WEDGE, WEDGE (to stop), WEDGE (change ups)
A wedge should be taught first on flat ground, as when students are moving it is difficult to focus on something. After students are able to get into and out of a wedge on flat ground, have them stop themselves while moving. A small slope is the best, but as they move onto steeper and steeper slopes, larger and larger wedges are required. Be careful that the slope is too shallow. Once students can completely stop themselves they should understand the basic movements of getting into a wedge. The next step is to have them control the size of their wedge to control the speed. Have them glide down the hill at a slower speed than a straight run. Common problems with wedging are crossed tips, not a wide enough stance, edges not engaged, knees too close together, weight too far back. All of these things should be assessed while students practice. Careful contestation should be made about a skier’s physical ability to make a pizza. While younger students will have the flexibility, not everyone will be comfortable with the angle and rotations that the legs must reach.
Example Wedge (to Stop) lesson
Assessment:
- Should be able to perform static wedges on flat (butter spreading drill)
- Should be comfortable doing a straight run to a flat run out
Goals:
- Gain comfort sliding into a wedge position
- Get practice moving from parallel to wedge
- Know how to emergency stop with a wedge
Information:
- Before starting on the slope have the student practice making a wedge on flat ground
- Use a slope with a flat run out so the students will stop at the bottom. Can be slightly steeper than the straight run slope as the wedge will slow them down.
- Make sure student starts in a wedge. To get moving in this position they will have to be pressing the front of their boots really hard. If they aren’t moving, you might have to give them a small push to get going.
- Have students move between wedge and parallel down the slope
Practice:
- Have the students try it but make it FUN!
- Zombie game, hold a snowball, High five, restaurant game
Understanding:
- Continue to look for students in the backseat
- Students may have issues making their skis into a wedge or get a railed ski where one ski gets stuck on its edge and makes a clearly defined line in the snow
- Student may have issues keeping tips from crossing and keeping knees the proper distance apart
Feedback:
- For crossing tips tell your student they have to keep a baseball between the tips of their skis or a balloon between their knees
- For backseat kids practice “I Love You Turns,” Zombie, Throw a snowball
- For difficulty making a wedge practice it on static ground (spread the butter/windshield wipers)
- A railed ski could come from being backseat or uneven pressure. For uneven pressure have them jump to reset.
- Make sure to have them make a strong enough wedge that they can stop but make it clear this is for emergencies only and that once they learn how to turn that is the way they should slow down/stop
— Techno Jargon: Wedges are relatively simple and are a key part of learning how to ski. It helps them stay forward and feel forward pressure as well as side to side pressure.