Intro to Switch

What

Introduce students to skiing backwards.

Why

To develop versatility, encourage students to move in different ways and prepare for future skills (180s, switch off box/rail etc.).

How

Start by finding safe and appropriate terrain to begin with a switch gliding wedge, then:

• Encourage centred stance, even wedge and consistent size.
• Challenge by adding turns as student skill development and confidence allows.
• Turn your upper body to look over outside ski to encourage outside ski balance.
• Continue to refine/develop through to switch round wedge turns and beyond.

Skills

With the exception of the upper body, the skills for skiing switch are the same as skiing forwards. We want to remain centred on the skis, steer from the lower body and balance from outside ski to outside ski.

Ski Snow Interaction

Skis will have little grip through low edge angles and opposing steering angles to create a wedge. Pressure should be maintained along the length of the foot with shin and calf contact at the top of the boot.

Turn Phases

As turns are developed, legs should be steered throughout. Timing of weight shift should coincide with upper body movements to look over the outside shoulder. As with skiing forwards, the exact timing of this will be dependent upon speed, turn shape and confidence. As these factors increase, higher edge angle and more grip should be developed through the second half of the turn.

Terrain

Look for close to flat, easy green terrain. Think back to teaching first-time lessons; the fear factor and unfamiliarity will again play a role when introducing switch.

Class Handling

We will be moving slowly and, potentially, blindly for some time. Be sure to choose a low traffic area with no environmental hazards (fences, signs, cliffs etc.). Students must look both up and down hill before setting off. Space must be given between students, especially when working with larger groups, and stopping locations must be clear and well out of the way of the next student.