Side Slip
Up until this time, the athlete has been working with only the front foot clipped into the binding. The free foot has allowed the athlete to learn with a measure of safety. Before attempting turns and direction changes with both feet clipped in, the athlete must be introduced to the side slip. There is no gliding wedge position, as in alpine skiing, to slow the athlete down. Speed adjustments and stopping are accomplished with either a turn or a side slip. It is important to introduce the side slip before going any further in the learning sequence.
The side slip position may seem to be the opposite of what you have been teaching so far; however, it will become a useful tool for reducing speed and even stopping. The side slip position is similar to the neutral riding position except that the body is not countered. The feet, hips and shoulders all face in the same forward direction, with the board perpendicular to the direction moved. This position can be introduced and reviewed on a flat area, and then moved uphill.
The side slip, garlands and the J Turn are decisive parts in learning more advanced snowboarding techniques. They also are an important part of snowboarding safely. These techniques allow the athletes to slow their speed and even stop, making it possible to safely handle nearly every slope. The more secure the athletes are in these techniques (especially braking and feeling comfortable with sliding on one edge), the faster they will learn further techniques such as linking or carving turns. More time spent with these basic exercises and drills can save much time later due to falls (catching the wrong edge, for example).
