Word Choice
Overview: The choisce of words used in Alpine Race Method prioritizes simplicity, action-oriented language, and current terminology to facilitate understanding and effective communication of skiing techniques. Complex or outcome-focused words are avoided in favour of straightforward terms that describe bio mechanical actions, leading to clearer and more accessible guidance for adult skiers learning and racing.
Word Selection
The choice of words used by the Alpine Race Method was based on their ability to meet at least one of the following criteria:
Simple and easily understood words were chosen. Words describing the human anatomy that passed this criteria:
Foot, Toes, Arch, Heel, Ball of Foot, Ankle, Knees, Legs, Thigh, Hips, Abdominal, Back, Core, Arms, hands, Rib Cage, Shoulders, Chin, Eyes, Head
Involves Action: Simple words describing how the body moves. Words that met this criteria:
Stance, Flex, Roll, Forward, Press, Stack, Separate, Resist
Current: Straight forward words and phrases were selected to describe the most recent perspectives on ski technique and racing, particularly in the context of adults, including:
Athletic Stance, Ankle Flexion, Flex the ankle towards the big toe, Forward Movement, Outside and Inside Ski, Stacking, Separating Just Below the Shoulders, Roll the Inside Leg, Shorten the Inside Leg and Edge Angle.
Review Appendix A for definitions of key words.
Words not used
Many adults who started racing later in life find words and phrases often used to describe skiing and racing complex and assume a base level of knowledge. For the purpose of developing the Alpine Race Method, words were not included if they met any of the following criteria:
Complex words need explanation to understand what action they are describing.
Comparisons are made below between the vocabulary employed by the Alpine Race Method and the terminology sometimes used to describe skiing techniques and excluded from the Alpine Method.
Outcomes of Actions: Some words depict the outcome of bio mechanical actions rather than the actions themselves. Examples of such words include:
Long, Straight or Extended Outside Leg: When starting a new turn with the Athletic Stance, and rolling the outside stacked leg inward with ankle flexion, the outside leg will stay the same length while pressure is applied to the outside ski. The outside leg does not become longer. Instead the inside leg gets shorter with the slope of the hill and/or the action of shortening the inside leg.
Lateral: The legs assume a lateral position, moving to the side of the body, during a turn. “Lateral” in itself , however is not an independent action but the outcome of the bio mechanical actions involved in executing a carved turn.
Angulation and Show your Bases: As the outside ski is progressively rolled onto its inner edge, the legs will be on an angle compared to the upper body and the base of the outside ski becomes increasingly more visible. Being on an angle and “Showing the bases” though, is not an action but an outcome of increasing edge angle caused by ankle flexion, forward movement, the inward roll of the inside leg, and the deliberate shortening of the inside leg.
Outdated Concepts
Separate at the Waist: This action reduces the pressure against the outside ski by preventing the rib cage and core stacking over the outside ski. Refer to the learning module “Stack, Press, Separate and Resist” for a description of separating below the shoulders. Other words and phrases related to separating at the waist and not included in The Method are: “Bend like a banana”, “Make the shape of a C” and “Feel a pinch at the waist”.
Push: If the outside leg forcefully pushes against the ski, it can release the energy stored in the ski too early, leading to a shorter bending and carving distance. A more appropriate word is “press” as it describes more accurately how pressure is applied to the outside ski in a controlled and deliberate manner.
Key Takeaways
- Simplicity and Clarity: The choice of words in the Alpine Race Method prioritizes simplicity and clarity to facilitate effective communication of skiing techniques. Complex or outcome-focused words are avoided in favor of straightforward terms that describe bio-mechanical actions, making it easier for adult skiers to understand and learn.
- Action-Oriented Language: Words used are action-oriented, focusing on describing how the body moves and the mechanics of skiing techniques. This approach helps learners grasp the physical actions involved in skiing, enhancing their understanding.
- Current Terminology: The method employs current and straightforward words and phrases to describe skiing techniques and racing, ensuring that the terminology is relevant and accessible, especially for adult learners who may be new to racing. Outdated concepts and complex terms that require explanations are avoided to make learning and instruction more effective.
Suggested Learning Modules
Return to Ski Technique or Tips for Coaching Adult Racers
Appendix A
Definitions of terms are as follows:
Arc: “The shape of part of a circle, or other curved line”.
Camber: “A slightly arched surface, such as an airfoil, or a ski”.
Core: The human core is made up of a group of muscles that provide stability and support to the spine and pelvis. The primary muscles that make up the human core include the abdominal and obliques. To gain a deeper understanding of the muscle groups comprising the human core, click here.
Flex: “To bend an arm, leg, etc. or tighten a muscle”.
Forward: “Towards the direction that is in front of you”.
Press: “Push something firmly, often without causing it to move permanently further away”.
Resist: “A “resistive” force on a moving object is a force opposing the motion of that object. Resistive forces always act in the opposing direction to its motion”.
Roll: “To move somewhere easily and without sudden movements”.
Stack: “A pile of things arranged one on top of another”.
Separate: “ Existing or happening independently or in a different physical space”.
