NSW Nordic Ski Club
Downhill technique for Racing
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Everyone says races are won and lost on uphills but for the average citizen racer downhills can be just as important. Staying on your skis on the downhill and doing it as efficently as possible builds momentum for the rest of the race.
If you have a problems with downhill:
Snowplough at the top of the hill and then let the skis run as you reach the bottom. It's easier to snowplough when you are going slower than to put the brakes on after a downhill plunge. - Warren McCourt (Wasza!).
Try to get away from the snowplough by practising your downhills. Find a hill that you have problems with and practise on it by moving progressively higher and higher up the hill as you feel more comfortable. - Tip given by Bob Cranch Level 3 Coach.
Smile as you go downhill. Often we have problems with downhill because we are tense when we hit the inevitable bumps and rolls. Smiling relaxes the body -i it works! - Tip given by June Hawkins Head Instructor Sovereign Lake Cross-Country Area B.C.
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