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Functional body alignment

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Functional body alignment (strong inside half) refers to the ability to maintain the entire inside half of the body (foot, knee, hip, arm, hand and shoulder) in an appropriate alignment for the desired outcome. The amount of lead in the ski tips should match the alignment of the body and is influenced by the pitch of the slope.

• Hip and arm moves together (imagine a cable between wrist and hip)
• Both skis tip simultaneously and create the same angles
• Short leg/long leg
• Maintain ski/snow contact

As the turn develops, the focus should be to keep the inside half of the body raised and ahead of the outside half.
• Leveling of the shoulder and hips
• Inside half of body moves as a package
• Both skis track at the start of the turn

The relationship of the upper and lower body is a key factor in creating the alignment that allows maximum strength of the outside leg. This will help produce a turn that can be quick and accurate to develop to the apex and a powerful stance through the finish.
• Greater edge angle
• More eight to the outside ski
• Turning into counter
• Creating functional tension

Strongest angles are developed at the apex of the turn.
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