3 - Stringing Basic Turns

Question 1

Explain where and how (entering, management, end) to do the basic turn.

Answer 1

Choice of terrain: gentle, two machine-wide slope with a nice run-out on flat terrain.

How
- Entering the turn: In a slanted glide, we shift the center of gravity towards the front of the board so that the nose, side and foot are in the same vertical line. This relieves the tail of the board, which causes the board to rotate towards the fall line.
- Turn control: The transfer of weight is followed by looking in the direction where we want to complete the turn, and rotating the upper body and hips. The rotation is performed around the vertical axis of the body. Then, we start to turn the board by pressing on the front of the foot when turning on the toes and lifting the heel of the front foot. When turning on the heels, we press on the heel of the front foot and lift the front of the foot. Due to the turning of the board, it is easier to turn it towards the fall line. At the moment when the board is parallel to the fall line, we change the edge (toe edge/heel edge or heel edge/toe edge) and stop turning it.
- End of turn: The change of edge is accompanied by turning the board in the direction away from the fall line. This is followed by a move to the basic position and a gradual lowering of the center of gravity. The turn is completed when the center of gravity is at its lowest point and the sliding speed is the same as when entering the turn. The gaze is directed in the direction of sliding.

Question 2

What are 3 exercises to do before you start?

Answer 2

• Simulation of all turns on a flat surface without a board and with a board strapped in (in pairs or with the teacher’s assistance).
• On a very gentle slope with a straight finish, transfer weight to the front of the board. Transition to a straight downhill and slide in the fall line until stopping.
  —> sliding sideways across piste, turn into fall line and then go straight until board stops
• On a very gentle slope, in a straight downhill, the trainee rotates the head, upper body and hips in the direction of the desired turn with the back binding strapped out or in.
  —> go straight down, then turn one way or the other

Question 3

What are the 4 most common problems and solutions?

Answer 3

1. Weight transfer to the back leg
   - Practicing basic turns in facilitated circumstances (less inclination, teacher assistance).
   - Transferring weight forward and backward while skiing straight in place and on a very gentle slope.
2. During the final phase of the turn, the practitioner looks up the ski slope or to the ground, which causes excessive rotation.
   - Place any object (e.g. a glove) at the point where you want the trainee to complete the turn.
   - The teacher guides the student with instructions.
   -The student follows the teacher’s glide and follows him with his eyes the entire time.
3. Excessive leaning into the center of the turn.
   - Practice with teacher assistance.
4. Changing edges too quickly.
   - Practice on an extremely gentle slope with an emphasis on understanding each phase of the turn and the transition between them.