Video
Video is an extremely valuable tool for observation. Snowboarders often have images in mind of what they look like in motion, but their actual movements on the snow may look very different. Some students may have never seen themselves snowboarding before, so be prepared for their reality check and handle with empathy. Video can expose differences between feelings, mental images, and reality. Because video offers entirely objective feedback, it provides a valuable opportunity to show riders how they move and lets them associate their sensations with the images, and see for themselves what board performance results. Quick playback is important; watching in real-time allows the athlete to relate the feelings of movement with a desired outcome.
HEARING
When it comes to observation, sight is obviously the primary sense used, but hearing is important too. Pay attention to the sounds the student’s board makes on the snow. A board sliding across the snow surface will sound louder than a board that is slicing, or carving through the snow. Similarly, a board that is moving in tandem with the CM is quieter than one turned across the CM’s direction of travel. Additionally, a sudden change in volume is a good indication that the rider is probably not making consistent movements or effectively managing pressure when encountering different conditions. Tis is particularly applicable on slopes characterized by soft snow with icy patches or icy snow with soft sections.
TOUCH
Another sense that provides insight into student movements – and overall comfort levels – is touch. At lower levels of teaching, hand-to-hand guidance is used quite often to help students maintain balance and guard against falls. It also helps instructors detect insecurities and technical insufficiencies.
If a student maintains a tense, tight grip on you, that’s a strong indication they aren’t comfortable on a snowboard. A tight grip with downward pressure is a sure sign that the rider is relying on your support to maintain balance and stability. Ask if your student is comfortable with this approach. Te goal, of course, is for them to become independent, and no longer need the hands-on approach. If your student gets to the point of linking turns while holding your hands, you may find that reliance on you varies depending on the phase the turn. Make note of this because it’s a good measure of how the student’s balance needs strengthening.
TheSnowPros.org
CHAPTER 5: MOVEMENT ANALYSIS 77
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