Popping cherries...

[Marc]

I'm referring to pole planting in the bumps, you sickos. I'm not sure what was on your mind, but I know it wasn't good.


I have a couple questions here- often times in bumps I find myself making double pole plants. Is this normal/correct? Or does it indicate something way off with my form?

Also, I find when I'm in the bumps and my pole plant gives way, because I either missed the bump and went over the top with my pole (don't laugh, I've done it) or because the bump is soft and swallows my pole, my balance is thrown way off and often I have to stop and correct. Is that normal? Should I be dependent on pole plants?

I have to say I can ski a bump run making no pole plants at all but I feel off balance. When I'm planting and I'm concentrating on my line, not my form, is when I seem to depend on my planting firmly...

 

[JimG.]

Whoever introduced the word "plant" into the teaching textbook did alot of skiers a big disservice. Poles should be "touched" on the snow, not "planted". This explains why you sometimes bury poles on soft bumps. Lighten up, because...

Double pole touches, 2 pole touches on the same bump, missed touches, and the like are symptoms of balance issues. The pole touch is that 3rd point of contact that helps our bodies evaluate the terrain we're on. When our balance is off, we depend too much on those poles for comfort.

Until your balance is better, you will find yourself depending on pole touches. And don't worry, developing good balance, especially in bumps, is a process that takes time. It's normal and I work on it constantly.

So, work on your home posture more. Stay tall and upright with some knee and ankle flex. Try to stay that way for whole runs. Concentrate on moving your hips up (skyward) and forward (down the hill). I encourage you to ski bump runs with no poles, or with your boots unbuckled. Yeah, you'll look lame for awhile, but the future benefits in balance are so worth it.

Did you buy Dan DiPiro's book? If so, all of this should sound familiar. Read it again.

 

[Marc]

I have balance issues when I'm just standing up.


Hell some days, my balance is so bad I have trouble when I'm seated.


But thanks for the tips, I will work on it...

:dunce:

 

[riverc0il]

great tips from jim! i have nothing to add, he said it all perfectly.