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Bump progression for kids

I picked this up from a clinic with an examiner. I just wish I was this clever. This is a simple, fun progression you can use to teach speed control tactics in the bumps. You can use it with adults as is or make it a bit more serious.

We have a mission, a great destiny to create castles in our hilly kingdom. Where should we put our castle? Why on the top of the hill of course. Stop on the top of each bump to place your castle.

By focusing on stopping on each bump, you use turn shape to control speed. Also, your students will be able to easily pivot on the top of the bump since there isn’t much resistance.

Now, all castles must have a flag pole right? What color is your flag? Plant your flag like this when you get to the castle on top. Then motor around the castle to cut the grass.

You can demonstrate touching pole on the top of the bump or the downside of the bump depending on your student. Touching on the top is the most neutral. Touching on the downside helps the student move down the hill, but it can also lead to breaking at the waist and over-rotating.

Adding a pole touch will help block the upper body from rotating and add rhythm to their bump skiing. Keep a close eye on the hands and arms.

There are a couple of different directions you can go next. You can paint the tower by swinging the pole down the hill or you must defend the castle by knocking the trolls off the ramparts with your pole.

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