General Skating

Forward Two Foot Slalom Edging

Workshop Lesson Plan


Description
                                             

Expectations

Exercises

Forward Two Foot Slalom Edging in a straight line.

The primary goal of this element is to display the ability develop forwards power in a straight line. 

The two footed series of pushes result in small, equal curves to the left and to the right that allow the skater to maintain forward progress in a straight line.

The knees act a shock absorber to cushion the force of the sharp turns much as the action of a skier performing a downhill slalom event.

The skater should demonstrate erect body and relaxed arm/shoulder positions.

Focus:
  • Equal Two Footed Forward Slalom Pushes
  • Small Curves to the Left and Right in an Even Tempo
  • Smooth Forward Progression
  • Posture/Form
  • Evenly distributed weight and bend knees.
  • Use a twisting movement of knees and feet to produce speed in a straight line .
  • The body should be in a natural position and not bending forward at waist.
  • An ability to perform sustained swizzles should be observed.
  • Head should be up, with a nice erect back.
  • Hands should be held out to the side at waist level.
  • Knee bend rises and falls with the changes of direction of the curves.


Advanced:
  • Increasing the depth of the slalom curves (edging) and reducing the rhythmic tempo of the knee action will  increase pushing and pulling action resulting from changing directions in rapid succession.
  • After gaining power, perform One Foot Slalom Edging changing feet.
  • Teach pushing movement of feet using the barrier – emphasize upper body posture.
  • From a standing position, begin with both feet parallel on the ice and perform a twisting  movement with the blade, knees, and hips. After gaining speed, glide, balance, and stop. Repeat. 
  • Using a slower tempo, gradually deepen the curves of the forward Slalom edges to gain additional speed.




Note:

Slalom edging is performed forward in the Cha Cha Dance.