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WATERSKI MagazineOne of the most popular barefoot moves on any lake is the front-to-back. It's fast, it's gutsy, and it looks like something you'd rather watch than try. If you're an astute footer with good posture forward and backward, you should be able to start trying this move.
Most barefooters simply try too hard. They crouch way down and then explode into the back position. Usually they just plain explode. The most common mistake with the front-to-back is coming up before coming around. (You'll have an easier time if you're able to do front and back toe holds – balance is key.)
There are two keys to the front-to-back: Squeeze and rhythm.
By squeeze, we're talking about the midsection. You need to crunch your abs during the entire rotation. This doesn't mean slouch. Your shoulders should stay back, your chest out and your back arched. Flexing your stomach also forces you to rotate your hips.
As for rhythm, you should bend your knees three times before negotiating the turn. Count to yourself while lifting yourself up and down: “One…two…three.” Lift only as high as your perfect gliding position – butt four inches above the knee – and squat only to where your hips are at calf level (long-legged footers will need to come up higher). On the count of three, come up smoothly, stay squeezed, and turn to the back position.
Remember:
B The front-to-back is a lower-body move. The head should be the last part of the body to turn.
B Bend your elbows slightly so they're close to the rib cage. You'll force the rotation to come from the hips instead of from the head or handle.
B Don't yank the handle in hard. This creates an upper-body turn.
B If you feel like you need a lot of pull just to get around, you're probably slouching. Your shoulders should never be in front of your hips.
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