Rhythm &Tempo
1. This part will show what rhythm is.
Drill
Everyone thinks of a song.
I do the YMCA and see if the tempo of their song is faster
ski poles up or slower ski poles down
My dance is rhythm
2. This part will show how different people ski at different
rhythms.
Drill
Pick a partner and ski behind them and compare the rhythm of
your skiing to theirs. Switch leaders and do again
Ski poles up if partners rhythm is faster, ski poles down if
slower
Relationship of glide to Rhythm
1. This show the relationship of glide to rhythm
Drill
Ski normal rhythm
Ski faster rhythm using shorter glide
Ski slower rhythm using longer glide
2. Take this to a shallow hill to show how length of glide
on terrain changes rhythm.
Drill
Ski a terrain change where going up a hill will speed up the
rhythm.
Relationship of Power to Rhythm
1. Explain how adding or subtracting power as the terrain
changes so you can hold the same rhythm
Drill
Go from flat to slight up adding power to hold rhythm while
climbing.
Go from flat to down hill subtracting power to hold rhythm.
2. Now explain how now you have different gears you can use
while going over varied terrain.
Drill
Play with the power while skiing to vary the rhythm of your
skiing.
This is where beginner skiers working toward intermediate
needs to work. The ability for a skier to balance over each ski and place it
down when you choose and coronate the polling timing of your choice makes a
smooth rhythm. Always falling to the new ski makes a choppy rhythm.
Rhythm, Tempo and polling
In classic skiing your polls and skis will be at the same
tempo creating rhythm and flow.
In skating using all poll timing except diagonal skate your
polls will come forward as your ski lands on the snow. As your forearms point
toward the snow you will transfer on to the new ski. This will create a rhythm
between your polling and ski movement.
Why this matters
Your tempo will affect your breathing and heart rate. If you
are racing you can use these ideas to keep you heart rate in the zone you wish.
If you are touring for the day, you can use these ideas to keep your skis
gliding along enjoying where you are at while still being able to talk.
