5. STEERING
T e concept that has created by far the greatest “ah-ha” moment in my clinics comes when I describe how I steer my skis. At a super-simplifi ed level, a ski will turn if it’s on edge and has enough pressure to bend. Many blue-square women try to steer with their upper bodies or by leaning into the hill and banking around turns, which fl attens their skis and doesn’t allow for pressure to be concentrated on the outside ski. T e prerequisites for competent black-diamond skiing are the ability to bend and pressure the outside ski in every turn while the ski is on edge – and to vary the amounts of pressure and edge angle as needed from turn to turn. To teach this skill, I introduce the concept of pressing down with the big toe on the outside (downhill) ski. I describe the concept as a “steering button” under the big toe. T e harder I press it, the more aggressive the turn. Likewise, the deeper I travel into a turn, the more I press the button. T e steering-button concept teaches skiers to not simply fl ex
forward but to concentrate the pressure on the inside corner of the boot tongue and the inside of the forefoot, which creates both pressure and edge angle. I mention the little toe of the uphill ski as an aside. Most women who ski parallel naturally match the inside ski to the outside ski when trying this concept. If they aren’t parallel, it’s too much to think about.
The Drill
While the client is standing still, skis across the fall line with feet hip-width apart, have her roll her skis on edge a comfortable amount. Her ankles should be fl exed so her shins are against her boot tongues. T en have her press down with the big toe, creating more edge angle. Now have her do it while turning. Experiment with diff erent radius turns and increasingly steeper terrain.
Troubleshooting Do another toe check! If a student is clenching her toes, she can’t work ‘em. T ere are many more aspects of ski technique that women commonly have trouble with, but these fi ve are the biggies. T ey are connected to one another. For example, a skier will have trouble centering and steering if she isn’t fl exing at the ankle. It’s often a chicken-or-egg situation. Is your client unable to maintain good hand position because she’s not centered, or is she having trouble staying centered because her hands are in the wrong spot? By educating your client about these fi ve aspects of ski technique, you can cure the blue-square blues and transform your student into a black- diamond diva.
Get ready, get
A former U.S. Ski Team member, Lisa Densmore Ballard is a member of PSIA- AASI and the USSA Ski Coaches Association. She has skied professionally since 1985. Over 6,000 women have attended her Your Turn women’s ski events nationwide. Website:
LisaDensmore.com
Author Lisa Densmore Ballard demonstrates edge control.
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