Direction Changes Drills
All the following drills may be introduced first by using the magic stic or giving support with hands if necessary. Please keep in mind that the goal is to reduce the use of aids and have the athlete perform the drills without assistance as soon as possible!
Complete Toeside/ Heelside Direction Change to a Stop Using Pressure Drill
Begin by having the athlete climb a short, gentle slope. Once the athlete has reached the start position, have him or her clip into the front binding while facing uphill. The coach should offer assistance by standing below athlete and taking the athlete's hands. As the coach, you will need to make sure that the athlete does not start before he or she is ready. Once the athlete is standing, have him or her place the free foot on the stomp pad between the bindings, and allow the board to glide downhill. When ready, release the athlete to complete the glide.
Toeside direction change
Have the athlete begin in a straight glide. When moving, have the athlete apply pressure with the toes (pressing the gas pedal). The board will gradually begin to change direction toward the toeside. Complete the glide to a stop. It will be necessary to spend some time repeating this drill until the athlete has shown good balance throughout.
Heelside direction change
Have the athlete begin in a straight glide. When moving, have the athlete apply pressure with the heels (digging heels in). The board should begin to change direction gradually toward the heelside. Complete the glide to a stop. It will be necessary to spend some time repeating this drill until the athlete has shown good balance throughout.
Complete Toeside/ Heelside Direction Change Adding Rotation Drill
Once the athlete can complete a direction change while maintaining good balance and body position, rotation can be introduced to help make the direction change more dramatic. Begin by having the athlete execute a direction change using either toeside or heelside pressure as described above. When the board begins to change direction, have the athlete experiment by slightly rotating the upper body while gliding (watch what happens). When the upper body is rotated in the direction of the turn, the board should begin to make a slightly more dramatic direction change. Stress that the rotation should be a slight movement to avoid catching an edge and falling. Continue to experiment until the athlete can complete the movement comfortably and with good balance.
Complete Toeside/Heelside Direction Change Toward an Object Drill
Choose an object on the hill such as a sign post, cone, coach, etc. Have the athlete practice turning toward the object using the skills described above.
Remember to stress maintaining balance and eye contact with the object. Begin with gliding short distances and gradually work toward gliding greater distances and utilizing turn shapes. Be sure to have the athlete practice turning on both the toeside and heelside, making turns in both directions.
