Training focus: ankle flex

Here is a summary of the movement pattern on which we have currently placed our focus. 

‘Ankle flex’ or a ‘closed ankle’ is the ‘correct’ term for ‘getting forward’… ‘getting forward’ can mean a lot of things and is not an accurate way to describe or address the issue. We need to close the ankle joint in order to establish a foundation for good body position over the skis. 

This concept seemed to resonate with most of the athletes but by no means mastered by any of them – and that’s OK! That’s why we are here and why we put in the hard work. Keep it up! 

Myself or any of the other coaches would love to discuss this further with you in the lodge or on the hill – assuming we don’t have a bundle of gates on our shoulder… 🙂

Main focus – Balance & Closing the ankle:

Based on what we are seeing with the athletes thus far, we will begin to focus on balance and most acutely; closing the ankle joint. Though the drills will most certainly promote edging, closing the ankle joint is critical to success for all future movement patterns.

Progression 1:

Ankle Flex/Closed Ankle progression

• While standing across the fall line with skis matched or ‘side by each’. Have the athlete shuffle their feet back and forth. Note when the foot is forward the ankle joint is open. When the foot is back the ankle joint is closed. 
• Put this in motion and do ‘shuffle turns’ on an intermediate slope. Again, the focus is feeling the ankle joint ‘close’ aka feel the shin on the front of the boot, then increase the slope and speed of the exercise as where and when appropriate.
• ‘Telemark turns’ at the initiation phase of the turn pull the inside foot back. Continue to exaggerate pulling the inside foot back throughout the shaping phase of the turn. Start on intermediate terrain and increase pitch and speed as athletes master the movements.   

Coach Steve