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Saturday, January 1, 2011

Speed management

Many inexperienced racers check their speed either at the gate or just after they have passed by the gate.  The problem with this approach is that it can lead to tactical problems such as skidding and failure to set up correctly for the next turn.  Especially if the course is icy or has deteriorated from high traffic.  Another approach is to learn to check your speed before you reach the gate.  The video below shows and example of when you can apply the forces of gravity to act against your center of mass, in order to slow you down.  This takes some practise and will require some time outside the gates to perfect the skill. 
In the video the red arrows show the force of gravity acting against the Center of Mass, slowing the skier down and the green arrows the opposite.

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