Almost every skier has experienced a moment of panic due to loss of speed control. Thankfully, there are exercises that will help you maintain control on the steepest of slopes. One good source of helpful speed control techniques is Martin Heckelman’s The New Guide to Skiing.
Heckelman relies on timed, alternating foot pressure to the downhill ski in order to control the distance between turns and thus, control your speed.
Some of Heckman’s methods of applying and releasing foot pressure to control speed include:
- Thinking of having two sponge balls underfoot and pretending to alternately compress and release the balls.
- Compress and release the balls with a purposeful rhythm, left, right, left, right, etc.
- Sing a repetitive tune to help create fluid ski compressions and releases.
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