Up Close with the Coaches of the Sprint Athletes
Tip 1
Always go off your first instinct!! I've seen many athletes change
their mind in a split second. 9 out of 10 times this results into
a mistake. Never deviate from your plan.
Be sure to respect your sport and what you are doing. As soon
as you lose respect and lose complete fear of what you are doing,
this can be dangerous. I've witnessed many athletes make serious
mistakes and even end their careers. It's good to push your limits,
but bad to forget about them.
-- Matt Christensen, U.S. Aerials
Head Coach
Tip 2
If you are a long time skier and get a pointer from a friend,
colleague, instructor, coach etc..., keep an open mind. At least
try to adapt something new with what you already know.
-- Matt Christensen, U.S. Aerials
Head Coach
Tip 3
Never be discouraged when trying something new, 9 out of 10 athletes
will take two steps back to take one step forward.
-- Matt Christensen, U.S. Aerials
Head Coach
Tip 4
When you learn something new on the slopes, don't be afraid to
let everybody know. You should be proud of yourself!! Feel free
to let the entire lodge / après-ski scene aware of what
you've accomplished. Just remember to let them know how. If you
don't, you'll be that loud obnoxious person that annoys everybody
around you.
-- Matt Christensen, U.S. Aerials
Head Coach
Tip 5
When learning a technical skill on the slopes and you're having
problems ask the person who's teaching it to you a lot of questions.
If they are a good coach, they'll have plenty of different ways
to explaining it. If they can't, ask for a refund!!
-- Matt Christensen, U.S. Aerials
Head Coach
Tip 6
As "The Head Aerial Coach" for The US Freestyle Ski
Team, I often find myself teaching athletes techniques I don't
believe in to do something that I do believe in. This is something
to consider when someone offers you a pointer.
-- Matt Christensen, U.S. Aerials
Head Coach
Tip 7
When you ski the moguls imagine that your eyes are headlights.
You want your headlights to illuminate the road well in advance
so that there are no surprises.
-- Liz McIntyre, U.S. Moguls Head
Coach
Tip 8
One of the fastest ways down the moguls is to ski the ruts. Imagine
if you poured water down a mogul run where it would flow. Try
to ski this path.
-- Liz McIntyre, U.S. Moguls Head
Coach
Tip 9
Good mogul skiers can turn anywhere on a mogul. Challenge yourself
to ski through moguls and turn on the tops, the ruts, and the
sides.
-- Liz McIntyre, U.S. Moguls Head
Coach
Tip 10
Pole plants are used for timing in the moguls. While it is easy
to rely on your poles when you get off balance try to use your
legs instead. Walk yourself down the hill using light, single
pole plants. Try to get your baskets to the “back” (downhill
side) of the mogul.
-- Liz McIntyre, U.S. Moguls Head
Coach
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