Garland ski drill, why edging skills matter, video #1

Edging skills are for every skier from beginner through expert and for every type of skiing including park, moguls, ski racing and recreational skiing. Practice your edging skills with the popular garland drill. www.skistrong.... Fischer skis, Fischer Boots, One Way Poles

[@normanlaw8191]

Love the fact that you spent time on the Safety aspects of this drill. And that's why you are a World class instructor amounts other things. Big Respect.

[@NFAslan]

No joke. I NEVER trust the people above me to yield. Especially if I'm practicing, I might do something erratic they aren't expecting. People pass WAAAAAY too close, I already had one person following me too close who ran into the back of me; they thought I was going to zig and I zagged. Luckily at slow speed, everyone was fine.

[@yianaki53]

Hey Deb, thanks again for the free lesson. I probably watch all your vids at least a dozen times and then some.

[@수벅커피는]

A few day ago KZbin algorithm took me to this great channel. Since then, I have learning not only the ski skills but also the passion for life from Deb. It is honor for me to be taught by her ^^

[@DebArmstrongSkiStrong]

Thank you so much!!

[@Ski-With-Darryl]

Thanks! As an instructor I appreciate being able to watch a legend doing the kind of things I can use to help not only myself but my students as well.

[@DebArmstrongSkiStrong]

Fantastic! Thank you

[@thomasmedeiros5722]

Great video lesson for start of the season., My slogan is “ you got to do the drills to build the skills “. One comment I hear frequently from customers at the ski shop is that their skis are too fast or they think they need a shorter ski because they have difficulty controlling a proper length ski. The real issue is probably they need to develop better edge skills like you are teaching in this video to control speed and the shape of their turns. . I frequently mention your name and KZbin channel to my customers.These drills are great to use on the low angle trails when you are going to other trails or back towards the lift. It’s good to make the most out of every run especially at the start of the season.

[@yourtravelswithbruce]

LOVE that you talked about looking out for other skiers. So many times I'm finding myself trying to travers with skiiers zipping past me and it shakes my confidences and cases me to change course.

[@NFAslan]

THIS!!!! Can't tell you how many times I've been trying to ride my edges and ended up skidding out instead, just to avoid other skiers.

[@Triggerboy62]

Great video as always, loved the look on your face at the very end LOL. We are truly risking our lives out there :)

[@Yepowful]

Yesterday I figured out reproducible carved turns on easy terrain (2 clean tracks!) on my dominant side but having trouble on my weak side. today I will try garlands on my weak side! A lot more tipping opportunities per traverse than doing a turn each time! Thanks!

[@rickeyjames7122]

Best clearest instructions I've found. Love her

[@DebArmstrongSkiStrong]

Thanks Rickey!!!

[@rickeyjames7122]

@@DebArmstrongSkiStrong Just started skiing last year can't get on the slopes soon enough or stay long enough, learning a lot from you. Keep it up and thanks.

[@cycleoflife7331]

Such a great teaching drill. I use it regularly to help my students transition from rotating skis to carving their skis. Thanks for posting these informative vids. Slopes opening soon.

[@PanikAtTheCisco]

Love the videos Deb! They help tweak my imperfections and help me realize how to explain to my beginner friends what I was unable to

[@vbsand5882]

Great video. Love the curtesy and responsibility on uphill traffic.

[@banff9858]

Deb, thanks so much. I'm watching this before going to my CS1 Certification at Whitetail Resort tomorrow. Operative phrase was that the knees are bending but the waist is not. Good Stuff!

[@blameitonben]

I've watched this before, but coming back to it, because Carv 2.0 is telling me my biggest weakness is early edge engagement. Back to basics. Can't build a good house on a flawed foundation. Thanks for your content.

[@oligohome]

My fave 1st day on skis drills. Then I do side slips, crab crawls(eastern edge-wedge style).

[@katherinehayesrodriguez9683]

Great! Would like to see different versions of Garlands, I.e. rotational and pressure control focus. Thank you!

[@thomastheys6681]

Excellent information and demonstration I haven’t heard that word garland in a long time Way to go. Thomyt

[@MsMsmak]

excellent explanation and demonstration!

[@showze21]

thanks for reminding me of the garlands drill. i always need to do drills early season

[@howardxhong]

Thanks!

[@DebArmstrongSkiStrong]

Thank you Howard!!!! The support is greatly appreciated and it makes a difference for my channel. Glad you are liking the content!

[@stevedoe1630]

Great camera work from the rear… it demonstrated well how the ankles drive the knees uphill. Would have been interesting to see the same motion from the opposite perspective, but tough to do steady camera going backwards on busy/narrow slope.

[@deantucker4738]

Yes. Safety. And love that look at the end. I don’t care how close I get to side to be clear of skiers lines, someone always wants the last 12” of snow.

[@hawklerfalco9067]

Winter again, nice to see you again Deb.

[@DebArmstrongSkiStrong]

Thanks!!!!!!!

[@KarsNGuitars]

I love garlands but our hills are too narrow and too busy to make it safe. Make sure you have an open stretch before starting them.

[@guywarren5555]

A good drill. I think it could be more dynamic in the edge set - more of a snap, and then release?

[@DebArmstrongSkiStrong]

Sure. Change up the tempo and intensity. That can be done with all drills

[@johntavenner1379]

Great tips as usual Deb. I tell my students to angle their ankles to get pressure on the balls of feet. Where does your weight and pressure automatically go when you tip your ankles to the inside? Onto the balls of feet. No matter the turn shape, that's always where your weight should be when you're edging. Coincidentally there'll be forward pressure on your shins too.

[@DebArmstrongSkiStrong]

I don’t think balls of the feet, that can leverage someone too far forward. I feel My whole foot, grounded for the power of the turn. I’m actually lifting the toes of my inside foot for do reflection and shin boot contact of that inside boot. Just my two cents.

[@johntavenner1379]

@@DebArmstrongSkiStrong Yeah, that makes sense. I guess what I'm getting at is more where the pressure is at the start of the turn right when you're tipping the edge. But certainly throughout the arc of the turn, weight should be centered. I like the lifting of the inside toes for shin pressure on inside boot. FWIW, this what Google AI says: AI Overview Learn more Yes, when turning your skis, you should ideally have your weight primarily on the balls of your feet, ensuring most of your pressure is distributed towards the front of your skis for better control and initiation of turns; this helps you maintain a forward-leaning posture and effectively engage the edges of your skis. Key points about weight distribution when skiing: Focus on the balls of your feet: This allows for a more dynamic and responsive turn initiation. Weight on the outside ski: During a turn, the majority of your weight should be on the downhill (outside) ski to properly engage its edge. Avoid putting too much weight on the heels: This can lead to instability and make it harder to turn But then Olymic champion Nancy Greene says: Ideally you should feel that your body weight is spread over the full length of your feet or gently on the balls of your feet. The problem comes when you turn down a steeper hill. The skis speed up and often they slide out from underneath you and you 'sit back'.

[@DebArmstrongSkiStrong]

@ oh my, we are quoting AI now. Careful😉 I’m not with AI on this one

[@johntavenner1379]

@@DebArmstrongSkiStrong I hear ya. What do you think of Nancy Greene's assessment?

[@DebArmstrongSkiStrong]

@ good enough

[@belskisfastlance2782]

Feet, feet, feet. It all starts there and the kinetic chain follows on up the leg. Deb explains this so well. Whenever I am hyper focused on my technique, I focus on my feet. The rest seems to follow.

[@lindabarthel537]

"Practice, practice, practice..." So important to refine the skill and develop the muscle memory. So love your videos-outstanding. This one was especially interesting at the end....I believe you may have had a few choice words for the individual that cut behind you...

[@DebArmstrongSkiStrong]

❤❤❤❤❤❤ Glad yiu like the video

[@karchexdziadkowo1866]

Which 3 most important drills do you recommend for a 9-year-old to start his adventure with carving? thank you for the inspiring videos

[@DebArmstrongSkiStrong]

What level skier is this 9 year old? I would show them visuals, pictures and videos so they know what carving is. I would have them follow someone who knows how to carve. I would stay on gentle terrain, not to steep. kzbin.info/www/bejne/aWa1Z6Grg62VpZYsi=nxqjerV5SlcObkxz kzbin.info/www/bejne/i5C5g6GMqLCYrJYsi=jdRTz7fFRnFb9iWh

[@mailitedd185]

What model Patagonia jacket she'll are you wearing? I really like it. Great explanation of garlands.

[@DebArmstrongSkiStrong]

Hum, I'm sorry. I don't remember the model. It is about three seasons old.

[@DenisGuyer-xw9xw]

Like all of your videos, this too is a great one! But, I especially love the snarl at the very end at the skier who got a little too close to your back! 🙂

[@whoisthe1412]

Thanks

[@anthonyandruzzi827]

Deb Strong! We love you Deb!

[@chriscowan6630]

love the drill Deb thanks!

[@karchexdziadkowo1866]

My 9-year-old daughter often catches the inner ski with her shovel during this exercise and trips. What are we doing wrong? We love your video. Greetings from Poland

[@markhughes1252]

Thank you for you time been watching you for years now this is so helpful im so so so wanting to get to that next level and get on my edges carv one day when you put it across like tyres on a car it's so clever thanks deb great job cheers mark

[@DebArmstrongSkiStrong]

Thanks Mark! Glad you like the video!!!

[@grskier]

Garlands will be in heavy rotation as I'm coming off of ACL repair.

[@KenpoOjoko]

Great video! Garlands is one of my favoriate practices. Now, you talk about tipping in two places: foot (boot) and kee. Where is your main mental focus, foot or knee? Yes, foot tipping eventually causes knee tipping, which leads to the same thing. But, which one of those do you suggest we focus on?

[@DebArmstrongSkiStrong]

Both simultaneously. Together. If you can only think of one at a time do that and in time you will work both in unison

[@KenpoOjoko]

@@DebArmstrongSkiStrong Thanks, Deb! There is this person that I admire who stresses ankle/foot movment. But, I realized that focusing on knee seem to work better for me. Love your videos!

[@Rocstoneau]

Great, I'll do this drill. 👍

[@franciscooper4771]

Hold on Deb, we've jumped from gym to hill: you've got snow! How exciting.

[@Rocstoneau]

Deb, can you please teach how to walk up hill? I try and get no where. I’m sure it’s an edging thing. Big fan. 👍

[@DebArmstrongSkiStrong]

Great idea!!!!

[@kkrsnn5632]

I sometimes try this, it helps ☺️

[@BallaKING247]

What pressure points do u focus on in ur boots? The big toe joing and small toe? Also how is the pressure distributed between the two feet? Anyways, thank u !

[@RVick-ws1xu]

Is it my imagination or is the resolution much sharper? From this year, 21/22 season?

[@DebArmstrongSkiStrong]

Ah, interesting. I am still learning a lot with video, editing, cameras, computers, etc. I did get a new gopro and a new computer. I am using the new computer, not the new gopro yet. My learning curve is still steep!!! If you are seeing better resolution then GREAT!!!! Glad you are watching.

[@grskier]

@@DebArmstrongSkiStrong There are some great tutorials around, let me know if you want some links. If you have the knew GoPro 10 the stabilization is amazing... especially if you're upgrading from 8 or lower.

[@hm6485]

Is Helen open?

[@micklogg5377]

Great vid

[@yuurishibuya4797]

Hello Deb, Do you have any videos for early intermediate ppl to practice in summer / off-season time?

[@DebArmstrongSkiStrong]

Do yiu mean physical exercise for conditioning Roller? Roller blading is a fantastic activity for crossover training.

[@yuurishibuya4797]

@@DebArmstrongSkiStrong I am starting to just get comfortable doing parallel turns in blue runs. I would like to start carving by end of next season.

[@yuurishibuya4797]

@@DebArmstrongSkiStrong learning to roller skate must be fun! Will check out some videos. Thanks for suggesting. I guess the upper and lower body separation rules are similar between the 2 sports.

[@yuurishibuya4797]

So when you do garland, the ski goes up the hill while traversing and when you let go it goes down hill!

[@DebArmstrongSkiStrong]

yes, back and forth from going up hill, let go of the edge and it goes back down hill, and then roll the ski on edge and the ski goes back uphill,

[@markmd9]

How about the weight on the feet? What percentage of weight do you keep on the feet?

[@darkthunder312]

All of your weight is on the feet? Gravity does that

[@shooter7a]

For me....Inside foot feel is where it is at. I can try try try to get the inside knee to tip the ski all I want, but nothing happens unless I concentrate on the FEELING in the foot...specifically feel the pressure on the outside forward part of my uphill foot. As soon as I do that, the knee follows. Also..for me I do not need to think about the outside/DH leg. Get the inside/uphill foot/knee/ski to tip, and the other leg follows. The reverse is not true. It is very easy to tip the DH ski, and keep the uphill flat (A-frame) Another issue is overall body balance. To really do this well, you have to let the skis float down hill from your balance point a bit, and just as you start to "fall" (get off balance) up the hill, you "catch yourself" with the edging and the skis push on you, putting you in balance. If you aggressively put your skis on edge, they will squirt uphill to strongly, and you get out of balance the other way...you start falling down the hill. Garlands to me should become more aggressive as you start skiing better. Doing them on a steeper hill is also a great progression..as long as you do them right. Edit....I recently discovered these are actually harder to do properly do on a mellow slope. A moderately steeper slope like Deb is doing here is actually easier. They are just like a turn. But using a very mellow slope (with fast/hard snow) gets really hard as the balance / anticipation gets so tricky. This is because you are not stabilized by gravity. If the slope is very mellow, and you are going a good speed, when you edge, the ski will respond quickly....with a lot of lateral motion. This is TOUGH because your body is not prepared for this. If the slope is steeper, your body is actually already pre-set a bit to handle the skis lateral motion. Want to really dial in your edge balance....do these on a mellow slope, build up good speed before you carve, and use decisive edge initiation. Very challenging.

[@Osnosis]

You are very correct; I teach expert skiing on the beginner slope. It’s the hardest because you don’t have gravity to bail you ought; you must be technically clean. As for the inside ski, little toe edge, you are also correct. Check out Harald Harb’s teaching videos and books.

[@shooter7a]

@@Osnosis thanks for the comment, confirming I am thinking about things correctly. I am not a trained instructor or coach. I was a decent ski racer, but not athletic enough at the time to continue on to the FIS level I stopped skiing about 25 years ago...and just started again. I had never skied modern (1994+) shaped skis, and have been trying to change my technique from 80s era coaching to modern ways. It has all been self teaching based on watching video coaching tips, etc. It seems that the understanding of skiing physics is so much better now. In a way...it is a lot easier than it was back in the day. Coaches back then really did not have a clue what they were talking about....even up to the top level. I think back to what some of the US ski team coaches said in summer camps I attended...and I roll my eyes.

[@Osnosis]

@@shooter7a the new ski shapes, designed with new materials, have shifted the weight/force distribution so that there is always less twisting and more lateral hip action than before. It’s still ‘applied leverage’, but much more evenly distributed along the length of the ski.

[@shooter7a]

@@Osnosis yes....the skis are amazingly stable when it comes to maintaining fore-aft balance. Much easier than 80s era skis.

[@T3PinR]

Great video, Deb. At what ski are are you filming your videos?

[@DebArmstrongSkiStrong]

Many different areas. Generally in Colorado

[@johndavis16]

Hi Deb, always love your videos thoughts and drills. Just a little confused with garlands. Is engaging edges and transition not practised in linked turns? Or is there something about the garlands that is beneficial beyond what is practised in linked turns? As always thanks for your great content. Always love to see a new Deb video

[@DebArmstrongSkiStrong]

Different drills can break down movements at different phases of the turn. Isolate movements for different phases of the turn. Drills are good that way. Depending on the emphasis of the garland one can focus on the end of the turn or the beginning of the turn.

[@barruzza]

Are you the same Deb Armstrong who won a gold medal at the 1984 olympics?

[@DebArmstrongSkiStrong]

Yep😉

[@barruzza]

Amazing!!! So very impressive.

[@anatolievseev]

That safety point (@ 3:32) can't be reinforced enough! I have seen too many newbie converts (including instructors 20 years ago) to the relatively new style of skiing being hit from above. Yes, it may be the responsibility of the skier above, but you will not be happy!

[@DebArmstrongSkiStrong]

True

[@justinbayola]

sweet!

[@bobcoggin4618]

Brill 👍🏻

[@ArisHDi]

since I found your channel you are like my holy bible. Instructors look at me and ask me where do i get these drills. Hehe if only they knew...

[@DebArmstrongSkiStrong]

Love it!!!!

[@hm6485]

ASPEN! not helen!!!

[@DebArmstrongSkiStrong]

Not two weeks ago. By now I am guessing so😉

[@CarpeDiemSailingMagazine]

Please accept this feedback in the spirit intended. Your video is 4 1/2 min long and you talk for over 2 minutes at the start. Almost half your video is you introducing the subject. I would prefer less talking and getting to the action much sooner. Thank you.

[@bzboarder84]

First