Pivot Slips

ATS Phase 3 | Girls Ages 10-13, Boys Ages 11-14 | 4-8 years skiing

Objective: To go straight down the fall-line followed by rotation of both skis simultaneously in one direction until skis are perpendicular to the fall-line followed by a sideslip. The skis are then rotated in the opposite direction to a sideslip followed by a stop.

Primary Skill: Rotary

Justification: Upper body and lower body separation demonstrated by rotation of the skis while maintaining a quiet upper body in space is essential for efficient ski racing.

Slope: Intermediate groomed terrain with a consistent fall-line.

Description:

• Start in a straight run down the fall-line
• Skis are maintained at hip width throughout the drill
• When skier is up to speed, both skis are pivoted across the fall-line
• A sideslip will be maintained for 6 vertical meters in the imaginary ski-width corridor down the fall-line
• Without losing a substantial amount of speed in the vertical sideslip the skis are again pivoted, this time in the opposite direction for 6 vertical meters in the corridor
• Two left and two right sideslips are performed
• The skier concludes with an edge set that is timed with a pole touch and holds stopped position for 3 seconds
• Entire drill is done within an unmarked ski-width corridor down the fall-line

Criteria for Perfect Execution:

• Skier stays within a ski-width corridor without deviation from the fall-line through entire drill
• Skis are pivoted simultaneously
• Hip width stance in all phases of the drill
• Skier loses a minimal amount of speed during the sideslips
• Pole plant coincides with edge set at conclusion of drill

Kid-Friendly Start Instructions:

• Ski straight down the hill to get up to speed
• Then quickly pivot your skis to turn them across the hill, turning both feet sideways at the same time
• Slip sideways straight down the hill, trying not to lose much speed
• Quickly pivot your skis to turn them across the hill in the other direction followed by another sideslip
• You'll do four sideslips in all, two to each side
• Try not to lose much speed and stay in a straight line down the hill the whole time
• Keep your skis hip-width apart the whole time
• After the fourth sideslip, stop by setting your edges and planting your downhill pole
• Hold still for 3 seconds

DOWNLOAD DRILL DESCRIPTION (11/05/13)                SKILLSQUEST SCORING TABLE