Inside leg activity for parallel turns

A description and lesson for inside leg activity. First in a 3 part series highlighting inside leg activity for - wedge, wedge christie and parallel turns
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[@theviewer052]

This channel is a treasure trove of learning, thank you so much for continually posting!

[@DebArmstrongSkiStrong]

Absolutely! My pleasure.

[@daveschultz4576]

I couldn't agree more. The information Deb puts into all her videos is invaluable and a definite must watch.

[@DebArmstrongSkiStrong]

@@daveschultz4576 ah, thank you🙏🙏🙏

[@sashafroyland]

Agree strongly.

[@GARYPOSEKIAN]

How fortunate we are to be able to enjoy lessons from the finest educators in skiing, of whom Debbie and Alan represent. This is a privelege that we all very much appreciate. Thank you both very much and keep 'em comin'!!!

[@DebArmstrongSkiStrong]

Thank you

[@mountsnowracing]

I tell the kids I coach that although we are an outside ski/ foot/leg dominated sport, the inside leg is so important for us to properly use the outside one . We need to do 4 things with the inside in each turn: Pull back , tip up, shorten and relax . Great video and inside leg is very important

[@DebArmstrongSkiStrong]

Great comment. Thank you for sharing your insight and cues

[@damahouyang]

Great summary. Sorry what does "pull back" means in this context?

[@mountsnowracing]

⁠​⁠@@damahouyang- we want to make sure the inside foot/ski is not too far in front of the outside/downhill one and both having ankle flexion. So, “pulling back” inside foot will achieve this .

[@dakotasucks]

Amazing video and looking forward to the other videos in this 3 part series! I've made it one of my main goals for this season to really focus on my inside leg and I'm one who definitely struggles with having the "one/two" and tip splay at times and it only gets emphasized more when I go off piste in the crud, powder, and moguls. Excited to see how I improve throughout the season.

[@cathhaynes2948]

Agree. The Eureka moment for me was when an Instructor friend told me use 4 wheel drive not 2 wheel drive: to go big toe little toe and that my com must move inside my feet with sufficient angulation and soft ankles to apply pressure to both skis not just the outside foot. Mind blown!

[@Eddie07S]

Many years ago I went skiing at Whiteface with a friend, a former ski racer in college, who had just gotten his first set of “shaped” skis. It just so happened there was an instructor in the gondola with us, to whom my friend asked “how do I ski these things? Just asking for one tip.” To which the instructor responded - In a turn just tip the inside knee towards the ground more. From there my friend proceeded to leave 2 - 2” deep railroad track grooves in the face of Skyward on a day when Whiteface lived up to its reputation - Ice Face. I have never forgotten that free lesson and the fact that it works.

[@DebArmstrongSkiStrong]

Got to tip the skis. A basic concept huh. Got to tip. But it’s all to a matter of degree depending on what needs to be accomplished. And of course there is more to it than that but these basic cues are extremely important. Thanks for the comment

[@chrisogg]

OMG! Have you guys been spying on us? This could not have come at a better time. It is exactly what we've been working on and this is sooo helpful.

[@simon1066]

Thank you for these wonderful insights you’ve certainly got me thinking on how I can improve, make better, more accurate, controlled and less skidded turns. I’m guessing this will work well in off piste variable conditions better as well. Certainly looking forward to practicing on my ski vacations this year!

[@ducdaddy8742]

Great channel, Deb! I love using the inside leg. It gives a skier so many options regarding turn shape and turn duration.

[@auntiefan4202]

I love this video! Ever since you posted the ski like you run video I just can't get that out of my mind. 4th day out this season felt AMAZING, and Deb... watching your videos has improved my skiing so much. Thanks!!!

[@DebArmstrongSkiStrong]

Great!!!!!!!💪💪

[@riccapatrol]

The inside leg is just as important as the outside leg! Fantastic video Deb 👏

[@rudymiick4208]

Deb, Deb, Deb, THANKS SO MUCH for your passion for skiing, EVEN MORE, for sharing your passion for others to learn with and through your amazing skill set! WOW, what a gift you provide us, each and all! Looking forward to even MORE in 24!

[@DebArmstrongSkiStrong]

Thank you Rudy😘 🙏happy new year

[@seanoneil277]

Awesome as always, Deb. Two thoughts I had just in the opening couple of minutes: (1) inside leg activity is the path to dynamic skiing, versus position skiing. "Position" meaning "here's my right turn posture, there's my left turn posture" and not really paying attention to the in-between. (2) Hockey players might have some experience with matching angles, and motocross riders/racers maybe -- but otherwise I don't think we humans do anything else where matching angles, matched foot platform exists. My old guru Jim Weiss and I talked about this topic a lot. A lot! Again you remind me of him. Thank you.

[@janetdow649]

This is exactly what I'm trying to accomplish. Excellent description and need more demos from students to watch their progress.

[@willelliott5052]

I am glad to hear someone else describe what I have found to work for me, which is to draw back on that inside ski, and to dig the frontal inside edge of that inside ski to help steer me. It helps me to keep my skis parallel and to make tighter turns. I do this in the moguls also. Keep your body facing downhill. Keep your skis as close together as the terrain allows. Keep a bend in your knees. Keep your weight forward. These principles become more difficult to remember as you become timid.

[@YaofuZhou]

First skiing training video for me this season. Thanks for discussing an issue I have had for quite a while.

[@chrisoffersen]

Always finding a new challenge is one of the the beautiful aspects of skiing. I'll watch one of your videos and have something to practice for weeks (and sometimes for years). Many thanks for posting!

[@DebArmstrongSkiStrong]

Thanks!

[@death2pc]

BINGO! For decades, I have been an ardent disciple of the importance of inside leg "balance/assistance". Marc Girardelli, the Mahres.........., Tamara McKinney and Diann Roffe (amongst others), via their exceptional style demonstrated same with aplomb. YOu, too, Debra, You wanna carve.....? Make sure your boots are NOT too stiff, as well the skis and allow BOTH legs to "share" the "moment". Other than that, I pray 2024 gets back on track, America.

[@Pablocarrascoop]

As a ski instructor myself, being a skier my entire life and have been coached by race coaches as a background I can say this is a topic that is one of the least spoken skills. Most of the instructors and coaches focus on the outside ski so much that they forget about the inside leg. When I discovered this (I think because of a video on this channel and also an Enisschag examinator pointing this out) my skiing changed for ever. Keep the great work, love to learn from you!

[@DebArmstrongSkiStrong]

Awesome?

[@robertlong6704]

Another terrific video. Thank you. I have been practicing this technique on my local skating rink. You can skate rather fast with your feet in parallel skiing position without ever leaving the ice. Working both inside/outside edges making gs and slalom turns around the rink gives the anterior tibialis and TFL a workout.

[@DebArmstrongSkiStrong]

Fantastic!!!!!

[@TheLakeJake3]

Deb, this is my first year skiing! I was a snowboarder growing up in MN, but just moved to CO and the skis were calling. I taught myself watching your videos and I can now tackle most blues at Breckenridge! You are an amazing teacher and the reason I’m not stuck in a wedge on the bunny hill! Keep rocking!

[@DebArmstrongSkiStrong]

Thanks!

[@debbielombard5132]

First thing off the chair during our lesson you got on the ground and held my ski asking me to pull back against your motion and think about the muscles used to do that. Glute-ham tie-in and the muscles in the pelvic area, game changer for me to keep that feeling for the inside leg transition. I keep that feeling during dryland training on Bosu ball, side to side hops etc. to increase my muscle memory. Game changer for me, thank you!

[@DebArmstrongSkiStrong]

Hi Debbie. Love the comment. How’s the skiing?

[@debbielombard5132]

I've taken all of your coaching in person and KZbin and applied it to dryland training and on the mountain. My friends that skied with me prior to your help have commented on the huge progress I have made. I can't thank you enough! Your advice is practical, understandable and given in a way that I can use it real world situations. @@DebArmstrongSkiStrong

[@HannahL-se2hv]

Can't wait to practice this on Armstrong Express and Debbie's Gold. It means so much to the ski community that you continue to share your knowledge and passion! :) :)

[@DebArmstrongSkiStrong]

Thank you!!!

[@DebArmstrongSkiStrong]

Thank you!!! Alpental will always be my home and favorite

[@foolishevil]

Love the level of depth this video goes into. Much appreciated 🙏

[@DebArmstrongSkiStrong]

🙏🙏 back at ya 😉

[@3johnnys]

Your inside foot is a computer … your inside pinky toe is the first part of your next turn …. Mind blowing 🎉🎉🎉

[@kendricklockett3902]

Lito Tejada Flores and Harold Harb have been emphasizing the inside ski action and importance since the late nineties. Only recently have I seen so much emphasis on this with many more instructors.

[@DebArmstrongSkiStrong]

I’ve been taking about it for over 20 years as well😉 yet the way we talk about differs somewhat

[@showze21]

its been my recent experience, that the proper amount of inside knee driving for good turns is somewhat dependent on the ski. design. use more on a technical ski with less shovel rocker. use less on an all mountain ski that has more shovel rocker. be guided by foot pressure feedback

[@josephgdraper]

I enjoy listening to Alain and the other Taos instructors! The inside leg has been an emphasis for my own skiing and I have added pronation, supination and dorsiflexion to my vocabulary and my drills. The comments steered off the road and into the ditch once the HH (not Helly Hansen) disciples and prophet joined in. I was very impressed with how you engaged in the discussion with them. Thanks Deb, you are World Class!

[@seanoneil277]

HH's ideas and presentation, as of the early 00s, were very good and they helped expand my thoughts as well as improving my skiing. His disciples, so to speak, can be a bit much. I think his foot emphases are very good, for me the big toe and little toe ideas were very useful. I think anyone who comes at recreational ski instruction from a race background, like Deb and like HH and quite a few others in the history of ski instruction excellence, are the real treasures in recreational skiers' resources. Racing is about efficiency, and coaching racers is about conveying efficiency ideas in ways that are relatable by the athlete's mind/experiences. Recreational skiers come at skiing from a different POV and often when seeking lessons, want a magic bullet. They often don't want to hear it's about fundamentals -- which racers have been working on since their first pass at a course.

[@josephgdraper]

Thanks. I’m a PSIA member (10+ years) and have watched a couple of HH videos. I also trained and raced in Masters racing in the Pacific Northwest back when shaped skis were rare to almost nonexistent. I’ve had to unlearn a lot of things.

[@DebArmstrongSkiStrong]

Thank you

[@getriteb4ugetlft]

Awesome, as usual! Now let’s see if I can get my clients to do it! As my mentor says, “we are really teaching confidence aren’t we.”

[@catherinet.6584]

Thank you for this! Amazing and grateful for what you do

[@DebArmstrongSkiStrong]

Glad you enjoy it!

[@NolieRavioli]

when he said the outside leg is dumb my head exploded there,,, shows how much it takes to master the carve, since my outside leg certainly still takes a considerable of concentration to get the correct movement of pressure.

[@pawelfronczyk1579]

DEb is the best, bike comparison, stairs, pushing forward using your hip and other videos, just great.

[@mogulmayhem]

These tips are excellent. All we need now is snow (in Vermont)!

[@darhmakarma4838]

We need some snow in Québec too 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@pamgoodley2209]

And in Tahoe, too! Nationwide ski dances needed.

[@Eddie07S]

I think I jinxed the weather here in the NE…. I just bought a new-to-me Wrangler to take me skiing…. 😢 Sorry!

[@bridgetbarnhart9272]

The little head exploding sound makes me laugh every time 😂❤ who knew the inside leg could hold so much sway over our skiing!

[@DebArmstrongSkiStrong]

❤️❤️❤️

[@nigelsansom2407]

I have had this idea that my inside ski doesn't do much else apart from accompany my outside ski. I have virtually no weight on it because I am scared of actively using outside edge and think it will cause me to fall... I do end up each run with exhausted thigh muscles. However, this vid is very useful. I am determined to improve this ski season when I get out to Alpe D'Huez in February. Thank you.

[@captaindave8683]

Deb...Every video is just amazing. I get just as much from your videos on improving my teaching skills as my skiing skills. You are a very gifted teacher.

[@DebArmstrongSkiStrong]

Thank you very much. I work at it. There is a lot I still work on, I reflect a lot. Teaching is not easy

[@captaindave8683]

@@DebArmstrongSkiStrong I teach sailing and I was a ski instructor in the past. I plan to be a ski instructor next year. I watch your videos as a teaching mentorship for me. You do the best work. Keep it up.

[@PantheonChun]

Thanks for the useful lesson. Key point: Intentionally active the outside leg turning into the inside for a better simultaneous movement for both legs. I believe its a great way to get rid of A-frame. will practice the drill more!

[@WBond-fr4ys]

Thanks for the great channel. Things have changed a lot since Saturday ski school at Ski Acres in '84. Crazy comments section today, though!

[@DebArmstrongSkiStrong]

Thanks! Miss those Alpental/snoqualmie days. And I know, crazy comments huh!!!!!😳

[@andreaharvey9186]

Learning to ski as an adult is very hard! Im about to start my 4th season. I still am struggling to get to parallel. Hope it will click for me this season. Love your videos and tips!

[@DebArmstrongSkiStrong]

Stay at it. Good luck 😉

[@DonAlderman]

HI i understand me too. Search for Lito Flores breakthrough on skis its an old video 57 minutes but the best i have ever seen and it’s beautiful to watch.

[@stevedugas8988]

I watch these videos with envy for the conditions! Where I ski (granted, close to my home in Pennsylvania) the typical conditions range from solid ice into which the groomer has scratched some shallow grooves (euphemistically described as "groomed granular") to death cookies and dust on crust until early March, when the leftovers turn to slush, (again, colorfully described by the ownership as "hero snow"). So attempting to apply this excellent instructional content is like trying to drive a Formula 1 race car on a cornfield. But I keep coming back seeking to improve, so thanks and keep up the good work.

[@milomirkrunic5971]

Super!Deat Deb,you Are the Best,Thank you for this video🎉❤😊

[@DebArmstrongSkiStrong]

You are welcome😉

[@justinrfogarty780]

This is good stuff. One key point . In my view there is a sequence. First is to establish good balance in a stacked position with dorsal flexion in both ankles. Second with good balance established over the outside ski and the hips aligned start to roll the skis at the initiation of the turn by tipping the inside ski over onto the baby toe. The outside ski will follow. Third once I have established this initial grip then I can begin to execute a rolling lunge using my inside ski. As my inside leg shortens and rolls over I control the radius by increasing edge angle. What is critical here is to bring my centre of mass down towards my outside ski and my core over my outside quad. So respectfully the tipping of the ski starting with the feet and the sequence of continuing to shorten the inside ski with progressively edging causes the angulation and the inclination. The body is moving laterally because we caused the base being the feet to tip and as we progress through the turn we need to counter balance the forces against the tipped skis and the forces of nature put on us in the turn . My point is that it all starts at the level of the feet first and in sequence. So the inside ski is part of the sequence that starts with the feet. In the people you were teaching they were trying with inside but had not tipped their feet and thus they had no platform to balance against. A good way to see if you are executing this well is looking at your tracks and seeing if you leave clean arcs from the top of the turn that build deeper as the skis reach just after the apex. Another point here is that to do this properly you have to start this sequence when the skis are beginning to go into the fall line. In other words you need to rebalance the core over the mass and then be patient to let the skis flow a little straighter and be balanced over the outside ski with good levelling of the hips to be stacked. So the turn shape is very different . It is a longer line in the initiation to allow the feet to roll and the inside leg to progressively shorten and then build the edging against the platform and a faster exit. Slow in fast out. Mikaela and Odermatt are good examples to watch.

[@DebArmstrongSkiStrong]

Great explanation. Thanks. Thats not easy to articulate with in words😉 well done

[@justinrfogarty780]

Thanks Deb. Working with some Swiss team members on this Thursday. Keep up the good work . I hope to see you at some point to do some turns. All the best from Switzerland.

[@shawnphillipsyoga]

smooth skiing scotty !!

[@Rays-yn5yg]

Profound head explosion 💥 all in one!! Pinky toe turn. Good points all jokes aside, helps prep for a ski season and reminders to use proper angles

[@Robin-ie3ns]

Recently did a few days skiing and intentionally working on the inside leg lead to huge improvement. I found it’s naturally quite weak to make that movement but quickly becomes more natural.

[@Capo51]

A jewel of art vlog of skiing. Although you cant learn to ski by watching videos, it can be helpful, when you go next time to slope. Things look very easy and effortless , when you do them cortectly. Behind there is lot of work, nothing comes free. Although some ppl think so.

[@DebArmstrongSkiStrong]

Love it❤️❤️

[@shoover]

The theme of my 23/24 season, so far, is battling with inside-leg mechanics, so this video is timely. Thank you! One thing I’m really hung up on: when I get into a high-edge-angle carve and really feel the pressure on the outside ski (i.e., centripetal force from a stacked platform over the outside ski), I necessarily have more bending of the outside ski than the inside ski. As such, there’s an inherent divergence of trajectories of the skis. To compensate for this, there’s often skidding of the inside ski in the apex. Maybe this is fine or how it’s supposed to be, but when I shoot for two clean tracks in a carved turn (which is just so satisfying), I have to distribute my weight a little bit more on that inside ski, which sometimes gets me into dangerous balance territory. Seems like it’s time for a lesson from a skilled teacher. Anyway, I appreciate this content!

[@stephenbooth7072]

I'm very much enjoying putting this into practice to a certain extent on groomed slopes.

[@Mrskiyoulater]

Thank you for your quick response. I struggle with the PSIA model. It is fine on groomed slopes. Two footed tracking, foot pulled back, uphill ski edging by pushing the knee up hill. When crud or powder or bump skiing a tighter stance is required. This is not PSIA model with shoulder width separation. Maintaining balance to ski any edge when needed is a must. Still learning at 73.,

[@DebArmstrongSkiStrong]

Thanks for the comments

[@resabape]

This "unnatural" use of the inside knee was featured in a video done by Paul Lorenz or Reilly McGlashan a few years ago. He used a static exercise using a ski pole to demonstrate the action of rolling the inside knee and then put it into action. This video compliments his video. Well done.

[@DebArmstrongSkiStrong]

Ya, I demonstrated that exercise a few years ago in this video kzbin.info/www/bejne/nmSpoXuAl7KlhZIsi=f9_W_1RSxTplcr3U

[@DebArmstrongSkiStrong]

Thanks

[@peterrobinson8999]

Please please please Could you post what skis the contributors are using. Width underfoot and length. It would assist greatly. If they wouldn’t mind height and weight would be great too. Love your content.

[@annegillies1056]

I think I am going to watch this video every day that I ski this year.

[@DebArmstrongSkiStrong]

Love it

[@selbyroad100]

Hello Deb your teaching skill is amazing and I would love a lesson with you. Perhaps I would not have stooped skiing with your instruction but at 63 too late for me now! Great content on your channel please keep it up.

[@Mongol69_]

Не поздно! 🎉

[@Jade-ms2ys]

The depth of your attention to the details and intentionally (such as your comment about muscles we do not always use) always so appreciated. About ankle flexion, do we flex both the inside and outside foot ankle or just the outside?

[@susanzhang2221]

Both

[@Mrskiyoulater]

Deb, have you tried the phantom move by Harold Harb. The uphill ski is the driver.

[@DebArmstrongSkiStrong]

I have not watched closely. From afar the overall alignment that results does not impress me but to be fair I have not looked closely enough to give an assessment

[@Skedawg88]

A well done informative video. I feel the inside ski/ inside half of the skier’s body doesn’t receive enough emphasis. Alain’s enthusiasm ( and yours) is much appreciated. The best channel on KZbin for ski instruction hands down. Thank you. Also, I am wondering, are the folks in the group one of your academy’s that you run Deb?

[@DebArmstrongSkiStrong]

The group are taos ski instructors of various levels of

[@Skedawg88]

@@DebArmstrongSkiStrongThank you for the reply.

[@YanVulich]

Great Video, Thank you! Deb, we can use those muscles on inline skates.

[@DebArmstrongSkiStrong]

Yes! Thanks

[@jaimiestead254]

The inside ankle, flex it and push the shin into the little toe side of the boot tongue, the edge and the tip (front) of the inside ski grip and the turns are super easy. Then add as much edge angle and steering as you want.

[@paulc.8727]

It has been a great few days skiing at steamboat and I have been hoping running into you lol!

[@matteoallegretti1663]

Great job DebStrong! So, according to your two beautifull previous videos, in order to shortening the radious turn, we have to drive that inside ski forward and at the same time dorsifexing that same inside foot to unlock the inclination of that foot!

[@DebArmstrongSkiStrong]

Driving the inside knee is different than “driving the inside ski”. Two very different things

[@vbsand5882]

So focus on driving the inside knee forward and doing so will flex the inside ski more?

[@DebArmstrongSkiStrong]

@@vbsand5882 no. Not the point. Watch this, Inside leg activity for the performance skier kzbin.info/www/bejne/nmSpoXuAl7KlhZI

[@johnwhite4791]

All good now Deb. Seasons greetings. J

[@peterfreeman3317]

Long Leg, Short Leg…learned that in the early 90’s. Inside foot steering was key with old school skis. CoM crosses over the skis. Right?

[@janetdow649]

Thanks!

[@DebArmstrongSkiStrong]

Thank you for supporting my channel🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@ReplayActionSports]

It sounds much better with the European accent🤣🤣👌

[@TheFreddieFoo]

Hey Deb, you should interview Harald Harb as well next!

[@DebArmstrongSkiStrong]

Ok, why?

[@TheFreddieFoo]

I feel like most of the techniques seem to be converging to a small set of "truths of skiing" and I'm in the journey of experiencing it myself physically. Every time I listen to coaches talk in videos, I try to remember them on the slopes and try things. The reason I mentioned that you should "interview" Harb is because he also talks about the inside foot activity and I was wondering if there is any value in listening to more perspectives about it (so that I get it in a deeper way). Disclaimer: I've only watched some of his (Harb's) videos, I had a coach who was trained in 'PMTS' (Harb's system), apparently but he never mentioned that he was teaching me 'PMTS' @@DebArmstrongSkiStrong

[@DebArmstrongSkiStrong]

@@TheFreddieFoo there is huge value in learning from others, conversing with others. That had defined my career. That is how we learn. There is a long list of folks I am in constant dialogue with regarding technique. Many of them I feature in my videos

[@TheFreddieFoo]

@@DebArmstrongSkiStrong I’m here for it 😃

[@profpat70]

Great stuff. But I have to say it: I learned this at a Harb (PMTS) ski camp in 2005!

[@DebArmstrongSkiStrong]

The Harb fans are seemingly rabid. I have no problem with Harb yet the Harb followers seem to think Harb invented skiing🤣 Harb was far from the only one understanding inside leg action back then. It was not new, yet Harb was masterful very early in marketing his approach. See the shot of my skiing in this video? Look at it, that shot was taken in 2004. Clearly the inside leg action was evident to me. I was just slow in getting to KZbin🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@profpat70]

Hmmm. I never thought as myself as rabid. Simply pointing out that I learned this in 2005. Also, not surprised that many Worldcup skiers were using this- way back when. Harb's system has always mimicked worlcup racers. PSIA however, , has been very slow in adopting his approach. Still love your videos Deb😄 approach. @@DebArmstrongSkiStrong

[@DebArmstrongSkiStrong]

@@profpat70 hi😉 I’m sure you are not rabid 😉 I have been in this industry for a very long time. Many HH followers seem to feel the end all be all began with Harold and still is with Harold. I find it fascinating if nothing else. Having raced WC, coached all levels, been involved with PSIA, there are knowledgeable folks all around. I find them and continue to learn. This began long before 2005 relating to the inside leg. The HH followers have generally been the most difficult to converse with. I’m sure that’s not you however😉 I’m happy you appreciate my channel, what I convey and who I lift up. Happy new year and all the best to you

[@profpat70]

Deb-I have started a folder labeled: 5-Star Skiing. I have 9 KZbin videos saved there, so far. You are in two of them😁😁 @@DebArmstrongSkiStrong

[@puregsr]

​​@@DebArmstrongSkiStrong​ I will chime in since I do owe my skiing to Harb as a recent self-taught adult learner in my 40's who is considered advanced by my peers in less than 2 seasons. It's probably because his followers have experienced so many ah-hah moments that they come across as zealots and that usually ends up rubbing most people the wrong way. There is simply way too much information scattered across the entire spectrum of skiing that only confuses a typical skier who doesn't want a Master Degree in skiology. So much of it is let's do a little of this or here's a tip on a little of that. Of course Harb didn't invent skiing, but he is the only one who tirelessly preaches a set of basic principles, focusing on the foot that lead to movement of the rest of the leg like the knee (not vice versa), emphasizes on using the weaker muscle groups and makes you find your own balance on the outside foot by focusing on the inside foot, flex to float transition, and proper inside foot releases to get out of the wedge. Almost all instructors can claim they teach the same principle one way or the other, but very few are as rigid and stubborn as Harb is, which is also the biggest downfall of his followers. But without that rigidity, many of us also probably wouldn't be where we are today. But once there, that's when the lifelong journey of learning how to ski really begins. You need to keep learning and add fine tuning to the framework he has built for you, which a lot of his followers simply don't. All of us are a product of our surrounding, culture, education, and background, so my ultimate take on my "Grandmaster" Harb is just that -- he is a stubborn grandmaster of his era. He is that old kung fu master with white beard at the mountain top. It's his way or get out of the temple. He's not there to lead a small discussion group for academic purposes, he is there to show you the way, but the enlightenment of Zen meditation under the cold waterfall is up to you. One day you can also become a formidable fighter and even create your own system after years of experiences fighting across the great tundra, but on the wall of your new school will hang the black and white picture of the grandmaster. EDIT: in my culture, a picture on the wall often means deceased or "in the past", so the title is to show both respect and some sarcasm.

[@localmotion34]

I am an intermediate skier and actively working at the basics of carving, but the inside leg and the rolling the inside pinky toe is proving to be a real challenge (big challenge actually). I also work full time as well as am a part time Paramedic, so being able to go skiing every week is a challenge. Do you recommend any drills or exercises at home that we can practice these types of concepts? Are there any specialized equipment to use at home so the eager learners can fill in the gaps in between skiing sessions? Amazing content and thank you!

[@scott.e.wiseman]

Hmmm… do you have a full length mirror at home? One of the BEST exercises to do is tipping your feet and lower legs while watching yourself in the mirror. Check to see that your shins are parallel and that you’re not making the common mistake of tipping the hips instead of the legs. This is a movement that takes lots of repetition to dial in, and can definitely be done at home.

[@drl1046]

Thank you so much for your videos Deb, they and you are great. Can you please explain a little more what Alain was saying about keeping the center of mass inside the turn (and not over the outside ski which he said was 30 years old technique). How does this tie in with upper body counter in a turn. I think I likely am guilty of exaggerating my upper body counter and not “stacking” as well as I could. Thanks!

[@seanoneil277]

I don't mean to speak for Deb but rather to give you something to chew on until she offers her wiser-than-mine thoughts. The idea of upper/lower body separation, and feeling that you have independence in upper and lower halves, is important to what you're seeking. It originates in your hip sockets/femurs, and in the base of your spine at the pelvic girdle. It feels like it happens somewhere around your waist. Stand about 2 feet away from a wall, standing feet pointing same direction wall is going, and reach out with the inside arm and rest your hand on the wall. Now see how close your torso can get to the wall first by simply leaning your whole body as a plank. You'll have to collapse that support arm's elbow joint in order to let the whole body incline inward toward the wall. Then try a different approach -- let your hips "break" in toward the wall before your shoulders go that way. Do you even have to collapse that elbow joint? Which way has more stability down at your feet? Which feels more planted to the ground?

[@drl1046]

Thanks very much I will work on that exercise. Sounds like that’s good for avoiding over rotation of the hips too and for keeping them level and square while getting to the wall is that something to focus on as well in this drill?

[@seanoneil277]

@@drl1046 Don't over-think it, just try the exercise and notice what happens. If you are the analytic sort, turn that mind off and just feel what happens.

[@DebArmstrongSkiStrong]

I’ll try😉 difficult in a text. It’s all about stacking and alignment for the forces of the moment and what must be accomplished at the very moment or the situation. We never want more twist or bend than the moment requires. A recovery for example, may require a lot of bend or twisting or stepping, etc, but a recovery is not a basis for technique. Also skiing the steeps or shoots may require more separation but the movements for the steep shoot is not the movement pattern necessary for a larger radius groomer turn. Bending back and over the outside ski while not allowing the body to move along the inside path of the turn sets one up for an over flexing of the body and not necessary utilizing the tool, modern skis.

[@DebArmstrongSkiStrong]

I just now saw the earlier reply. Love all the dialogue!!!!!!!!!👍👍💪💪

[@markfrancis5751]

Understand the working matching the inside angle with the outside. What is the difference in pressure? i usely go much more pressure on the outside leg. Especially when going faster and on not so groomed slopes beat up at the end of the day. What percentages would you recommend? i was thinking 80-20%? Thanks!

[@DebArmstrongSkiStrong]

Mostly outside

[@roberts.2536]

@@DebArmstrongSkiStrong I like how you say "mostly outside" and leave it at that. I'm thinking more lately of pressure as an outcome and a result based on terrain and movement choices as opposed to something that's a fixed ratio in every turn since every single turn we make is unique.

[@cathhaynes2948]

Physics dictates how much pressure builds on the outside ski - it is an outcome not a cause dependent on speed, accuracy of movement, snow conditions, pitch etc.

[@markfrancis5751]

@@cathhaynes2948 agreed but what's happening physics wise with the inside ski? since it's bent and not extended like the outside ski, is more controlled by the skier or still subject to physics? or maybe at a lesser extent?

[@ctoonfly]

The tech director at our ski school has a great analogy: outside leg is the husband who do the heavy lifting but the inside leg is the wife who leads. I like it.

[@DebArmstrongSkiStrong]

Ha!

[@PlaneImpactGolf]

Is the inside ski slightly ahead of the outside ski or pull the inside ski back so both feet equal at all times

[@DebArmstrongSkiStrong]

The inside leg is bent so the side does lead. This is normal, natural. Yet this is misunderstood and folks misunderstandings lead to weird movement patterns😉🥴🤣

[@PlaneImpactGolf]

@@DebArmstrongSkiStrong Thxs Deb,

[@spencerking7777]

Inside is the brains Outside is the brawn.

[@karlh5300]

Deb - have followed and loved your videos for years. Question about the inside leg: you repeat to not push the inside ski forward and explain why. It makes sense. But - when one looks at Wilson skiing (beautifully) in your video - Use of the inside leg to change turn radius - from 2 years ago - his inside ski seems to move quite a bit ahead of the outside. It seems this generates power and speed for him. It looks very natural, and clearly he is not out of balance. Where is the sweet spot here and how do we mere humans find it? Thank you.

[@DebArmstrongSkiStrong]

Yes, the inside ski, foot, knee, hip do lead the outside. Thats different that pushing the ski forward.

[@DebArmstrongSkiStrong]

Watch this video Inside leg activity for the performance skier kzbin.info/www/bejne/nmSpoXuAl7KlhZI

[@DebArmstrongSkiStrong]

And watch this video also, HOW to Drive the Inside Knee to Change Turn Radius kzbin.info/www/bejne/rGqTZp-qe61-nJY

[@karlh5300]

Thank you!

[@milllworks]

Watching this I started thinking about how we similarly point our knee into the turn on our mountain bikes, which brings our body mass into the center of the turn and allows us to lean the bike more into the turn. I know it’s not the same thing but is it possible that there is a correlation?

[@DebArmstrongSkiStrong]

Did you watch the video? Please do so, there will be a little treat in the video for you😉

[@TheBeingReal]

This is all what about PMTS skiing is about. Herald Harb has been on this for over 20 years.

[@DebArmstrongSkiStrong]

There is nothing new in this video but I am trying to promote understanding to the public where it is generally deficient. Harold was not the only one utilizing and refining inside leg work 20 years ago. Look at the still photo taken of me in 2004 that I placed in this video. Inside leg work was the talk of the town in my world😉. Harold however masterfully coined his “phantom” move and marketed, educated to it very well. To be clear, inside leg activity began on the World Cup stage as folks refined skiing the “new” shaped skis. Harold gets credit for being the most vocal promoter of his version, which has a very particular style to it. This is not to be mistaken with ultimate mastery in this area by any means.

[@inquistive]

So in general, how much weight/pressure should be on the inside ski versus the outside ski? Was that mentioned in the video and I missed it?

[@DebArmstrongSkiStrong]

Not mentioned. It depends on the moment and what needs to be accomplished. Generally speaking the outside foot/ski carries the load

[@inquistive]

@@DebArmstrongSkiStrong Thanks Deb but surely this is THE most important question. If we are being advised to use the inside ski, then whilst the downhill ski carries the most load, how much load does the inside ski carry? There is a huge difference between 0% and 49%.

[@DebArmstrongSkiStrong]

@@inquistive it depends on the moment and the situation. Very little however. Carving a tight radius turn all down hill ski. Flat cat walk 85 15 maybe. But world cup pets may have 90% on the inside ski to make up for a mistake and they do crazy things in an instant to recover

[@fedegoeswoods3142]

This connects Alpine skiing with telemark

[@dru24334]

So how much pressure on outside vs inside leg if center of mass isn’t being pushed over outside?

[@DebArmstrongSkiStrong]

Almost all outside ski. Keep in mind the base of auppor. An edged ski and also external forces, the his requires the body to be inside of the feet through the turn. The flatter the ski the body is more standing over the feet

[@gogglebro9421]

Deb, at 5:28 in your video, Alain says that if both legs are engaged, that the skier has options: Fore/aft, lateral, skidding?, steering, carving - at least something to that effect. Sorry, but I’m not grasping it all and that it this may represent a gap in my understanding of how to most effectively use my inside leg/ski. Perhaps in another video, Alain can explain in more detail how exactly engaging the inside leg/ski allows the skier to make these movements or adjustments. Thank you. //Marshall

[@DebArmstrongSkiStrong]

I’m going to send you another inside leg video to watch as well for understanding. Alain is basically stating that if you are in balance you have options. Inside leg alignment has to do with balance. The inside leg can be moved in many inefficient ways in skiing and you can still make it down the mountain just fine but for full versatility and “options” the body needs to be fully in balance, the inside half of the body, outside half, fore/aft etc. watch this video kzbin.info/www/bejne/nmSpoXuAl7KlhZIsi=f0JIpShlrLmExo2V

[@gogglebro9421]

Thank you for the feedback about balance. Your comment reminded me of the Vinn Diagram of The Skills Concept: Three rinks with edge control movements, rotary movements and pressure control movements contained within an all encompassing circle of balancing movements.

[@janepowers4465]

I try to initiate turns by pulling both feet back then initiating with the outside of the pinky toe on the inside foot.

[@DebArmstrongSkiStrong]

Everyone has their cues, thanks for sharing

[@stevedoe1630]

Telemark made me a better alpine skier… _especially_ for activating the uphill ski.

[@eaglerare1273]

On my turns I was taught to slightly pick up the up hill ski. Is that totally wrong?

[@DebArmstrongSkiStrong]

Not totally wrong

[@japanvintagecamera8869]

Makes me want to go skiing…

[@roblipton9121]

is this the same as "big toe little toe" ? this is how I force the inside leg through and have taught others

[@DebArmstrongSkiStrong]

Part of the equation yes, it is not the whole story but you are not wrong😉

[@mrnoodle43]

The inside leg has the least amount of pressure on it so it is quite easy to manage

[@DebArmstrongSkiStrong]

Interesting as you say “so easy” . How do you explain how very few folks work it appropriately? Properly?

[@mrnoodle43]

sorry deb..worded wrong..easier to navigate the leg that has the least amount of pressure...as rob butler said yrs ago aim the inside knee and use the corner of the boot cuff not the frt as per warren jobbit.. all good stuff..some skiers get it right away others struggle..I stick the pole on the outside of my leg an push against the pole to feel what muscle to activate...I believe rob butler demonstrated this technique but not totally sure..enjoy the snow and thx for the insight

[@DebArmstrongSkiStrong]

@@mrnoodle43 of course. All good, watch this video I did three or 4 years ago. I have that pole exercise there

[@mrnoodle43]

rock n roll deb...maybe that is where I saw it...its all about the journey..not everyone has the ability to raise their ski level..I skied with dave irwin and he kept it soooo simple..instruction has become too complicated with too much technical mumbo jumbo...that is why I enjoy your tips..nice and simple and easy to understand...so easy to confuse skiers of all levels and to be honest there is a select few who make pure expert status at any given resort...keep up the good work and keep the youtube tips coming..best regards nick

[@DebArmstrongSkiStrong]

@@mrnoodle43 thanks Nick!!

[@markmd9]

I think ski students should only think about their ski: to keep the balance, to be parallel, to keep the edge. How they do it, they should discover on their own. Would that be the pinkie or the knee or the hip or hands, they should do that instinctively. Because if they'll think too much on this details they will miss where ski are going. While professionals should not think about ski, legs or about their body at all. All should be instinctively. Their only concern should be the terrain, speed and corners.

[@DebArmstrongSkiStrong]

Nice comment. Thank you. Keep in mind however everyone learns and processes differently. This is very important to keep in mind. Some folks need words, they need to understand the “why” for example. Others need to see, and of course others just need to feel, etc

[@mrnoodle43]

Take your ski pole and push against it with the outside part of the inside leg while standing on the snow

[@DebArmstrongSkiStrong]

Do you mean like how I demonstrated that three years ago in this video😉 kzbin.info/www/bejne/nmSpoXuAl7KlhZIsi=f9_W_1RSxTplcr3U

[@anatoli28]

Phantom muvment😊

[@DebArmstrongSkiStrong]

The inside leg activity began long before HH coined the phantom move but give Harold credit, he marketed the heck out of it and it helped many people.

[@criskm64]

There are two activities with the same inside leg dynamic, hockey and rollerblading.

[@DebArmstrongSkiStrong]

Yep, nice. Thanks

[@ollaitsrealgood]

Incorrect about "not doing this in other sports." Regularly, inline skaters and ice hockey players work both edges. Also, basketball players make lateral movements that put the same levels of stress on ACL that skiing does. Also, trampoline artists and gymnasts. Also boxers, especially ones who practice the peek-a-boo style used by people like Mike Tyson (watch his legs while he boxes, it's incredible). Also, sprinters and other track events. Also, surprisingly enough, in riding horses as well.

[@DebArmstrongSkiStrong]

Nice addition. Thanks for the comment

[@Mongol69_]

Привет! Этот каком штате в катаетесь?

[@DebArmstrongSkiStrong]

Colorado

[@markflolid5930]

Seems all pretty easy with metal edges.

[@DebArmstrongSkiStrong]

Ha!!!!

[@allenrosata8365]

Why don’t you buckle the first buckle?

[@DebArmstrongSkiStrong]

I have a very snug fitting boot. I don’t need to and I like to wiggle my toes😉

[@miro_s]

I appreciate the good intention, but the result is not really clear as to what you want people to do with this inside leg… I was taught to ski in the old fashion, where it’s all about the outside leg. Are you saying I should reverse the role of inside and outside leg? A little bit like skating?

[@DebArmstrongSkiStrong]

Skating is a good analogy. The inside leg and outside leg are equally important and they play different roles. The issue is that folks are so outside leg,ski dominant and they often do not realize the importance of the inside leg. A focus on the inside leg does not mean the outside is less important it is just an effort to bring attention and understanding to the inside. Watch the video a few time. There is a lot of content in it. Try to understand where the video is coming from. Get back to me with questions. I also will be publishing more videos on this topic but focusing of different types of turns, the wedge etc. fair enough for now?

[@miro_s]

@@DebArmstrongSkiStrong thanks, I’m interested in modernising my technique from the 90s, I’ll follow up

[@DebArmstrongSkiStrong]

@@miro_s love it! Keep me posted

[@AndrewWernick]

Simply put… “Outside edge of the inside ski.” 😊 (and leave your smart phone in your hotel room if you are racing!)

[@DebArmstrongSkiStrong]

Ha😉

[@realityczar5739]

I have to constantly stop and think what is outside vs inside leg. I can’t get it to be automatic.

[@scott.e.wiseman]

Inside ski is always left to go left and right to go right, which is my favorite way to remember and explain it. 😊

[@DebArmstrongSkiStrong]

Nice Scott

[@DebArmstrongSkiStrong]

I like Scott’s reply below😉

[@robertkerner4833]

"the outside leg is dumb" Haha!

[@skiwhh]

Some people are starting to try to use parts of PMTS teaching. It only took 20 years to start learning. Alan has been coached in PMTS for the last 20 years.

[@DebArmstrongSkiStrong]

You are proving my point, look at my response to other HH followers commenting on this video. HH DID NOT INVENT INSIDE LEG ACTION. let me be clear folks. He marketed his approach masterfully and that takes nothing from him. 20 years ago Alain, myself, coaches all over the world were coaching inside leg. Have the HH followers been brainwashed? Get some perspective folks. Again, look at the still photo in this video of my skiing back in 2004, clearly I understood inside leg action. Not many folks marketed as well as HH so early on and he was masterful at that. He is good to be clear. Inside leg action did not originate with Harold but he did invent his nuance with it, his phantom move. That is a different conversation.

[@skiwhh]

You still don't understand the biomechanics, if you are going to knock off PMTS please at least learn how to do it correctly.@@DebArmstrongSkiStrong

[@skiwhh]

@@DebArmstrongSkiStrong All you are proving is that you are presenting many inaccuracies and incorrect, inaccurate statements in your attempt to copy Harb Ski Systems. Imagine how your head would explode if you actually knew how to teach it properly.

[@DebArmstrongSkiStrong]

@@skiwhh HH folks have generally been the most difficult to communicate skiing with. You are very aggressive here. Not sure who you are but your KZbin handle may reflect you are with the HH group. Yiu seem to think I am copying the HH system, I don’t know the HH system, all I know is what folks communicate to me. What I share I know from my World Cup racing experience and also informed as a passionate student of the sport. I don’t need to put anyone down, I prop up folks I respect, I share the love and inform. If I was using the HH system I surely would give Harold the credit because that is what I do. For your comment to suggest I am using HH content is silly, seemingly protective, negative and not worth my time. I have said nothing negative about Harold. I respect Harold. I don’t respect many of his rabid followers because they seem defensive, insecure and closed minded. That’s not my style. Remember, Harold did not invent modern skiing with the importance of the inside leg. He did however promote his phantom move better than anyone has done in the world. Big respect for that.

[@DebArmstrongSkiStrong]

@@skiwhh Harold, this is you. I’m amazed you have responded in this way. Watch my videos, I lift everyone up I respect and borrow from. I would never borrow your content without giving you the love. Your response is a bit shameful. Sorry. As for my content, I stand by every word. You feel you need to criticize. Shameful again.

[@bryanluftglass25]

Merging concept with Harold Harb's PMTS teaching method

[@DebArmstrongSkiStrong]

Modern skiing is modern skiing. Not rocket science nor owned by anyone. Everyone interprets what they see. I do not own any ideas yet I convey. Harold owns his brand and marketing. He interprets and instructs as he sees fit. I have not watched his stuff but many like it and relate to it. I respect all who are lifelong learners in the sport and always strive for more understanding. ski technique is not owned by anyone and was invented long ago, very little is new

[@privettoli]

Might not be a good advise to beginner skiers without stessing the importance of focusing on the outside leg.

[@DebArmstrongSkiStrong]

Wait, my wedge video in the series will be coming soon😉😉😉