One Foot Straight Glide 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!
Glide to a Stop 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. The athlete should ride the board in a relaxed position until it stops completely. It will be necessary to spend some time repeating this drill until the athlete has shown good balance throughout.
Glide with Movement Drill
Once the athlete has become comfortable with the glide, movement can be introduced. Start by using the following drills:
- Rising and lowering stance while gliding ("small and tall").
- Adjusting weight forward, back and to center during glide.
Glide to Object Drill
Choose an object on the hill such as a sign post, cone, coach, etc. Have the athlete practice skating to a glide while aiming toward the object. Remember to stress maintaining balance and eye contact with the object.
Glide with Brake Drill
Have the athletes glide to a certain point (to a flat area) and have them brake with the back foot in front of the frontside edge.
Glide with Rotation Drill
Have the athletes rotate the shoulder with arms spread wide while gliding.
