Here we publish the secrets of the ski cross, answers to your questions, and the news of ski cross of USA.
Question: I often hear about “NEW TURNING TECHNIQUE”. What is it and how does it differ from how the most athletes ski?
Answer: For more than 8 years there is a so-called “NEW TECHNIQUE” of the turn. Almost all world leading athletes use this technique to achieve the best results. For a ski cross, this method of turning is the main one.
It solves the following problems:
The distribution of the weight of the athlete along the entire length of the ski, which allows you to ski
parallel throughout the entire arc and optimally use the entire length of the ski for the best slip.
Solves the problem of excessive strain on the lateral muscles of the body and back muscles.
Significantly reduces the time of transition from one arc to another.
It allows you to react much faster to the need to adjust the radius of the arc.
It allows to significantly increase the stability and steadiness when on the ski cross course due to the wider setting of skis and the position of the back while passing the obstacles.
The main difference between the “new turning technique” and “old” is the position of the center of gravity above the skis (see figure) and the absence of unloading of the skis between the turns. The change of the turning radius does not occur due to the edge angle of the skis and the pressure on the front part of the boots but due to the pressure downwards on the ball of the foot. (Figure) For more details on this technique, see our website http://ussx.org/
Here we publish the secrets of the ski cross, answers to your questions, and the news of ski cross of USA.
Question: I am 16 years old and I engaged in alpine skiing for years. I understand that I can not reach the Olympic level. Do you think I should try myself in ski cross?
Answer: Ski cross is a very technique and intelligent sport. Here you can achieve success even if you have a small weight but a good speed of reaction and thoughtful tactics. But you must understand that ski cross is the new level of skiing! It is not enough to know the GS technique and have strong legs and back. In the ski cross, it is perhaps even less than half of the technique of the athlete. It is necessary to pay special attention to the technique of overcoming various obstacles, the technique of skiing next to other athletes on the course, the technique of correct start and the modern turn. The turning technique in the ski cross has requirements similar to the GS, but more demanding in relation to the width of the skis and the center of gravity.
Given all this, we can conclude that it is possible to achieve a high result in the ski cross even at your age. And since the ski cross is a pretty young sport, the competition is not so high and the chances for success are much greater than in Alpine.
We recommend that you find a good ski cross coach or sign up for a “USSX Virtual coach” program, and read the yellow level training program at http://ussx.org/tools/coach-training-manual-yellow-level/
And of course, start taking part in the USASA ski cross competition series.
We wish you good luck and hope to see you in the national team.