ALPINE MOVEMENT ANALYSIS

PSIA AASI

MOVEMENT ANALYSIS FOR ALPINE SKIING

Movement analysis in sports is the systematic evaluation of how athletes move, focusing on their biomechanics to identify strengths and weaknesses. This process helps improve performance and prevent injuries by analyzing specific movements and techniques used during athletic activities. The principles of movement analysis can useful at any level of sport participation, from beginner to professional and Olympic levels. Here we discuss some of the concepts of movement analysis used by CCSC staff.

FUNDAMENTALS OF ALPINE SKIING

  • Control the relationship of the center of mass to the base of support to direct pressure along the length of the skis

  • Control pressure from ski to ski and direct pressure toward the outside ski

  • Control edge angles through a combination of inclination and angulation

  • Control the skis rotation (turning, pivoting, steering) with leg rotation, separate from the upper body

  • Regulate the magnitude of pressure created through ski/snow interaction

SKILLS CONCEPT

  • The Skills Concept is based on the knowledge that three skills - rotational control, edge control, and pressure control - are integral to all turns, and they are essential for maintaining balance.

  • Rotational control refers to turning the skis to effect the direction the skis point

  • Edge control refers to tipping the skis relative to the length of the skis. Skiers use this action to increase or decrease the ski-to-snow angle.

  • Pressure control relates to managing forces acting on the skis. Skiers manage the distribution of pressure along the length of the skis, transfer pressure from one ski to eh other, and adjust the overall magnitude of the forces acting on the skis.

These three skills are blended to accomplish the accomplish the skier’s goals.

INPUT source for movement analysis

  • Visual: Front, Sagittal (side), Horizontal

  • Audio: What is the sound of the ski/snow interaction?

  • Kinesthetic: The coach should ask for feedback regarding skier’s awareness of feeling and doing

The principles of the SKILLS CONCEPT and the FUNDAMENTALS are essential to movement analysis for Alpine skiing, as are sources of input for evaluating a skier’s performance

PHASES OF MOVEMENT ANALYSIS FOR ALPINE SKIING

Observation: observe and describe the equipment/snow interaction in terms of the Skills and Fundamentals

Evaluation: Assess your observations and distill complex technical information into simplified, accurate conclusions.

Prescription: The skier’s/rider’s goals, combined with observation and evaluation, will guide the prescribed pathway for improvement.

OBSERVATION

  • Describe what the ski is doing in the snow. What evidence to you see: sliding, slipping, skidding?

  • Describe what the skis are doing in relation to each other

    • Similar edge angles?

    • Skis guided at a similar rate?

    • Skis pivoted from the middle, front, or back?

    • Parallel relationship?

    • Turn shape? (C,J, Z)

    • DIRT (duration, intensity, rhythm, timing) and direction?

  • Describe when and where in the turn your observations take place: top have, bottom half, transition?

  • Describe the skill application and evidence of use: edge control, pressure control, rotational control

  • Describe the body movements

    • Where do the movements originate?

    • With which specific body parts'?

    • Where in the turn do these body movements take place?

    • Correlate with DIRT and direction

EVALUATION

Compare the skier’s current performance to the optimal performance for the desired outcome.

Cause and effect relationships: Typically, body movement or position is the CAUSE of the ski performance, and the ski performance is the EFFECT.

Prioritize: Which movements, if changed, would have the greatest positive impact on the skier/rider’s performance, keeping in mind all that was observed.

  • Movements that positively or negatively effect the skier’s athletic stance?

  • Movements that positively or negatively effect the skier’s overall balance?

  • Are the movements observes as expected for the tasks?

  • Are tactical choices and technique effective for the task?

PRESCRIPTION

  • Focus: Provide a focus or task

  • Drill: A movement pattern “lateral” to typical skiing used to develop a specific skill or blend of skills, with a technical or tactical purpose in mind

  • Exercise Line: This is a progression that proceeds from stationary to simple to complex to “whole” skiing/riding.

  • Demonstration: Describe a specific movement or action to observe and demonstrate to support your description

  • Provide instruction/feedback: Be precise, simple and to the point; check for understanding

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

  • PSIA-AASI Educational Material

  • PSIA-AASI-C (Ron Shepard)

  • PSIA-AASI NW

  • Colorado Snowsports Academy