Cross-country skiing has existed for several centuries, and their technique is constantly evolving in different categories. The most common is classic skating, in which the legs move parallel to each other. However, the most intense and fastest way to ski is skating.
The specifics of this technique
If you want to understand how to learn how to ski with skates, keep in mind the idea that you need to literally push yourself forward by pressing one leg outward diagonally. Then do the same with the other ski. This method mimics the movement of ice skating. The heel is free of attachment, which allows you to move the ski forward.
In the picture you see two athletes using two different styles. On the left is the classic course on the paved track, on the right is the ridge on the processed track.
The importance of choosing the right equipment
In order to understand how to learn how to ski, you should solve one important technical question. First you need to purchase the right equipment. Skating skis are generally shorter than classic skis and are characterized by the absence of specific grooves on the back. The corrugation is designed to keep the athlete from sliding backwards, as well as at the moment of transferring the body’s weight, but skating for skating simply will not function correctly with rifling. However, as with the application of any sticky wax. Such skis are applied with sliding wax on the entire surface in such a way that they glide much faster than classics. In addition, their length depends on the weight of the athlete.
Skating is extremely intense physical activity. All muscle groups of the body are involved. Skating requires the ability to balance on one leg, therefore, it is easier for those who have good sports training or experience skiing.
But what to do for those who persistently missed winter physical education classes at school and did not learn to determine the difference between the classical and the skating course?
To study! Cast aside all doubts!
So how do you learn to skate skiing? Is it possible to do this without a professional trainer, say, at home?
Answer: definitely yes!
It is only necessary to work out three points:
1. Allocate time to classes.
It is enough to devote New Year's holidays to this to understand how to learn how to ski skating in a week.
If we consider ordinary everyday life, it is advisable to allocate twice a week, for example, in the evening after work. There is a plus for those who are somewhat embarrassed to train in front of other skiers. Although it is better to immediately cast aside all doubts and concentrate only on your sporting achievements. It is also logical to give training two days off.
2. Provide yourself with the right skis that meet the requirements of skating.
Their characteristics have been described above. How to learn to skate skiing? To achieve such a goal, it is not necessary to go to the store and immediately buy expensive equipment. You can use the rental services. Or purchase used equipment. When you master the technique, feel the taste for the ridge ride, and also understand your preferences, then it makes sense to go for brand new shiny skis.
Make sure that the track you are going to practice is well prepared. This means that it is cleared of snow. If the track is in poor condition, you can achieve results for a very long time, which means motivation will suffer. It is logical to train where athletes do it. At the same time, looking at them, you can draw a couple of ideas on how to learn how to ski quickly.
3. Follow the instructions below.
This article does not claim to be a scientific presentation of the technique of skating. It offers simple and usable instructions in terms your friend would use.
Human instruction for beginner skiers
Many ask how to learn. Skating is easy. Before proceeding to the description, it should be noted that during training it is better to leave the ski poles aside. At first, it is very important to find the balance of the body with an unusual movement for the body. And the sticks here will only interfere.
Leaving your hands free, relax your shoulders and you will feel that they themselves begin to move so as to help you roll forward. In a word, trust the body.
Then you need to choose a flat area for training. You do not need a 5-km track, pick up a plane cleared of snow about half the standard school stadium. It is here that you will practice the following movements.
A simple diagram explaining the mechanical aspect of ice skating
The photo above shows that both legs simultaneously perform different functions. This is the main focus. While one foot is repelled from the surface (as a rule, the inner part of the foot is more actively involved in this process), the second takes advantage of the moment and glides through the snow. All our weight, diligently accumulated at the desktop, we resolutely transfer to the limb that glides. Note that these movements are not performed in parallel, but diagonally!
Suppose you moved your body weight to the left, pushed off with your right foot and slide on the left. Try to slide as long as possible. For what? In order to have time to rest before the next push with the left foot. Perform exercises slowly and smoothly at first. When you learn well, then proceed to work on the development of speed. So, they pushed off with their left ski, moving their weight to the right, and we glided right. Thus, we alternate tremors, then left, then right foot. Reminds me of ice skating, doesn't it?
Please note that the leg on which we glide is slightly bent at the knee. Imagine this is the spring on which your weight is placed.
Practice at home!
If problems arise with maintaining balance, then in order to better understand how to learn to skate skiing, you can practice alternating standing on one leg at home. 12 seconds each with a change, only 4 sets.
In addition, it will not be amiss to watch the competitions of professional athletes, for example, in biathlon races, even on TV. It is much easier to absorb visual information about how it should look, and then understand what exactly is required of you.
The main thing is to believe in yourself and give your body time to master new movements, and then everything will work out. And next year, you yourself will explain to your friends how to learn how to ski in the ice skating.
Good luck