Message #9538

[Ron]

Todd, I don't think you need to do any dry land drills to build strength. It's a very easy controlled method and you really don't ever (intentionally) put all your weight on the uphill foot, It's a method that uses both feet and depending on turn shape and terrain you modify that degree of weight/effort/angle. First start out using pure drifting then slowly work in the uphill edge to initiate the turn. You can work up to turning pretty much like the two footed release drill.  It didn't take long to make extremely slow, controlled turns with both skis parallel; almost effortlessly. Turns should be very smooth and almost totally brushed (using HH terms) In JC terms they are drifted turns using the uphill ski to modifty the radius and speed. The uphill edge really gets engaged after the skis go flat first in the intended direction. One thing I can't stress enough with Clendenin is the importance of a proper pole plant, it is critical!!!!  Make sure you study that part. I am recalling this from memory but I think he has drills in the book and on the web.