BALANCE
A body in balance is in a state of equilibrium. More specifically, equilibrium denotes opposing forces are in a state of balance. In skiing, a person must maintain equilibrium between the forces that act on him or her (gravity and inertia) and the forces that act on the skis (centripetal and friction). Tis relates to the forces acting on the CM (the central balance point of body mass) and the BOS (the location of weight on the snow) as discussed in Chapter 3: Physics of Skiing. Skiers control the external forces that affect balance by rotating or edging the skis and resisting, increasing, or absorbing pressure. Te same movements a skier creates to turn, tip, and manage pressure on the skis also affect the momentary relationship between the CM and BOS. It is these relationships that define equilibrium or balance.
PHOTO 1.25: Balance in motion
A common debate in skiing is whether being in a state of balance creates the ability to move effectively, or if moving effectively results in a state of balance. Te simple and accurate answer is “yes,” defining the dual role of balance in skiing.
BALANCE AS A SOURCE OF EFFECTIVE MOVEMENT
Skiers who are not in a state of equilibrium when forces act on their CM will not be able to effectively use their muscles to control the interaction of the skis with the snow. Tis fact is true even before any movement occurs; it is true in both a simple straight run and in a dynamic turn. As such, it places great demand on the fundamentals of a static athletic stance.
Athletic Stance An athletic stance – which is virtually the same for any motor sport – is defined by
the ability of the athlete to move in any direction at any time. In an athletic stance: ■ Te feet are approximately hip-width apart to provide a BOS
PHOTO 1.26: Athletic stance
■ All major joints are flexed ■ Weight and balance is toward the balls of the feet
■ Te arms are raised slightly above the waist, with the elbows just in front of the body and the hands positioned slightly wider than the elbows
■ Te pelvis is neutral (with the lower back neither arched nor the tailbone tucked)
■ Te head is up with the vision forward
TheSnowPros.org CHAPTER 1: SKILLS CONCEPT–DEFINING THE SKILLS 33
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