Variations on a theme: Inside foot drills

Many people believe in skiing and teaching from the feet up. The theme of these variations is simultaneously releasing the old edges and reengaging the new edges.

There is no wrong answer as long as the student is successful. If the student isn’t connecting with the activity, you need to try another approach.

Magic pennies
There are magic pennies under your little toe. To get the turn started push on the magic pennies.

Big toe
Ever done the cheesy thumb dance? We’ll this is like it. Pick up your big toe and rotate it to get the ski on edge.

Instep to little toe
My instep is that red thing on my foot when I take cycling shoe or ski boot off. Move your instep towards your little toe.

Each one starts with a static demonstration then skiing practice. Watch out students may move too laterally, instead of forward and into the turn.

You can develop this activity a couple different ways.

Keep the focus on the foot by
• Adding a focus on the outside foot

Move the focus up from the foot by:
• Opening the knee joint to extend into the new turn
• Moving to the corner of the inside boot
• Move the hand and upper body as you edge the skis

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