Is the "3 Phases of the Turn" Model Hurting Your Skiing?

[@gbudning]

Having followed the channel for a while, it's cool to see the clarity of your messaging continue to crystalize. The unity and simplicity of your presentation just keep finding new ways to grow. You're a great teacher.

[@skidadTV]

Thank you

[@irideaduck939]

Appreciated you showing it off trail!

[@skidadTV]

Good turns are the same wherever you are on the mountain!

[@richardcole4776]

That made more sense to me than a lot of break-downs of the turn I have watched. Good stuff!

[@SteezyJoeNetwork]

In the PSIA model, the three phases are never described as "equal". But I know what you meant. I've been working on a two phase video also for about a month or so. Not really happy with it, so not sure if it will be released. We are focused on the bump skiing series at the moment and coverage of the World Cup in Ruka, Finland. But at some point, I think you'll see something from us about this as well. My take on it is this: it's ok for instructors or educators to talk about it in 3 or 4 phases for technical accuracy. But for our students, as you point out, you have to keep things simple. I think of it in terms of inputs and outputs, or body movements that put us in a position to receive force, and then a phase where you are receiving those forces. It's kind of like a zen thing. Great video. Keep em coming.

[@skidadTV]

I agree the 3 phases are useful when teaching instructors how to teach. Again, those phases are an accurate representation of what is happening. My goal is to help people improve their skiing via KZbin videos and I hope this one helps as many people as possible. I’m looking forward to seeing your bump breakdown. I’m always up for more tips on teaching bumps!

[@andyfallshaw3069]

I love how you question these fundamentals. It's awesome. One thought… I suspect it's useful to have different ways to think of turn phases according to what you're working on improving. For instance, John Leffler talks about 4 phases which I'll try my best to represent. The skier comes from neutral into a Preparation phase (with very little snow pressure), then enters an Energy phase close to the rise line. At the fall line/apex, the Energy phase shifts to a Redirection phase until below the gate, and then a Transition phase (and back to neutral). I've been loving this framework while I'm working on my GS racing for two reasons: 1) I've been working on building edge angle before applying pressure - which translates to preparing edge angle in Preparation Phase, then I start applying pressure in Energy stage (mostly through inclination). And 2) I was not driving enough transverse power through my Redirection phase, and so my post fall line form was lacking bite/counter/angulation and I'd lose elevation. For this progress I'm working on, those four phases have been really helpful. However when I'm working on Slalom technique, your two phases feel like they might be easier to manage in the much faster turn sequence. Either way, I think skiing is richer for having different models to experiment with, rather than all following the same model, so thank you!

[@Krebaba]

Initiation phase had always given me a similar feeling of 'a better tomorrow', you just have to wait. Actively balancing on the outside foot seems similar to standing/balancing on a pedal while pedalling a bicycle uphill out of the seat. This gives a very different perspective which puts most of things in place by itself. Thanks.

[@gatticusfpv3174]

0:29 Yikes my old coach lol. Great stuff as always. =)

[@MrDogonjon]

The New Way to Ski 1957 describes Sllitten (slicing sliding), and Fahren (riding) Edged ski to flat ski. Mikela Shifrin's last name is an onomatope for the sound the snow makes under her skis... Shiff,,,run.. .the ski only bends once. Thats the Secret Daddy move...

[@Bushwackerinpa]

Another Banger. I think this makes more sense for for carving, even though I can see how it can apply off piste. I wonder what you think of describing the turn as APex to transiton to apex? it something I use to get students to think about untipping out of the turn instead of holding to long to what you are calling the "ride" phrase.

[@greggoldman893]

Float-sting! Or Unweight-engage!

[@karlo407]

A great perspective, one that I think that makes sense for the advanced skier. But, for the less advanced, I think that skipping the concept of a finish will result in skiers seeking to check speed at what is called the finish, rather than using turn shape to control speed.

[@skidadTV]

If you check speed at completion you will not be able to get back into ride. I’ll bet they self correct

[@karlo407]

@ They would certainly have to. Is there a minimum skier level you would coach this to?

[@MrSjGibbs]

The American Teaching System uses 4 Phases, preparation, initiation, control, finish. It is simply a way for a teacher to observe a student and formulate a relevant plan for the lesson. The time to think about it is in your living room!

[@kristian1977]

In your description of 2 phases you seem to skip the linking component. Is this not important? BTW Your skiing is really fun to watch! Up North we now describe the phases of the turn as Above, At and After the fall line. Semantics...

[@skidadTV]

How would you describe the linking component. And how does another “thing” help the skier?

[@kristian1977]

@@skidadTV In a ski racing context I would describe it as a release of the old edges and glide. In a ski teaching context I would call it a release and recenter. It plays an important part so that they can effectively start the new turn and get to the "Ride" phase well balanced. In ski racing it maintains flow and allows the racer to move across the hill to the next gate. Often when you see a hiccup in the ride phase of the turn it's because they have a hangover from the moment before. Cause and effect.

[@skidadTV]

There is no “recenter” good skiing goes edge to edge or foot to foot. You don’t pause in the middle between turns. And getting your feet under COM in transition is unnecessary. You need to go from balanced on one foot to balanced on the other. A move to get to center is a waste of if your attention. You need to get to the other turn. That is your attention

[@jefflacourse3344]

But the "ride" phase should not be misunderstood as static. Rather, it remains very dynamic.

[@raimox1]

02:02 - I think you're a little better at turning left. I'm better at turning left too. Why do you think that happens?

[@skidadTV]

My left knee is surgically repaired. My left hip has had FAI surgery and my right sciatica acts up. 🤷

[@iw4632]

@@skidadTV Watch your left hand in every turn from 1:48 to 2:33. It finishes way behind you and you are not set up for success to start the right hand turn. (I fight this too.) I think this is part of the reason you tend to rush the start of your turns with a hop of the tails of your skis. In contrast, watch Ted Ligety's tails at the start of his turns -- beautiful!

[@gatticusfpv3174]

For me my right leg is definitely a little stronger so left turns tend to be a little more put together. Skiing switch will also increase this lopsided feeling dramatically. It has to do with your dominant side. You can minimize it with training like single legged squats but it probably will never completely go away since its also neurological.