And yes you are "Ready" with the right equipment, set up, movement and understanding.
But is your body ready for the increased athletic demands the steeper terrain, higher speeds and tighter carving turns demand of you?
So below are a few ways to improve your strength and balance so you will be ready for the extra demands your rapid skiing progress will ask of you.
Improved muscle balance leads to improved skiing.
1 - A simple way to test your balance is stand on one foot. How long can you balance for?
2 - To test your balance further, close your eyes and balance on one foot. Give yourself a break in the office and test how long you can balance for with your eyes closed. Let me know how you go and I'll publish the longest time next month.
3 - Harb has also created a skiing teeter board for improving skiing balance and strength. It is an excellent tool. You can make one yourself, details are on Harb's website at www.harbskisystems.com under dryland training.
Improve your good skiing muscles and reap rapid ski improvement rewards.
If you have some Surgical Rope (in Oz called a Therma Band) then the exercises in the early pages of Harb's second book "Anyone can be an Expert Skier" offer a triple benefit - - They strengthen the leg the elastic cord is attached to - They utilises co-contraction of leg muscles like in skiing - They develop and improve the balance on the stance leg Please use your common sense here and get yourself checked out by a qualified physician before you begin any exercise program.
Exercise 1 - Improved fore / aft free foot management to create smoother turn transitions
Better skiing requires the ability to manage your feet so they are always in the 'right' spot before you need them to be.
The number one thing I we worked on throughout the Fernie season was helping skiers to see, recognise, understand and feel how to manage their free foot so it is in the right place.
Many clients arrive at camp with their free foot outpacing their stance foot.
Their free foot races ahead leading to skiing from the back seat. To maintain the free foot and to hold it back requires hamstring effort to decelerate the free foot. How much effort? It varies by many factors including the size of the turn, the speed you are skiing and the steepness of terrain.
One thing to know is, the steeper the terrain, the more hamstring effort required to manage your free foot so it doesn't outpace the stance ski.
A great way to build up your hamstring muscles is by this exercise below. Photos of this exercise are in Anyone can be an Expert Skier II page 19.
Attach the elasticised band to you ankle / foot. Attach the cord to a secure point in front of you at foot level Pull your attached foot back until the leg is stretched behind you.
This exercise will strength the fore / aft 'good skiing muscles' that are required to manage your free foot so it is in the 'right' position before you need it.
Exercise 2 Reverse your position and face away from the fixed end. Stand and balance on one foot.
Extend your other free leg forward until it is straight in front of you.
Exercise 3 Harald Harb says there are two sure fire ways to make an immediate improvement in your skiing.
Narrow your stance and balance on one ski.
The adductor muscles are required to narrow your stance and they get a great work out with this exercise below.
Attach the elasticised band to you ankle / foot. Attach the cord to a secure point to the side of you. Pull the cord away from the fixed point in to the leg you are balancing on.
These exercises will prepare your good skiing muscles for your next skiing adventure, so you continue to get the most out of your time on the ski slope.
Article brought to you by ex-ski coach now peak performance life coach Peter Stone from www.peak-performance-coaching.com.au. Visit us for free resources on how to live a rich and fulfilling life with all the energy, time and money you need to do what you want!
Many skiers don't have the luxury of skiing more than a few weeks a year.
At Harb Ski Camps we can fast track your improvement through equipment set up that leads to improved balance and performance.
Fast track your on hill skiing through sharing Harb's skiing methods based on efficiency of movement.
During the week we work on all these areas to bring skiers rapid success.
What we can't do for you in a week or two weeks is ensure you have the right strength and fitness your improved skiing will demand of you.
So this month I'll focus on some simple ways to prepare your skiing muscles, which will bring you more rapid skiing success.
This season we consistently found skiers with good physical preparation coped best with their skiing improvement.
As many of our clients progresses rapidly, their new goals and terrain choices progress just as rapidly.
"Now I want to try steeper bumps".
"How can I tighten these turns even further?".
"I want to focus on high speed carving turns".
"Bring on the dark blue, black and double blacks!".
And yes you are "Ready" with the right equipment, set up, movement and understanding.
But is your body ready for the increased athletic demands the steeper terrain, higher speeds and tighter carving turns demand of you?
So below are a few ways to improve your strength and balance so you will be ready for the extra demands your rapid skiing progress will ask of you.
Improved muscle balance leads to improved skiing.
1 - A simple way to test your balance is stand on one foot. How long can you balance for?
2 - To test your balance further, close your eyes and balance on one foot. Give yourself a break in the office and test how long you can balance for with your eyes closed. Let me know how you go and I'll publish the longest time next month.
3 - Harb has also created a skiing teeter board for improving skiing balance and strength. It is an excellent tool. You can make one yourself, details are on Harb's website at www.harbskisystems.com under dryland training.
Improve your good skiing muscles and reap rapid ski improvement rewards.
If you have some Surgical Rope (in Oz called a Therma Band) then the exercises in the early pages of Harb's second book "Anyone can be an Expert Skier" offer a triple benefit - - They strengthen the leg the elastic cord is attached to - They utilises co-contraction of leg muscles like in skiing - They develop and improve the balance on the stance leg Please use your common sense here and get yourself checked out by a qualified physician before you begin any exercise program.
Exercise 1 - Improved fore / aft free foot management to create smoother turn transitions
Better skiing requires the ability to manage your feet so they are always in the 'right' spot before you need them to be.
The number one thing I we worked on throughout the Fernie season was helping skiers to see, recognise, understand and feel how to manage their free foot so it is in the right place.
Many clients arrive at camp with their free foot outpacing their stance foot.
Their free foot races ahead leading to skiing from the back seat. To maintain the free foot and to hold it back requires hamstring effort to decelerate the free foot. How much effort? It varies by many factors including the size of the turn, the speed you are skiing and the steepness of terrain.
One thing to know is, the steeper the terrain, the more hamstring effort required to manage your free foot so it doesn't outpace the stance ski.
A great way to build up your hamstring muscles is by this exercise below. Photos of this exercise are in Anyone can be an Expert Skier II page 19.
Attach the elasticised band to you ankle / foot. Attach the cord to a secure point in front of you at foot level Pull your attached foot back until the leg is stretched behind you.
This exercise will strength the fore / aft 'good skiing muscles' that are required to manage your free foot so it is in the 'right' position before you need it.
Exercise 2 Reverse your position and face away from the fixed end. Stand and balance on one foot.
Extend your other free leg forward until it is straight in front of you.
Exercise 3 Harald Harb says there are two sure fire ways to make an immediate improvement in your skiing.
Narrow your stance and balance on one ski.
The adductor muscles are required to narrow your stance and they get a great work out with this exercise below.
Attach the elasticised band to you ankle / foot. Attach the cord to a secure point to the side of you. Pull the cord away from the fixed point in to the leg you are balancing on.
These exercises will prepare your good skiing muscles for your next skiing adventure, so you continue to get the most out of your time on the ski slope.
Article brought to you by ex-ski coach now peak performance life coach Peter Stone from www.peak-performance-coaching.com.au. Visit us for free resources on how to live a rich and fulfilling life with all the energy, time and money you need to do what you want!
Releasing: The Secret Method to Start a Turn
This month we'll share with you some skiing inspiration from the great man himself - Harald Harb.
After which, there is a five-minute homework exercise.
Yes, that's right a little ski homework that will improve your skiing today.
Some simple exercises you can do, in front of your computer, to take your skiing to the next level!
This extract is written by Harald Harb, President of PMTS.org and a PMTS trainer, for his subscribers to the PMTS.org newsletter. www.harbskisystem.com
It was written with an assumed knowledge of Harb's Direct Parallel Primary Movements Teaching System (PMTS).
I have given this just the lightest of edits for those of you who haven't immersed yourself fully in the Direct Parallel skiing system.
And don't forget to try our five-minute Phantom Move exercise to getting you skiing better today, at then end of this eZine!
From the onset, my initiative to write ski articles and books came from my desire to make sense of skiing movements and terminology.
I saw too many complicated words and concepts bantered about in discussions of skiing technique.
In many ways, elaborate terminology opens up the opportunity for misinterpretation rather then developing clarity and easy understanding.
In discussing PMTS Direct Parallel technique, we often describe actions.
For example: changing edges finishes one turn and begins the next turn.
In the process of changing edges we release the edges, change balance and re-engage the edges.
This simple description of the transition between turns can be summarized as "RTE" - release (edges), transfer (balance) and engage (new edges).
Sometimes it's necessary to be more detailed about how the turn transition is made.
It's important to realize there is more than one way to effect the transition.
The challenge, then, is to determine how many ways are there to change edges and to describe them without becoming complicated and overly technical.
Can we use regular language, avoiding jargon, so that any skier can understand and learn the required actions?
Limiting Movements Revealed!
I watch skiers on the slopes of Colorado, in Canada, and in Europe - skiers from all around the world.
These skiers share a similarity.
Most skiers change edges with a stem, which is a move from one inside or big-toe edge to the other.
The stem is an entry-level edge change.
Skiers who use this method must push one ski away from the other in order to shift their weight and balance onto the new big-toe edge for the upcoming turn.
Essentially, this method uses only two edges of the skis - the two inside edges.
In the stem, the skier moves one ski to the side to transfer weight onto that ski.
How to ski parallel
In contrast, when we change edges in parallel skiing, the body moves from one side of the skis to the other, moving over the skis.
The skis stay under the body and don't move to the side unless the skier pushes them sideways, while parallel. A phrase I use to convey the efficient movement pattern is, "edges are born under the body, not to the side".
In other words, tip the skis on and off edge while they are under your hips.
The simplest way to ski parallel is…. In Direct Parallel technique, we have the tried and true "Phantom Move".
The phantom move combines lifting (or lightening) and tilting the old outside or downhill ski near the end of a turn.
The lightening of the old outside ski takes away the base of support, thereby transferring balance and weight to the other ski.
The tipping of the free foot to its little-toe-edge (which was the old outside / downhill ski which is now light from lifting) helps to move the body toward the new turn and also helps to change edges.
The forces created through the motion of skiing also respond to the change in the base of support. These forces help to move the body into the new turn.
This is an example of one way to perform the transition from turn to turn.
Although the Phantom Move sounds simple enough and thousands of skiers have enjoyed the immediate benefits of performing it, not everyone is doing it correctly.
Fortunately, even an incorrect phantom move yields positive results. Harald Harb is President of PMTS.org and a PMTS trainer
Learn The Five Minute Phantom Move
If you would like to improve your skiing and in particular your parallel turn, then try this phantom move exercise - RIGHT NOW!
That's right, the time to improve your skiing is today, this minute. The mountains are piling up with snow, and you have to be ready for them. So lets get started!
Firstly stand up and get excited about your skiing. Recall a time where you were skiing well. Replay a film / video of it in your mind. Remember how it felt.
What you were saying to yourself? What moves did you make? How were you breathing? Lets get into a skiing frame of mind!
So are you standing!
Jazzed, excited about the prospect of skiing?
I hope so, you know I can tell if you are still sitting down. I am watching you!
So jump up and get into ski mode and we can have a lot of fun.
For those already standing great job, so far!
Next, while standing with your hands out for balance, like you are ready to pole plant, pick up one foot so it is five centimetres (two inches) off the ground.
Next reverse it.
Try lifting the other foot! Great.
How long could you hold your foot off the ground for? I got bored after two minutes? Can you beat two minutes? Let me know!
Try the exercise again with your eyes closed. How long did you last?
Next, try the same exercise but this time lift your foot higher. 30 centimetres (a foot) off the ground.
How long can you balance for?
Are you maintaining your skiing position?
Guess what you have now created a FREE FOOT and you are half way to understanding the Phantom Move.
Which is your free foot?
The one that is lifted off the ground. The 'lifted / light foot' is now FREE to move. Hence the name!
Tip The Free-Foot To Create Parallel Skiing
This time, lets build on the last exercise by adding one more move. While standing in a skiing position, hands out for balance. Pick up one foot and begin tipping the FREE FOOT (light one) to its little-toe-side.
The more you tip the free foot to the little toe side, the more you will show the base / bottom of your free foot to your stance leg.
Note: Be ready to put your free-foot down to regain balance! What happened? Did you 'fall' to the same side your little-toe-edge was tipped to.
I HOPE SO!
If you didn't, try picking up your free foot higher and tipping it over to its little-toe-edge side MORE! What happened? Did you 'fall' in towards the side you are tipping your little toe side? I HOPE SO!
To make things even more interesting, this time try lifting and tipping the free foot continuously.
That is, lift your free-foot higher and higher while tipping your free foot to its little-toe-edge more and more, WHILE RESISTING 'FALLING' IN THE DIRECTION WHICH YOU ARE TIPPING!
Did you notice if you keep lifting and tipping your free foot, eventually your upper body will move in the direction of your free-foot little toe side?
This is the phantom move and the building block of a successful parallel turn.
The more you play with it, the more you will develop your balance on one foot, your tipping movements and the feel of allowing your upper body to move in the direction of your little-toe-edge side.
Points to remember are:
1) Use this move for smooth parallel transitions from one turn to the next.
2) You don't always have to lift your free-foot, in fact lifting is learning, lightening builds expert skiing.
3) Actively counterbalancing with your upper body against falling toward your little-toe-edge side builds your expert skiing balance.
4) Remember when Harald said "edges are born under the body, not to the side", well this exercise of lightening / tipping / resisting / then allowing your body to 'fall' inside the turn is a very efficient way to keep your edges under you while parallel skiing.
Article brought to you by ex-ski coach now peak performance life coach Peter Stone from www.peak-performance-coaching.com.au. Visit us for free resources on how to live a rich and fulfilling life with all the energy, time and money you need to do what you want!
After which, there is a five-minute homework exercise.
Yes, that's right a little ski homework that will improve your skiing today.
Some simple exercises you can do, in front of your computer, to take your skiing to the next level!
This extract is written by Harald Harb, President of PMTS.org and a PMTS trainer, for his subscribers to the PMTS.org newsletter. www.harbskisystem.com
It was written with an assumed knowledge of Harb's Direct Parallel Primary Movements Teaching System (PMTS).
I have given this just the lightest of edits for those of you who haven't immersed yourself fully in the Direct Parallel skiing system.
And don't forget to try our five-minute Phantom Move exercise to getting you skiing better today, at then end of this eZine!
From the onset, my initiative to write ski articles and books came from my desire to make sense of skiing movements and terminology.
I saw too many complicated words and concepts bantered about in discussions of skiing technique.
In many ways, elaborate terminology opens up the opportunity for misinterpretation rather then developing clarity and easy understanding.
In discussing PMTS Direct Parallel technique, we often describe actions.
For example: changing edges finishes one turn and begins the next turn.
In the process of changing edges we release the edges, change balance and re-engage the edges.
This simple description of the transition between turns can be summarized as "RTE" - release (edges), transfer (balance) and engage (new edges).
Sometimes it's necessary to be more detailed about how the turn transition is made.
It's important to realize there is more than one way to effect the transition.
The challenge, then, is to determine how many ways are there to change edges and to describe them without becoming complicated and overly technical.
Can we use regular language, avoiding jargon, so that any skier can understand and learn the required actions?
Limiting Movements Revealed!
I watch skiers on the slopes of Colorado, in Canada, and in Europe - skiers from all around the world.
These skiers share a similarity.
Most skiers change edges with a stem, which is a move from one inside or big-toe edge to the other.
The stem is an entry-level edge change.
Skiers who use this method must push one ski away from the other in order to shift their weight and balance onto the new big-toe edge for the upcoming turn.
Essentially, this method uses only two edges of the skis - the two inside edges.
In the stem, the skier moves one ski to the side to transfer weight onto that ski.
How to ski parallel
In contrast, when we change edges in parallel skiing, the body moves from one side of the skis to the other, moving over the skis.
The skis stay under the body and don't move to the side unless the skier pushes them sideways, while parallel. A phrase I use to convey the efficient movement pattern is, "edges are born under the body, not to the side".
In other words, tip the skis on and off edge while they are under your hips.
The simplest way to ski parallel is…. In Direct Parallel technique, we have the tried and true "Phantom Move".
The phantom move combines lifting (or lightening) and tilting the old outside or downhill ski near the end of a turn.
The lightening of the old outside ski takes away the base of support, thereby transferring balance and weight to the other ski.
The tipping of the free foot to its little-toe-edge (which was the old outside / downhill ski which is now light from lifting) helps to move the body toward the new turn and also helps to change edges.
The forces created through the motion of skiing also respond to the change in the base of support. These forces help to move the body into the new turn.
This is an example of one way to perform the transition from turn to turn.
Although the Phantom Move sounds simple enough and thousands of skiers have enjoyed the immediate benefits of performing it, not everyone is doing it correctly.
Fortunately, even an incorrect phantom move yields positive results. Harald Harb is President of PMTS.org and a PMTS trainer
Learn The Five Minute Phantom Move
If you would like to improve your skiing and in particular your parallel turn, then try this phantom move exercise - RIGHT NOW!
That's right, the time to improve your skiing is today, this minute. The mountains are piling up with snow, and you have to be ready for them. So lets get started!
Firstly stand up and get excited about your skiing. Recall a time where you were skiing well. Replay a film / video of it in your mind. Remember how it felt.
What you were saying to yourself? What moves did you make? How were you breathing? Lets get into a skiing frame of mind!
So are you standing!
Jazzed, excited about the prospect of skiing?
I hope so, you know I can tell if you are still sitting down. I am watching you!
So jump up and get into ski mode and we can have a lot of fun.
For those already standing great job, so far!
Next, while standing with your hands out for balance, like you are ready to pole plant, pick up one foot so it is five centimetres (two inches) off the ground.
Next reverse it.
Try lifting the other foot! Great.
How long could you hold your foot off the ground for? I got bored after two minutes? Can you beat two minutes? Let me know!
Try the exercise again with your eyes closed. How long did you last?
Next, try the same exercise but this time lift your foot higher. 30 centimetres (a foot) off the ground.
How long can you balance for?
Are you maintaining your skiing position?
Guess what you have now created a FREE FOOT and you are half way to understanding the Phantom Move.
Which is your free foot?
The one that is lifted off the ground. The 'lifted / light foot' is now FREE to move. Hence the name!
Tip The Free-Foot To Create Parallel Skiing
This time, lets build on the last exercise by adding one more move. While standing in a skiing position, hands out for balance. Pick up one foot and begin tipping the FREE FOOT (light one) to its little-toe-side.
The more you tip the free foot to the little toe side, the more you will show the base / bottom of your free foot to your stance leg.
Note: Be ready to put your free-foot down to regain balance! What happened? Did you 'fall' to the same side your little-toe-edge was tipped to.
I HOPE SO!
If you didn't, try picking up your free foot higher and tipping it over to its little-toe-edge side MORE! What happened? Did you 'fall' in towards the side you are tipping your little toe side? I HOPE SO!
To make things even more interesting, this time try lifting and tipping the free foot continuously.
That is, lift your free-foot higher and higher while tipping your free foot to its little-toe-edge more and more, WHILE RESISTING 'FALLING' IN THE DIRECTION WHICH YOU ARE TIPPING!
Did you notice if you keep lifting and tipping your free foot, eventually your upper body will move in the direction of your free-foot little toe side?
This is the phantom move and the building block of a successful parallel turn.
The more you play with it, the more you will develop your balance on one foot, your tipping movements and the feel of allowing your upper body to move in the direction of your little-toe-edge side.
Points to remember are:
1) Use this move for smooth parallel transitions from one turn to the next.
2) You don't always have to lift your free-foot, in fact lifting is learning, lightening builds expert skiing.
3) Actively counterbalancing with your upper body against falling toward your little-toe-edge side builds your expert skiing balance.
4) Remember when Harald said "edges are born under the body, not to the side", well this exercise of lightening / tipping / resisting / then allowing your body to 'fall' inside the turn is a very efficient way to keep your edges under you while parallel skiing.
Article brought to you by ex-ski coach now peak performance life coach Peter Stone from www.peak-performance-coaching.com.au. Visit us for free resources on how to live a rich and fulfilling life with all the energy, time and money you need to do what you want!
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