Skills Development Focus for the age group you coach- U16-  Stance & Balance . 

Each phase of the turn when broken down requires the athlete to be in balance. In the early phase, the stance is everything, yet it varies with events & the weight is evenly distributed & the body angle drives forward.  In the middle phase where the force is the greatest, the balance shifts over to the outside ski and the body drives further inward & the inside leg shortens yet remains parallel, this provides the necessary degree of needed edge angle, finally or the end phase the skis or feet return back underneath the body as the athlete heads into transition. The key movements we teach are: 1. Foot width, No excessive widening or narrowing, this should remain constant through ALL phases of the turn 2. Equal tipping of the skis, parallel into the turn and the same out, tracking cleanly 3. Always flexing in and out of the ankles. 4. Independence of the upper and lower body, 5. Creating Timing, Rhythm, and flow from turn to turn, this is accomplished by engaging all joints in order to utilize their equipment as designed & engineered, 6. Lastly, Engage the ski pole tip in order to maintain balance, pressure engagement, and release.

Patrick Purcell

Your sport-specific experience and certifications- 44 years coaching for: USST and Canadian National Teams, Dartmouth Ski Team, Burke Mt Academy, GMVS, Stratton Mt. School, Rowmark Ski Academy, Park City Ski Team, & 20 years at NYSEF. Certs Level 500 Ski Coach and Strength & Conditioning NSCA. Rock Climber Extraordinaire with over 500 first Ascents in the Adirondack Park.  Outdoor Wilderness Education, NCCC