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RistoAsk any skier at this level what they struggle with the most in their quest for improving slalom technique, and more times than not they'll answer, “my body position through the wakes.” Are you too getting rocked by the wakes? If you want to power through the wakes like a champ, the leverage drill is the perfect tool.
This drill will allow your muscles to memorize a strong leverage position, and it will give you a great sense of balance and edge-control on your ski. Start the drill by pulling out to one side of the boat. Keep skiing away from the boat until you're in a strong load and you can't get any wider. Try to hold this position on each side of the boat for 30 seconds at a time to really work it into your muscle memory for both your onside and offside pull. Now you'll be ready to take your new skiing position through the wakes.
Leverage Drill Keys
• Balance: Your weight should be distributed 50/50 over your feet. You can verify this by glancing at the place where the water is breaking on the ski. If you're balanced, the water should break in front of the front binding.
• Knees: Keep your legs flexed but strong.
• Head position: Your head should be upright and looking in the direction you want to go.
• Shoulders: The more level you can keep your shoulders, the less movement you'll have.
• Arms and elbows: With the right load and leverage against the boat, your arms will be relatively straight and close to your body. If you can feel your elbows at your vest, you're right on the money.
* Pulling in with your arms out of the turn and through the wakes hinders your attack angle. Don't fight the boat! Allow your arms to extend as you leverage against the boat and keep your elbows close to your body.
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Level: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
