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Walk-Herringbone Drill

Primary Skill: Weight shift, timing

Secondary Skill: N/A

Drill Details: Similar to the Diagonal Skate drill of similar name. Really more of a suggested progression than a drill. On relatively flat or gently up-sloping terrain have the students begin by walking with deliberate steps using both skis and poles. Emphasize the opposite ski, opposite pole action. While continuing to walk have them start to open their skis out into a “V” as if they were performing a herringbone up a hill. Once the overall timing and motion is in place move them to steeper and steeper hills. A focus can be brought to full and complete poling action by directing the focus to the poles from the beginning walking stage.

Penguin Walk

Primary Skill: Edging

Secondary Skill: N/A

Drill Details: On a gentle to not-so-gentle hill have the students attempt to walk up the hill with their skis in a “V” and with their knees pressed together resulting in a definite penguin-like waddle. Be cautious of students with bad knees as this can cause significant exertion on the knees. Good for students who have a tendency to slip on the herringbone due to lack of edging the ski.

© 2005 Jeff Stainsby