The Core Challenge and a New Solution
This talk addresses a common and significant hurdle for ski instructors: the difficulty of developing strong movement analysis (MA) skills. Presenter Evan Vaka introduces a Movement Analysis Worksheet he developed as a framework to simplify this process. The tool provides a systematic filter for observing skiers, helping instructors build a foundational understanding of what is happening before jumping to conclusions.
Key Components of the Analysis Worksheet
The worksheet intentionally focuses on ski performance first, as this provides objective data that can then be linked to body movements. The analysis is broken down into several key areas:
- Turn Shape & Size: Are the turns round, comma-shaped (sharper at the top), or Z-shaped? Are they open (accelerating down the hill) or closed (controlling speed across the hill)?
- Ski & Edge Relationship: Are the skis in a wedge, parallel, or diverging? Is this consistent throughout the turn? Are the edges corresponding, opposing, or corresponding but unequal (like in an A-frame)?
- Turn Performance & Spray: Is the turn primarily carved or skidded? Where is the snow spray originating from the ski (tip, center, or tail)? This detail can reveal a lot about pressure and balance.
The Process: Observation Before Evaluation
A central argument is the importance of separating observation from evaluation. The worksheet guides instructors to first build a complete, descriptive picture of what the skis are doing. This prevents the common mistake of latching onto a single, obvious body position (like being in the “back seat”) without understanding its cause or effect on the skis. By analyzing three different skiers—from a beginner to a national team member—the video demonstrates the tool’s versatility across all skill levels.
Conclusions and Takeaways
- Systematic Approach: The worksheet provides a crucial starting point for instructors who are unsure how to begin their analysis.
- Connect the Dots: It helps instructors build the critical skill of linking ski performance (the “what”) to body movements (the “why”).
- Universal Application: The framework is effective for analyzing any skier, from a first-timer to an expert, and can even be used for self-analysis or comparing two skiers side-by-side.
- Accelerated Learning: Using this structured tool has been shown to significantly speed up the development of movement analysis skills among ski school staff.
Mentoring Question
Reflecting on your own skiing, which element of the worksheet (turn shape, ski relationship, or spray location) do you pay the least attention to? How might focusing on that specific observation on your next run give you a new insight into your technique?
Source: https://youtube.com/watch?v=ru81-QmYwZE&si=hdCO7MtmUWoZW3hG
Leave a Reply