by blackthorn » Tue Feb 02, 2016 6:24 pm
Doug, I absolutely agree agree with your point. I am also trying to be very clear that my question is about advanced level GS racing, and not PMTS. It is also not about recovery moves etcetc. I acknowledge that it is a bit abstruse.
Additionally, I agree with JB when he says "This extension is very different than an extend and push off move so common in many recreational skiers."
Ted Ligety says he "pushes off". The term is not well defined anywhere, and we don't know how well he understands what he does - some of it may be magnificantly instinctive. It is possible that there may be a brief part of the turn ie above the fall line, in which a forceable extension might assist in propelling the COM downhill. If it occurs then it is likely to be after he has obtained the necessary angles and ski edge engagement that he needs, and brief in duration. Once beyond the fall line any forceable extension will move the COM uphill. This might be couterproductive, but maybe not if its purpose is to maintain fore aft balance or something else. So when JB describes the extension that is seen, is it working with the COM, against the COM, a bit of both or neither.
My understanding is that it will be "neither", but that's why I am asking because I don't really know.
I think that it is virtually impossible to determine just from looking at stills or videos. Scientifically it would maybe need accelerometers on the boots, and at the COM. I have tried to search on line for articles.
I am looking for an answer/deeper understanding if there is one, and not a debate ( as per E### etc ). Part of the problem might be that I am asking the wrong question and/or have some fundamental misunderstandings of what is going on. I accept that this may not interest many but I can't find any other source of information that seems remotely understandable, logical, and based on appropriate basic principles.