CA

[Max_501]

In very tight off piste turns there isn't time to get the outside leg fully extended nor is it needed.

Momentum and float are results of the proper application of the Essentials so you can't just add more of them. Instead you need to do more of the Essentials to get them. Does that make any sense?

[Matt]

The difficulty we're having up here when we do that is getting the stance leg extended. What happens is that a crouch develops. I believe the fix for this is a cleaner release with more momentum to float through transition.

Perhaps the real issue is with the lateral weight distribution in transition.

I've found that working with the weighted release *does* get my stance leg extended, so perhaps maintaining a bit more weight on the stance leg through transition will help get the new stance leg longer when there is less performance from the ski?

BigE, I guess you are talking about racing here? In PMTS the new stance leg is extended because you are moving across the skis into the new turn. Depending on the timing between the flex and the release you will move more or less across the skis. The Nolan example is an extreme example when the new stance leg will be extended very quickly when moving into the next turn. It depends on how tight the next gate is. If it is tight you need more holding on to the edge and CA and flex before edge release. If it is not tight you can start a big of "vaulting" by keeping weight on stance leg slightly into the transition, to get more float into the next turn. The transition will be longer. I guess what I am trying to say is that you cannot solve all situations by introducing more float.

[BigE]

Well Max, is it not as Matt says, adding "more momentum" is about the timing of the movements, all within the context of Release/Transfer/Engage?

In my view, when there is a large time interval between Release and Transfer, you will get the leg long.

[Matt]

Well Max, is it not as Matt says, adding "more momentum" is about the timing of the movements, all within the context of Release/Transfer/Engage?

In my view, when there is a large time interval between Release and Transfer, you will get the leg long.

I don't think you can generalize that. I can do a very slow power release type of turn without getting the leg particularly long. Nolan can make a very fast transition and get the leg long.

I have noticed that one key element in getting the leg long in a fast transition is that you have to have a very strong CB move. With the COM at a certain position compared to the skis you need a CB form in the body to have the leg extended quickly. In a fast transition you don't have time to wait for the CoM to move further inside the new turn.

[BigE]

I don't think that Nolan or any other WC SL skier is actually "waiting". The release of the CM downhill is timed to coincide to get the leg long at turn apex, and turn apex is a precise target.

I think that at some point, the skier *must* consider the relative paths of the upper and lower body. I know that is not the general focus of PMTS but there *is* instruction that tells the skier to "get upside down". Yes, that is an outcome of proper movements but these essentials are not done in isolation -- there is always a goal that they are attempting to achieve eg. TFR, Brushed carve etc... The essentials are the nuts and bolts of skiing. How they are combined determine what occurs -- turn size, shape, direction etc...

As Harald says on the performance DVD, you need to let it go to ski well. The movements should be in your "performance memory" and so they will help you achieve your goals. Whether that is skiing a mogul field, glade, race course at speed or groomed pitch in style, the essentials are supportive of your goals. Certainly performing the essentials well can be goals themselves -- no question about it. it makes groomer skiing fun.

To get back to the mechanics, yes, I think that Max is fundamentally correct.... tipping and flexing more will get that outside leg long, provided that there is room for the inside leg to flex more. If the skier is not used to getting the inside knee to maximum flexion, then the crouch will certainly develop. In my opinion, there are several causes of the crouch -- ie lack of leg lengthening:

1) Wide stance.
2) Aft balance.
3) Poor ROM of knee flexion -- above parallel.

in the wide stance, tipping is compromised. With Aft balance, flexing is compromised. As Max says, both of the essentials of tipping and flexing are necessary to produce a long leg. I see several things that can provide fixes:

1) Power release -- addresses the lack of knee flexion.
2) Weighted release -- addresses stance and balance, "getting upside down".
3) Strong arm -- addresses counter balance, counter action and leg lengthening. (Thanks Matt, CB/CA is very necessary).

Again, all should be done with a narrow stance, and centered balance. I think this weekend will be focussed on those three items. I just noticed, they basically address every essential.... So the drill will be a "power weighted release with strong arm"

[Max_501]

Warning...thread still drifting...

BigE, check this thread out.

http://www.pmts.org/pmtsforum/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=1611

[BigE]

Excellent! Thanks for the link. That is *very* helpful.