SKIING WITH BENT KNEES | Are You Making These 2 Mistakes?

We’ve all heard this tip yelled across the mountain.
“BEND THE KNEES!”
While this common ski tip may sound simple, there's more to it than meets the eye.
Do this tip correctly, you’re setting yourself up for advanced carving turns.
Do this tip wrong, and you’ll struggle to find the right balance, essential for dynamic movements.
Tom Waddington is a BASI level 4 examiner and racing coach.
We asked him to come meet us in Sölden, Austria to break down this tip, so that next time you hear those 3 worlds, you know exactly what it means and how to do it.
To help understand this topic we’ve used some clear good vs bad examples and real-time Carv pressure data to emphasise the important link between mobility at your skiing joints and foot pressure in your boot.
Please leave a comment if you have any questions about this topic, or a future content request!
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Did you enjoy seeing Carv’s pressure data?
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SUBSCRIBE today to get access to more ski lessons, more real-time feedback and never before seen alpine skiing data from Carv!
For more how to ski content make sure to check out our other ski improvement videos:
- How to ski in tough terrain:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=oDFaq...
- How to ski on ice:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=R0cDT...
- How to ski with flow:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=SK6SC...
- Carving with early edge angles:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=ElOhJ...
- 4 Advanced skiing mistakes and how to fix them:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=04lRa...
- How to increase your edge angle:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=WYPxH...
Follow us on:
IG: / carv.ski
Skier: Tom Waddington | IG: @tomwaddington_skier
Ski resort: Sölden, Tyrol, AUSTRIA
Music Licensed by Music Bed: MB01KDE8VPL79GZ
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Timecodes
0:00 - Bending the knees, it's not that simple
0:35 - Mistake 1: Slumping forward
0:55 - Mistake 2: Folding at the waist
1:39 - The correct way to bend your knees
2:06 - A visual comparison
2:17 - The difference while skiing
3:56 - Carv foot pressure data
5:37 - Lesson recap
5:55 - Want more instructional ski content?

[@rustyme1122]

Kudos to the camera man for keeping up.

[@CarvSki]

The camera mans turns are definitely not as nice as Tom's 😅😅 Thanks for watching ⛷

[@juliegorham]

Yes amazing camera work too! Respect!

[@maverickf13]

@@CarvSki 🤣 but seriously, this is a lot to manage! Well done

[@Scr3amapillar]

​@@CarvSki Why don't you also film from below with a steadycam? People can watch you crossing the slope and that's better to see everything. I'd combine both camera angles for a perfect video. Just my opinion.

[@doctornrsfnly]

This was the BEST DESCRIPTION of "Bend your knees" I have ever seen... Have never seen this demonstrated so clearly. I have always seen people say "do this" without saying HOW... THANKS!!!

[@CarvSki]

We love this type of feedback! Thanks for watching and stay posted for new content coming shortly 👍

[@tom3holer]

I am a senior skier too, at 73, and am just getting back after several years off. Your videos are very helpful, and you keep them simple also. Keep up the good work as mentioned earlier there are more of us skiing now with the great senior pass deals available.

[@dmcs2003]

All my previous instructors need to have this video available and show it to their students!! Excellent demonstration of the issues and the corrections necessary!

[@larrym8417]

Being in my senior years and watching videos like this are extremely helpful. As we get older keeping our balance can be a concern. We may not go as fast as some but try and keep a good pace. Showing the pressure points on our feet as we ski were good to see. It would be nice to see further videos for seniors to help them enjoy the sport in their later years.

[@CarvSki]

Thanks for the feedback Larry! This is a good flag for us, so we will do our best to keep it in mind for future shootings 👍

[@larrym8417]

@@CarvSki Thanks for your response, more seniors around the world are skiing more than ever, were not wanting to just sit and watch - it's getting out and participating. These amazing videos really help, I find myself with boots on fastened into my skis ( in the living room ) finding that center of balance, now we require a few snow falls and cold temps. Cheers.,

[@AndrewRCoulson]

@@larrym8417 Hi Larry as a senior skier myself who has less youthful strength power and reflexes to make up for poor ski technique, I may have been in the "fold at the waist" version of "bend the knees" as pointed out. I found the book Essential Skiing instantly transformative to my technique. And it got rid of my sore quads. Would be great to see this technique evaluated on Carv technology!

[@stuartlindsey6268]

@@AndrewRCoulson yiur reply is very interesting. I am what I consider a very fit 60, exracing cyclist who suffers from really tired quads after several days skiing. I will try the book. I also was the bend at tge ankle/knee only. Never too old to learn👍

[@peterbridge9394]

​@@AndrewRCoulsonare you referring to the book Essentials of Skiing, by Harb?

[@JeffreySimon0506]

Your video's on technique breakdown are exactly what I need to breakthrough from intermediate to nearly the top of advanced intermediate. It's the very technical information that makes all the difference. Thank you.

[@MrKalrich]

These videos are so very helpful. The “Balanced” stance is key to improving. I was originally taught to be too far forward. I can’t wait to get back on the slopes this year and try out all of the improvements. Three years on CARV has dramatically improved my skill level and enjoyment on the mountain.

[@MrDogonjon]

Lost to time balance never existed gravity briefly ruled till space curved inward towards a very attractive central mass. Stress is your friend if you manage accelerations wisely.

[@STEVE-lk2ft]

That’s interesting Jon Jacoby! Are you talking about landing the space shuttle or can I assume English is not your first language?

[@a.m.9466]

@@MrDogonjon I have idea what you are talking about, did do a hip turn on your butt?

[@MrDogonjon]

balance is hard to describe as by observing you see one thing and when acting the experience has no relevant connection to the observation. we lack good words to describe many desperate paradoxes of causality.

[@4dogsannacat]

Huh…..how has it improved your bump skiing? How have your rotary movements improved?

[@CarvSki]

Was this video helpful? Please let us know in the comments ⬇️

[@kimperry2199]

Thanks. Great video. Really loved watching the turns at the end.

[@belskisfastlance2782]

I've just received my CARV equipment and installed it in my boots. I am very excited to get on snow with this new tool. These videos are well put together and clearly demonstrate the techniques being discussed. I anticipate the CARV feedback will be a game changer. THINK SNOW!

[@tobymason7937]

Very, very helpful. Keep these videos coming please!

[@kirkworthley3221]

great video. Especially the foot pressure demo. Very helpful.

[@michaelmatos9656]

Why can’t most ski instructors explain stance this clearly? In 6 minutes, you explained ALL the problems that I encountered with stance over the years. (I think I’ve fixed that; we’ll see once I get to using my CARV inserts!) I went from sore quads and out of control to falling forwards and out of control. THANK YOU for these videos!!

[@TheLeesto]

See the same issue in mountain biking. They did this as a kid, they never "learned" it they just grew into it and cant explain what they're doing - they just do what feels natural

[@arvizaslt]

Great tips for winter season!

[@jmcfadden8033]

Great video. One of the best ones out there explaining body alignment & weight distribution in a visualize manner to help teach skiing to beginners and little ones. Nice Job!

[@CarvSki]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks so much for watching and stay posted for more content on the way shortly.

[@Sim1.1]

Great video! I need to correct my stance like that. It looks easier while watching but find myself leaning more back or forward. Balance point and carv foot pressure data visuals are helpful 👍🏻

[@jeffreycooper6482]

Excellent! I always use the analogy that our ski bodies are in a tune, like a shock absorber in a vehicle, and we move our ankles, knees, hips inside that tube to remain balanced over our skis . This video is great visual of that.

[@matt.baller]

Going on my first ever skiing holiday on Saturday for a week, to Obergurgl. Loving these videos in helping me prepare a bit more! Only done indoor snow slopes so far. Thanks 😁

[@kenkong7509]

Wonderful tips which make a big difference, thanks for the great sharing! Bravo

[@mateuszkopaczyk5140]

Absolutely vital info! Most instructors would tell you keep low on your knees or don't bend backwards. Here it is beautifully explained!

[@steverolfe2997]

I've skied since I was 10 more than 60 years and have always struggled with my weight position. I'm still a pretty good skier and ski a lot of days a year. His visual explanation is very clear. Now I understand intellectually what I experience while skiing.

[@CarvSki]

This is awesome to hear Steve! Thanks for watching ⛷

[@charlesavino3903]

Spot on! You exactly nailed my problem positioning . I'm nearly always too bent over and on my heels, and you are right- it's not effeciant and exhausting. And I can ski pretty fast when I want to. Got to get properly balanced. Thnaks again for a great, simple, yet effective, video.

[@keirfarnum6811]

When I was racing, I had a problem with waist breaking and was making the turn from the hips down, which caused me to use too much knee angulation. It wasn’t until I realized that keeping my hips forward in the middle of the turn allowed me to extend the “pendulum” so to speak and make the turn from the chest down that my technique really came into its own. It allowed me to straighten my knee out and made my skeletal alignment over the ski far more balanced and with a much longer moment arm between the ski and the center of mass (my upper body). My entire body from the chest down to the feet became one extended pendulum arm (if that makes sense). You almost want to think of it as “humping the turn” while in the middle of the turn. I could almost keep up with Tommy Moe free skiing, so I wasn’t doing too bad. I skied at Alyeska in Alaska and had a number of people (mostly Master’s racers) stop me to tell me they thought I was the most beautiful skier on the mountain (which is saying something considering how many of my compatriots went on to ski for the US Ski Team; sadly I started racing late and wasn’t as good of a racer though). I also coached the Junior Development Team for SPYDER; which had former US Ski Team coach Lex Patten as our head coach. So I learned a few things there. I was always a better free skier than racer though. Hope that helps.

[@Sabinathor]

You have to be 75% relaxed from knees up and 95% ferm from the knees down to the skis. The more weight you have the faster and more fun you'll have. It's 100% technical, 0% brute force. Basically your body should perform like a car air suspension. The rest is very well explained here. Practice, it will take a lot of practice to master it.

[@stranger360th]

Thanks that is a helpful interpretation on this oven heard tip. My 70 years old south Tirol coach told me not to focus on bending the knees but being in balance all the time. „All the time“ is the really tricky part if you are an occasional skier. Because the terrain is ever changing requiring the skier to adapt the body posture (and hence the pressure on the feet) all the time.

[@MB-en3do]

Great reminder of the correct stance ahead of the upcoming ski season. Can hardly wait!!!

[@CarvSki]

Glad to hear that this lesson was a good refresher for you! Thanks for watching ⛷

[@paulcunningham5327]

A term I don't hear very often anymore is "joint stacking". My old coach, Nancy Jo, CSCF folks should know the name, used to use it regularly, starting point is knees over toes, hips over ankles and shoulders over knees

[@behroozamirinejad3959]

I think this video has helped me so much and resolved most of my issue in Ski I already have it

[@alirezagohari2413]

Thanks for the awesome tips!

[@Rocstoneau]

Thank you so much. I’ve been told to do those two do not do ones. I’ll definitely re watch this.

[@CarvSki]

Glad this was helpful! Stay posted as we have a few follow up videos similar to this topic on the way ✌️

[@gregh3248]

I love these video's. My family is from Vienna, and we began skiing as soon as we could walk. I have skied every year since 1965. 2002 will be my 57th consecutive year skiing. All of the CARV video's I've watched have been excellent. The smooth Austrian ski style is distinctly noticeable on the slopes. I am always asked where I learned my style, My Response is always Austria. Danka

[@nordicdust]

great video, can't wait to next skiing season

[@lindascheele5050]

As a senior, I am going on a ski trip and haven't done any skiing for over 20 years. I teach yoga and work out with a trainer in the gym to keep my strength and balance good. Thank you for a really good video for anyone especially seniors and beginners

[@markwilliams7037]

Well explained ,Ive skied for several years and struggled ,Ive taken 20 lessons or so , this is something I have had a hunch as far as where the pressure is in relationship to my feet and shin pressure in the boot , Accidentaly Ive found the sweet spot , your video explains this and reinforces what I think I am learning and figuring out

[@michaelking798]

Great videos, Great Product, I've been skiing for 45 years and I always have tried to get better and better, these are phenominal

[@Skinewgen]

Brilliant video and really useful demos Tom.

[@CarvSki]

Many thanks guys! Tom nailed this one 👌

[@martikrafve4829]

Great tips. enjoyed!

[@derzkoeradio]

Thank you for explanation

[@GurkanUgras]

Thank you, it helped a lot 🙏🏼

[@MykolaDolgalov]

This is helpful. Thanks!

[@nickreaderphoto]

Good skier giving good tips with good quality camera work too....thanks for sharing.

[@CarvSki]

Glad you enjoyed it Nick! Stay tuned for more ski content 🎿

[@josephjordan3857]

Awesome video! Thanks so much!

[@deborahwells2724]

That helped alot to actually see the angle and pressure thanks

[@InspirationalSkiing]

Great video and a really nice explanation, Tom! These are truly common problems, and I am sure this video will be helpful for a lot of people. Hope to ski with you soon again. /Janus

[@CarvSki]

Many thanks Janus! It means a lot to have this feedback come from a channel like yours 🙏

[@kevinmurphy8644]

This is just excellent instruction - thanks soooo much

[@CarvSki]

We appreciate the feedback Kevin! Stay posted as we have more content filmed with Tom coming soon ⛷

[@AVRJEH]

This one is really helpful as I have tended to get too far back on my heels…and what you show in this video helps me visualize the proper balanced approach. Thanks!

[@CarvSki]

Glad you found it helpful Jon! 🎿

[@MikeyPeking76]

P

[@davidweaver8506]

This is very helpful. I've heard advice to work on my balance, but I always interpreted it as a left-right balance. Seeing the shins and torso parallel to each other really was the Ah-Ha moment. Storms are on their way. I look forward to trying it out.

[@ronaldp4]

@David Weaver well said! It was ah ha for me too! A second meaning to "Parallel skiing."

[@samuelele]

Very good video, explains my misunderstanding of movement. I‘ve just done my first ski coach course and I‘ve misunderstood that all along.

[@king_cobra5492]

Thank you sir.

[@donkirk8789]

Great Explanation and demo for body angulation and weight distribution! Thank you!

[@CarvSki]

You're very welcome!

[@Densitygames]

Lovely guide! =) Thanks in advance!

[@ukredman]

This is a great lesson! Thanks!!!

[@CarvSki]

No problems! We're glad you enjoyed the lesson 👌

[@TripsToInfinity]

Great video, very helpful. Ty!

[@CarvSki]

You're welcome!

[@waynelumsden9769]

Good review. Thank you

[@johnlaporte9757]

Excellent !

[@kathleenmccabe8400]

Very clear demonstration!

[@CarvSki]

Glad it was helpful Kathleen! We hope that you have a great winter skiing ⛷

[@phileoness]

Very helpful. I’ve been sitting back. I heard youre supposed to lean forward, but that didn’t feel right at all. This makes sense!

[@MrDanAng1]

Great video! I just want to add that subcounsiosly basically all humans will move more or less of the weight on the heels when they are in a slope that they think is steep and/or icy. Trying to overcome this reflexsive reaction is scary... but also very rewarding!

[@CarvSki]

Thanks for the insight Daniel! Have a great winter ahead ✌️

[@matt3950]

As in golf, think: NOSE OVER TOES and ski on the balls of your feet.

[@timoleary1381]

Excellent video

[@tkfess]

Great video!

[@chumleyshaver7942]

thank you, merci!

[@CarvSki]

No problems! We hope these tips are helpful 🎿

[@Scr3amapillar]

Only in the right position you see an up and down motion, and that's what you need to make turns. Very good video. A little tipp: if you set your poles don't move your hands. He has a lot of movement, espacially with his left hand. The problem is, that the more motion you have in your upper body, the more balance you lose. The work is in your ankles, knees and hip. The rest above the hip is steady as a rock. Under tension. Just a little movement with your wrist in your hand to set the pole in front of you. That's it. But setting the poles is a very individual thing. Everybody is unique. So don't be too harsh to yourself if you know you have little movement with your hands. 😊 Y'all have a great and safe winter. 🤙

[@Keln02]

Skied all my life, know all of those things, still learning little things here and there

[@Pentagondave]

Nice one Tom 👍

[@CarvSki]

Glad you enjoyed it David!

[@anmarrassam5475]

Tom, very well done for all the videos and your contributions on your channel. I've been following you for more than a year now, and been loving all your vidoes. They definitely improved my skiing skills a big time. So thanks again. Once quesiton I have which I am VERY confused about: When carving and the doing the usual turns, is your body supposed to be facing down-hill OR it should point in the same direction where the skis are pointing? I am seeing both by watching pro skiers like yourself. Thanks and appciate your help here.

[@ashleytott664]

Good video - Thanks guys!

[@CarvSki]

Glad you enjoyed it Ashley! Stay posted for more content on the way soon ✌️

[@arnaud.lancelot]

Great great video.

[@alejandradaly9456]

Awesome !!!

[@AgentStrife]

Hi I am just leaning this was very helpful

[@karthikr7249]

thank you so much !

[@CarvSki]

Thanks for the feedback 🎿 All the best putting these tips into action ✌️

[@dorothymclaughlin1004]

Well Done Man!

[@CarvSki]

Thanks for watching Dorothy, Have an awesome winter ⛷

[@juliegorham]

I have made all those mistakes! Thank you so much!

[@CarvSki]

We've all been there Julie! Glad you found the video useful, stay tuned for more ski content 🎿

[@a.m.9466]

Thanks for GREAT VIDEO, As former ski pro I used advise good skiers who used too soft ski boots that they were bending the knees too much and not the skis, once they moved too a 120+ boot stiffness they started bending their skis more for better ski performance, cleaner railway tracks throughout the complete turn.

[@CarvSki]

Thanks for sharing! We always appreciate the feedback ⛷

[@user-fw1yw6lm6j]

Спасибо чувак ! Полезная инфа

[@youtubeAppt]

You guys are awesome 👏 👍👍

[@CarvSki]

Wow, Loving the feedback! Thanks for watching ⛷⛷

[@matteoallegretti1663]

...very nice!

[@CarvSki]

Thanks for watching Matteo ✌️ Glad it was helpful.

[@gogglebro9421]

Seems I hear a lot of instructors telling their guests to press their shins against the tongues of their boots. I’ve been wondered if I could teach ankle flexion without talking about it in the context of stance, but I think Tom shows with these mistakes the fallacy of that kind of thinking. I’ll add Tom’s MA to my toolbox. Thank you.

[@jimy4707]

Thanks your explained how to nice make the turns. Have a great winter. I'm looking one Austria ski trainer who work with us in korea.

[@CarvSki]

Thanks for watching Jimy, All the best finding a good trainer to join you in Korea!

[@unreal1066]

This makes it clearer, my tutor has told me to stand up more now I know what he means.

[@PeterPenAC]

A clear interpretation of "do not over bend."

[@fysalides1]

Thanx for videos and yr efforts to give us helpful tips. However could you pls comment on riser plates under bindings. Are the useful??

[@janecull]

Great explanation...I can now see what happens in either of these two positions. Will focus on the balls of my feet tomorrow and see what happens. Thanks again!

[@coolgiga]

Great Video

[@CarvSki]

Glad you enjoyed it Giga! Thanks for watching ⛷

[@marcofrey2903]

Just today someone on the lift told me "You got to have pressure at the front your boot." Maybe that's true to some extent but this reassures me it's a balanced approach.

[@user-cz9zn2jb5v]

Огромное спасибо тысячи раз! Безусловно очень полезно! Не зная хорошо английского, всё понятно с помощью разных примеров! 🎉🎉🎉🙌❤️

[@jiyangchen3472]

Did you guys ever come out with the behind the scenes of the filming? I'm still very impressed by the mystery follow cam videographer and feels like whoever they are should deserve some credit!

[@oakland439]

great videos - but more than anything, this makes me want to go to Austria...

[@ardenpowers7730]

Great breakdown of these challenges ! At the moment, I can think of 2 instructors that fold too much at the waist when free skiing. I had politely brought it to their attention in the past, but to no avail. I imagine that they continue to adjust their fore and aft position to compensate. Thanks for sharing . . . . good stuff !!

[@kenkaufmann]

you know an instructor is good if he can accurately imitate inexperienced skiers. i used to have my students howling when i imitated them.

[@CarvSki]

Thanks for watching Kenneth, Tom nailed this topic so we hope this lesson helps you next time you hit the slopes ⛷

[@ad-ld9ho]

Thx mayne

[@VictorSantana-xu5ez]

Thank you so much u are amazing 🤍

[@martinlacharite4830]

Hey man! Great video. Really like you shell jacket, what brand is it?

[@kunqian3718]

Best vids

[@issoshetairoi]

Good!

[@alainbellavance1766]

Very good 👍🏻

[@CarvSki]

Thanks for watching Alain, We are glad that you found this video useful!

[@S3RAVA3LM]

Each season is tend to front lean for a bit, than back lean to recalibrate my balanced position. Sometimes, and depending 9n the circumstances, I transfers from balanced position to front or back lean. I like to mix it up while traversing from parallel to carving. Looking forward to the slopes.

[@SuperFiberoptic]

The real reason his skis wash out in the slumping back position (2:20-2:40 min) aside from upper body to far back (balance) is that he is rotating the upper body into the turns. This rotates hip outward and flattens the edge angles. Upper and lower body separation is needed, the tighter the turns the more the upper body stays facing down the fall line. Next in the bent over position (2:42-3:08) with hips sitting over the heels yes weight is back. The real issue whether in a tall, mid or low (think World Cup SL racing or mogul competition) stance, is not just balance, but he actual states it at (3:18), "I got good ankle flexion". Without this ankle flexion you are not really connected and in control of the boots. Many people mistake cranking up their buckles overly tight as being connected. Usually you just get pins and needles and cold feet. In the balanced position (3:10-3:50), as opposed to the first 2 examples which are quite static, he is using more dynamic turning (increasing edge angle and pressure throughout each turn) picks up at (3:36). He also maintains upper body facing down the fall line.

[@andrewcharlton4053]

Especially on the bent over position, it's actually key to achieving the quick rotations and turns needed in slalom racing. It only works if the rest of the technique is correct however. Just sitting back is still bad and even in that aggressive low racing position, it's not something you can sustain for a long time, it's designed to be used on a SL course and that's it.

[@GregariousAntithesis]

I just think of it as keeping yourself centered over the ski

[@robertodelisa1544]

Never understood this fully and CARV really detected the change when I got it

[@leenaylor2600]

Hi Tom, it seems from this video that you can be too far forward in youre stance espcially when trying to improve youre carved turns. So is it better be in a natural stance ,rather than leaning too far forward ? Great vid

[@ed-youtube67]

This is a great video and balance very well explained and demonstrated. My only critique is a little too much time was spent on discussing and showing the incorrect postures. Very fine line here as showing the incorrect positions and their results are important. Just my two cents.