Drill
Single Turn with Sideslip Pause
HOW TO DO IT
Single Turn with Sideslip Pause
A sideslip pause separates complete turns so the rider can restore speed and organisation. Gradually shortening the pause develops linking; sideslipping is an intentional part of the exercise.
Preparation and setting
Separate heel/toe turns and controlled sideslips.
Execution / practice sequence
- Complete one turn.
- Establish a controlled sideslip on its finish edge.
- Pause the turning sequence while regulating descent.
- Organise the next release.
- Complete the opposite turn.
- Repeat or stop.
How to learn / practise
Begin on familiar easier terrain. Shorten only the pause once each component remains controlled; do not change slope and pause duration together.
Errors and corrections
Rushing the next turn before support returns: restore the pause. Calling every pause a failure discourages the planned task.
Observable checks
Each turn and pause are intentional, with reliable preparation for the following turn.
HOW TO DO IT
Single Turn with a Sideslip Pause
This task separates turns with a controlled sideslip. The pause is a pause in linking, not necessarily a complete stop. It gives the rider time to regulate descent, restore stance and choose the next release. Calling the pause a failure defeats the purpose of the exercise. During the sideslip the board is substantially across the fall line, and edge angle regulates downhill sliding. To begin the next turn, the rider must manage both heading and support; simply swapping edges while the board continues sliding sideways can catch the downhill edge. The leading end is guided toward the fall line as the old edge releases, then the new edge is established in relation to the developing travel direction.
Preparation and setting
Required: heel and toe sideslips, intentional stops on both edges and separate turns on easier terrain. Practice the full sequence on a familiar pitch first. A steep hard surface where a sideslip cannot be stopped is unsuitable. Keep the lane wide enough for the entire single turn.
Execution and learning sequence
- Establish a controlled heel-side sideslip and reduce descent to a manageable rate.
- Look into the next turning space and restore a mobile stance.
- Guide the leading end downhill while progressively releasing the heel edge. Avoid abruptly tipping onto the toe edge across an unchanged sideways slide.
- Continue steering through the turn and establish toe-side support as the board redirects.
- Finish across the slope and regulate a toe-side sideslip. Take time to organise before reversing the sequence.
- Make the heel-side turn, then stop or repeat according to the plan.
Progression and transfer
Shorten the sideslip interval only when both turns remain reliable. Keep terrain and entry demand unchanged while doing so. The eventual link should emerge from earlier preparation, not from rushing the release. If one side deteriorates, restore its pause and return to separate turns.
Mastery and links
link through progressively shorter pauses without losing independent stopping control. Continue to AMTA-10 or 12.
Diagnostic hypotheses and rechecks
Possible causes are hypotheses to test, not diagnoses inferred from one attempt.
| Observation | Possible cause | Diagnostic exercise | Correction | Recheck |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Edge catches before turn develops | New edge set across sideways travel | AD11 on easier terrain | Guide heading and release before committing new support | Turn begins without abrupt catch |
| Sideslip accelerates uncontrollably | Insufficient edge regulation or unsuitable snow | Test sideslip alone | Restore control or change terrain | Descent can be reduced and stopped |
| Next turn starts while rider still disorganised | Pause removed too soon | Restore settle phase | Prepare stance and route before release | Both single turns finish deliberately |
Existing target
AM25-11
Methodology notes
M05, M03
Environmental boundary
Managed terrain only; preserve the stated exit and fallback.
Editorial status
detailed_text_draft; coaching review pending.
01
teaching summary — coaching review required
SnowProfessor (S5) alternates heel-side and toe-side turns with controlled sideslip pauses. Editorial progression: verify each component on familiar terrain first; shorten the pauses only when direction and speed control are reliable. No fixed repetition count is established.
02
editorial review notes
Controlled sideslips are a legitimate task choice (S3, S5); riders are not shamed for using them.
CONNECTED KNOWLEDGE