Wedgeless Progression
Our students may not be able to make a wedge due to physical or equipment limitations. As a result we use the wedgeless progression to break the movements down.
Using standard progression building models we can take the different phases of the turn and develop them individually before linking turns.
Here is an example progression which is to be used in conjunction with the NZSIA Ski, Snowboard and Telemark progressions…
Introduction to Equipment
Ensure the equipment is set up and adjusted so that the student can maintain a centred stance.
Mobility
Introduce the students to the different ways that they can move on the ski(s); vertical, fore/aft, rotational and lateral. Teach students how to move around on flat terrain, however this may be tiring and unachievable, so take into account the students energy level and try to avoid developing fatigue early on.
Straight Runs
Develop balance while moving. Using the outriggers to stop, keep elbows close to the body and push the claws of the outriggers forward into the snow.
During straight runs where outriggers are used, safe falling techniques should be practised. This involves lifting the outriggers forward and away from the slope to prevent falling on them and to protect the shoulder joint.
Direction changes using fan progression and linking open turns
Start by facing their skis a little bit down the fall line and encourage speed control by steering the skis back across the slope. Gradually build their ability to steer their skis further across the fall-line.
Develop into shallow turns in both directions and link together. From here, encourage an increasingly rounder turn shape in order to control speed.
Traverse (transition phase)
Travelling across the fall-line from point A to B, encourage the student to balance over top of the ski(s).
Garlands (initiation and completion)
Similar to a traverse but with a series of direction turn initiations and completions, steering in and out of the fall-line, and releasing and engaging the edge of the ski(s).
Linking Turns
Take the skills developed in the previous stages to start linking turns of different shape and size together. Play with turn shape, rhythm, and speed.
