Skate to 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 Along a Line Drill
Have the athletes glide along a line made out of cones or a line in the snow. It helps them to maintain their direction.
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. Begin with gliding short distances and gradually work toward gliding greater distances.
Glide While Rising and Sinking Drill
As the athletes demonstrate better balance and become less fearful, have them experiment with movement during the glide portion. Begin by having the athletes rise and lower slightly by bending at the knees (not at the waist) while the board is gliding. You can name this drill "small and tall" to make it more creative and fun for the athletes.
Glide with Weight Shift Drill
Once the athlete has mastered rising and sinking, begin having the athlete glide while shifting his or her weight forward and back (toward the nose or tail), and then finding a centered balance. These experiments will help the athlete to realize the correct position for boarding, and will show how constant movement is required in order to maintain balance.
Gliding Contest Drill
"Who can glide farthest?" Have the athletes push three times from a certain point, then have them stand with the back foot between the bindings to see who can glide farthest.
Skate and Glide "Backside" Drill
Although it may be a difficult movement, have the athletes attempt to skate their board while pushing with their back foot on the backside (heelside) of the board.
