Alpine Technical Manual Terms Flashcards
(265 cards)
1
Q
abduction
A
Movement of a limb away from the body’s midline.
2
Q
ability
A
A natural or acquired (learned) skill.
3
Q
absorption
A
Allowing the leg muscles to relax and the joints to flex in response to forces applied to the skis. Creates a momentary reduction in force.
4
Q
acceleration
A
The rate at which an object’s velocity changes over time, including both magnitude and direction.
5
Q
action plan
A
Basic recipe for teaching a specific topic.
6
Q
active
A
Working to cause movement or change OR movements generated to change the ski-to-snow interaction.
7
Q
adaptive
A
Programs or lessons tailored to the individual needs of people who require specialized equipment or teaching techniques. Serves skiers w/ cognitive, developmental or physical disabilities.
8
Q
adduction
A
Movement of a limb toward the body’s midline.
9
Q
advanced zone
A
A component of the skier zones used to categorize general ability level. Skiers in this zone range from those who can handle the easiest groomed black runs to experts who can apply a variety of turn shapes to control speed on any type of terrain on any type of terrain in any snow condition.
10
Q
aerobic exercise
A
Physical activity that uses oxygen to help meet energy demands. Opposite of anaerobic exercise. Low-to-moderate intensity of aerobic exercise allows it to be performed for a sustained period of time. Example: running, swimming, nordic skiing.
11
Q
affective
A
Refers to a component of the CAP model that deals w/ a person’s affective development. i.e. emotions, motivations, feelings.
12
Q
aft
A
Toward the tail of the skis. Opposite for fore.
13
Q
agility
A
The capability to move quickly and easily.
14
Q
air
A
General name for a maneuver performed off the ground while on skis or a snowboard OR to jump over or off of something.
15
Q
alignment
A
The positioning of the body so that forces derived from the interaction of the skis pass through the body’s center of mass to produce the intended movement. This is optimized when the skis and boots are selected and/or modified to enhance strength and predictability of movement. ALSO refers to process/act of adjusting boots to modify a person’s stance.
16
Q
alpine skiing
A
The term used to distinguish downhill skiing from its nordic counterparts. This type of skiing evolved from nordic skiing with the invention of ski lifts and fixed heel bindings.
17
Q
American Teaching System (ATS)
A
An evolving system of student-centered methods, models and philosophy of teaching snowsports as collected, developed and and disseminated by PSIA/AASI. ATS, which was originally known as the American Teaching Method, recognizes motor skills as the basic building blocks of movement progressions.
18
Q
anaerobic exercise
A
Exercise in which energy is released without the use of oxygen. Via a phosphate energy delivery system. Examples include skiing or riding in demanding conditions.
19
Q
anatomy
A
The science of body structure.
20
Q
angular momentum
A
The rotational analog of linear momentum; defined as the product of an object’s rotational inertia and its angular velocity around a particular axis. The direction a skier goes if the skis suddenly break loose is the result of angular momentum.
21
Q
angulation
A
Laterally tipping the body relative to the slope by creating angles between various body parts. It allows a skier to adjust edge angle and maintain balance toward the outside ski. Examples are hip angulation and knee angulation.
22
Q
anticipation
A
A psychological and/or physical preparation. In skiing, this refers to a movement in preparation for turning in which the upper body actively turns to face downhill or remains facing downhill as the skies continue to turn across the hill. Strong rotational input is transferred to the skis when the edges are released.
23
Q
apex
A
The highest point a skier can attain based on speed, line and trajectory, either in the pipe or off a jump; or the farthest point in a turn, approximately halfway through the arc, in which the which the skis point straight down the fall line. Also used to indicate peak forces in a turn.
24
Q
approach
A
The in-run and line to a feature; the movements and tactics a skier uses before reaching the takeoff zone of a feature. Not a good place to stand. Also indicates moving toward a feature. In ATML Model, approach is the first word in the acronym. Others are takeoff, maneuver and landing. These are the moves performed in a freestyle setting.
25
arc
The curved path of skis during a turn. Also the flight path off a jump. Ideally aligns the skis to land flat on the pitch side of the landing zone.
26
assess
To collect important cues and evaluate student characteristics such as emotional makeup, expectations, sensory and learning preferences, physical ability and snowsports experience. These clues indicate how the student may receive information and respond to learning.
27
assessment
The process of assessing student characteristics to determine how to structure individualized, effective lessons.
28
athletic stance
A body position in which the skier is in balance without excessive learning (laterally, fore or aft) and is aligned over the feet. Defined by the ability of the person to move in any direction at any time.
29
ATML
Freestyle teaching model. Approach, takeoff, maneuver and landing. Also a movement assessment tool in freestyle that uses the same name.
30
auditory learners
Students who process information verbally and cognitively. These students enjoy descriptions and talking about their experiences.
31
axis
A line around which something rotates; reference line for human movement.
32
backcountry
Areas outside area boundaries. See also off-piste and sidecountry
33
balance
A state of equilibrium that provides both a source for and an outcome of effective movement when the skier's center of mass and base of support are aligned to counteract the forces generated from the snow.
34
balancing
As referenced in PSIA's early Skills Concept, balancing was considered the underlying prerequisite for any action taken on skis.
35
balancing movements
Muscular actions to maintain equilibrium or the desired alignment on skis or a snowboard. These movements are usually divided into two categories: 1.) Actions that affect fore/aft balance; 2.) Actions that affect lateral balance.
36
ball-and-socket joint
A joint in which a knob-like part of the one bone fits into a socket of another, allowing rotation as well as flexion and extension. Examples: hip and shoulder.
37
banking
A form of inclination that describes a relatively straight body learning toward the inside of a turn.
38
base
The bottom surface of skis or snowboards.
39
base of support
The location of the skier's weight on the snow.
40
beginner/novice zone
Part of the "skier zones" used to categorize ability level. Never-evers to skiers able to control speed and turn shape on easy terrain.
41
bevel
The measurement, in degrees, of the amount of material removed from bases and/or edges to achieve certain edging characteristics.
42
biomechanics
The study of mechanical principles affecting movement of the living body.
43
blocking
Any movement that reduces or eliminates movement in a certain direction. Skiers typically limit rotation of the upper body by "blocking" with internal muscles or with an external device such as a ski pole in the snow.
44
blocking pole plant
An abrupt pole plant used to stop or control upper body rotation.
45
body performance
An element of movement analysis in which an instructor observes how a student's body movement influences performance.
46
bones
The lightweight yet strong structures forming the body's skeletal frame. Supports the body, protects vital organs and provides attachment points for muscles and connective tissues.
47
boot alignment
adjustments made to a skier's footbed, cuff and/or boot sole to improve body alignment.
48
bootboard or zeppa angle
The platform on which the foot rests in the boot. Higher in the back than in the front. Impacts fore/aft balance and hip position over the foot.
49
boot flex
The degree of resistance a boot provides to movements of the ankle and lower leg. Because ski boots are designed to transfer energy to and from the skis, they should support certain movements of the ankle/lower legs but resist others. Flex is determined by skier's weight, ability level and typical speed.
50
booting out
A skid or fall as a result of the boot or bindings dragging in the snow when the skis are tipped on edge.
51
boot shell
Outer casing of the boot without the liner. Represents the overall size and shape characteristics of the boot.
52
braking/braking
To slow down by interrupting the flow of a turn. Also the claw like device on a binding that stops a ski from sliding.
53
breaking wedge
Tactical means of speed control in which the skier increases the size of the wedge and the edge angle to reduce speed or stop.
54
break (at a specific body point)
To lose the mechanical advantage of proportional flexing by over flexing a joint or joint. To over flex a particular joint, usually the hips, in relation to other joints.
55
camber
The arched shape of an unweighted ski along its length when viewed from the side. Typically bow shaped.
56
camber profile
Four types of camber: traditional; rocker (reverse); hybrid (rocker/traditional); flat camber.
57
cant
A wedge-shaped item that can be placed under a boot or binding to align the boot side to side.
58
canting
The process of making lateral adjustments to skis, snowboard, binding or boots for optimal alignment or edging. Typically an exterior addition or subtraction to the gear. Cuff adjustments on ski boots are usually for lower leg adjustments, not canting.
59
cap
Design by which the top sheet and sidewall of a ski are formed from the same sheet of material.
60
cardinal planes
Imaginary boundaries dividing the body into anatomical sections, representing dynamic planes of motion. See also planes of motion.
61
carved turns
To make turns with minimal skidding by tipping the skis on edge and allowing the shape of the ski to create the turn with minimal lateral slipping or skidding. Create clean, long arcs in the show as the ENTIRE edge passes through the same point in the snow. A skidded turn, by contrast, uses more muscular rotary movements to cause the ski to turn.
62
cause-and-effect relationship
An element of movement analysis in which the instructor evaluates the cause or origin of the action and its effect or result.
63
center of mass (CM)
The point at which the entire mass of the body may be considered to be concentrated. If the body is viewed as made up of many small elements of mass, the average location of these elements is the CM. The CM location changes as the body position changes and may even be located outside the body.
64
centrifugal force
An outward pushing force felt by riders while moving in a circular motion (arc of a turn). However, there is no real outward force acting so centrifugal force is therefore known as a fictitious force.
65
centripetal force
A force on an object whose net direction is toward the center of a circle. In a turn, the lateral force of the snow pushes against the edge skis or snowboard, parallel to the snow surface and makes turning possible.
66
check for understanding
A component of the Teaching Cycle in which the instructor determines whether students understand a task, exercise or concept.
67
complex
The portion of an exercise line or progression in which skiers build upon the skills learned in stationary and simple exercises by practicing the movement at a non-threatening speed on comfortable terrain.
68
concentric tension
The muscle actively flexes and the fibers shorten (contract) to overcome opposing forces and move the joint.
69
connective tissue
The tissue that functions to support, connect or separate body tissues and organs. Includes tendons and ligaments.
70
coordination
The harmonious function of muscles to execute movements.
71
core
A frame of anatomical reference for the body minus legs and arms. Includes hips, shoulders and neck.
72
corrective feedback
External feedback an instructor delivers to suggest more efficient or effective movements for a specific outcome.
73
counter
To oppose or to go the opposite way. Typically refers to the relationship in which the lower body turns against or opposes the upper body or vice versa. Especially useful in bumps or short turns. One MOVES THROUGH or MANAGES counter.
74
counter-rotation
Twisting the upper and lower bodies in opposite directions at the same time.
75
cuff adjustment
A means of making a book more closely match lower leg shape by changing the lateral alignment of the cuff.
76
decamber
Camber is the natural arch in skies or boards. To decamber means to bend it enough to remove the camber. Happens when flexing the skin in a turn.
77
deceleration
Slowing down.
78
demonstrate
To perform a task or exercise highlighting a particular movement.
79
desired outcomes
The goals of a lesson or task within a lesson which are largely based on what the student wants to achieve but can also represent an effect of a particular lesson strategy to achieve those goals.
80
direction
An element of movement analysis in which the instructor not only observes the duration, intensity, rate and timing of body movements but also the direction of the movement or action of the skis.
81
DIRT
Acronym for the elements of movement analysis: duration, intensity, rate and timing of body movements.
82
dorsiflexion
Ankle flexion of the foot upward toward the shin.
83
down unweighting
A quick flexion of the legs that produces a momentary reduction of pressure as the skiers CM falls.
84
drill
A task or exercise used to enforce a desired performance or retain knowledge or to practice or repeat an exercise.
85
duration
The length of time movement occurs (observed as one part of DIRT/MA)
86
dynamic balance
Balance in motion
87
dynamic turn
A parallel turn with more carving than skidding. Energy stored in the ski during one turn is released to aid the state of the next turn. In contrast, a non-dynamic turn relies on more muscular rotary movements to cause the ski to turn.
88
eccentric tension
When the muscle lengthens as a result of exerting less tension or force than the outside force it is working against.
89
edge
A strip of metal inserted between the base and the core on the side of a ski; the edge can be sharpened, allowing the skier to slice through hard snow and ice.
90
edge control
Tipping the skis relative to the length or longitudinal axis of the skis. Skiers use this skill to increase or decrease and angle of the ski to the snow. Edge control is one of the skills in the PSIA Skills Concept.
91
edging
One of the three basic skills, as defined by an early version of the Skills Concept (1977) aka edge control.
92
edging movements
Movements that increase or decrease edge angle. Edging movements are one of the skills in the early PSIA Skills Concept.
93
effective edge angle
Length of the edge, in cm, that's in contact with the snow.
94
Effective posture
The body position from which a skier has the greatest amount of movement options.
95
Efficiency
Expenditure of of the minimum amount of energy required to accomplish a given task. The expenditure of the maximum amount of energy to get the max performance from the equipment.
96
Equilibrium
A state of balance between opposing forces.
97
Evaluation phase
The phrase in the movement analysis model involving the ability to assess observations and distill complex technical information into simplified, accurate conclusions.
98
Eversion
Movement of the body inward. Foot movement that occurs when a skier tips the outside ski onto an its inside edge. Typically associated with foot pronation.
99
Exercise line
A means of teaching in which the instructor delivers new information progressively; starting with stationary exercises and simple actions and increasing in complexity as the exercise proceeds. Also known as a progression.
100
Exercises
Situations as tasks instructors create to break down and isolate certain movements and skills for development. Exercises are often combined into a progression or exercise line.
101
Extend
To make longer; to stretch to open.
102
Extension
Any movement that increases the angle of a joint. A times, a skier extends the knee, hip and angle joins simultaneously.
103
extensors
Muscles that enable extension at a joint. For example, the hip muscles act to extend the thigh away from the abdomen; the trunk muscles cause the spine to arch backwards.
104
Extrinsic feedback
External feedback. Reward given to student for good performance. Undermines intrinsic motivation.
105
Fall line
Imaginary line that follows the steepest part of descent; the path along which a ball would roll if released down the slope.
106
Falling leaf
An exercise in which the skier alternately carves or skids forward and backward on the same set of edges to move down the hill in an imaginary corridor. Named b/c it resembles the path of a falling leaf.
107
Fan progression
An exercise line in which the skier performs a movement or skill in progressive steps, which each step being slightly more challenging than the previous one, specifically one in which the skiers starts with a shallow traverse and builds to steeper arcs in the fall line.
108
Feature
Any manmade element a skiers can ride or jib on including rails, boxes, jumps, spines, halfpipe, quarterpipes, tables, etc.
109
Feedback
Information instructors give students about their performance; helps clarify if and/or what action is needed to achieve a desired result. Information instructors receive from students from listening and watching.
110
Flexors
The muscles that cause flexion at a joint.
111
float
A sensation of lightness derived from riding in powder or through the air.
112
footbeds
Inserts in ski boots designed to support the foot an/or provide neutral stance.
113
force
A push or pull that acts on a body and changes its position or speed. The forces most relevant to skiing gravity, friction and centripetal force.
114
fore
Toward the tip of the skis.
115
forward lean
Measured in degrees, the deign of a boot that establishes a certain amount of ankle dorsiflextion and limits plantar flexion. Sometimes adjustable.
116
freeride
Riding the entire mountain: backcountry, trees, steeps, powder, etc.
117
Freestyle
A style of skiing that encompasses jumping, rails/boxes, etc.
118
Friction
Resistance to an object sliding across the surface. A ski sliding on ice experiences less friction than a ski sliding through wet snow.
119
Frontal plane
An anatomical plane that divides the body into front and back halves. Lateral movements occur in this plane.
120
Fundamental movements
An umbrella term for how skiers move. These movements includes flexion/extension and rotation and specific references such as eversion/inversion, dorsiflextion/plantarflextion and adduction/abduction.
121
garlands
A series of linked half turns in which the skier turns down the fall line and then turns back across the hill in the original direction.
122
giant slalom
Considered a technical discipline in ski racing. Gates farther apart than in slalom. Turns medium to long radius.
123
gliding joint
A joint in which the bones slide/glide along a smooth surface with a limited range of motion. aka plane or arthroidal joint. Wrists, ankles, some parts of the vertebra.
124
goal
A purpose, aspiration, intent, outcome or end.
125
grab
To grab and HOLD the skis or board in an arial maneuver.
126
gravity
Force acting perpendicular to the earth's surface. A primary motive force in snowsports.
127
guiding
see steering
128
hinge joint
A joint in which the convex part of one bone fits into the concave part of another, allowing motion in only one plane. Knees and fingers are examples.
129
hit
Another word for a park feature; to ride a park features
130
hockey stop
A maneuver in which the skier abruptly turns the skis sideways to the direction of travel and sets the edges, causing the skis to skid rapidly to a stop.
131
hop
To move by leaping or springing from both feet at once.
132
horizontal plane
Anatomical plane that separates the body into upper and lower portions. Also called the transverse plane. Rotational movements happen along this plane.
133
inclination
Any kind of tipping of a body part in relation to the slope. General term for any lateral movement by a skier toward the inside of the turn. A skier can tip different parts of the body to a different degree (angulation) or incline the entire body into the slope (banking.)
134
inertia
The tendency of an object to stay in motion once it's in motion (or remain inert for lack of motion) until it's acted upon by an outside force.
135
initiation phase
Beginning (roughly top third) of a turn.
136
innervation
The process by which a brain signal stimulates a muscle for action.
137
inside ski
Considering the turn as part of a circle, the ski closest to the inside of the circle is the inside ski.
138
instructor behavior
The portion of the Teaching Model in which the instructor learns about the student and establishes an open, trusting learning environment.
139
intensity
The amount of power or effort given to a movement. Quantifiable part of movement assessment as observed by the instructor.
140
intermediate zone
Skiers in this zone can perform consistent parallel turns on beginner and easy intermediate terrain. Component of the "skier zones."
141
intrinsic motivation
Learning for the joy of learning not the promise of reward. Internal motivation.
142
inversion
Movement of a body part outward. The action of the foot rolling outward as in when a skier tips the inside ski on to its outside edge. Typically associated with foot supination.
143
isometric tension
Muscle tension with no change in the length of the muscle.
144
jib
Term for the playful way skiers jump on/off objects. Also refers to objects skiers may jump on/off.
145
joint
A point where two or more bones are joined by ligaments and move relative to each other.
146
jump turns
Turns in which most of the rotation is accomplished in the air.
147
kicker
Pile of snow formed to help the skier get into the air.
148
kinesthetic learner
A person who processes information through feelings and sensations. Also known as proprioceptive learning.
149
lateral
Directed or proceeding toward the side, away from the midline of an object. A person who is standing and steps sideways is moving lateral.
150
learning environment
Conditions affecting the ability to learn
151
Learning Partnership
Part of the Teaching Model, this is the rapport and instructor forms with the student. Essential to the success of this relationship is the instructor's understanding of the student's needs and expectations and the student's willingness to actively participate in learning.
152
leg rotation
Movement of the lower body to make the skis turn. This includes elements of rotation from the femur in the hip socket and lower leg (below the knee) rotation.
153
lesson plan
Must include goals, objectives and activities.
154
ligament
A band of thick, strong fibrous tissue that connects bones and strengthens joints.
155
line of action
The line along which a force acts. When a skier makes a turn, the line of action passes from the inside edge of the outside ski through the CM.
156
mass
The property of an object that causes it to have weight in a gravitational field. The amount of material that an object contains. Mass is commonly but wrongly used as a synonym for weight.
157
mechanics
The essential actions of the skis and basic body movements present in all skiing, regardless of terrain, snow conditions, pitch of the slope and speed of descent.
158
medial
Pertaining to the middle. Nearer the middle of the body as opposed to lateral.
159
model
An analogy in which concepts are related to a familiar device or system to facilitate understandings.
160
momentum
Inertia in motion; defined as an object's mass multiplied by its velocity. Speeding up, slowing down and turning are all changes in momentum. An external force must be involved in changes in momentum.
161
movement analysis (MA)
The process of observing a movement, evaluating the relevance and effect of that movement on other movements and the action of the skis and prescribing changes for enhanced efficiency, effectiveness and performance.
162
muscle
Tissue composed of cells that can shorted and lengthen to stabilize joints.
163
neutral
Posture in which the alignment of the body is centered.
164
Newton's Laws of Motion
Fundamental laws of physics that describe the relationship between the forces that act on a body and the motion that results.
Newton's First Law: An object remains at rest or continues to move in a straight line if there are no unbalanced forces working upon it.
Newton's Second Law: When the forces acting on a body are not balanced, the net forces cause the body to accelerate.
Newton's Third Law: Every force has an equal and opposite reaction force.
165
objective
Without prejudice or bias; or a goal (stepping stone to a goal.)
166
observation phase
The phase in movement analysis in which the instructor identifies body movements and the actions of the skis on the snow.
167
outcome
The performance capability achieved by the end of a teaching/learning segment. The actual lesson outcome may be different from the original objective and may be different for each student.
168
Outside ski
Ski farthest from the center of the turn if the turn is part of a circle.
169
pace
The intensity of a practice period, its duration and frequency of repeating practice. The speed of something. Or to orchestrate the activities that make up a lesson in order to maintain interest while avoiding premature fatigue.
170
parallel turn
A turn made on corresponding ski edges with simultaneous edge release and engagement. Skis remain parallel throughout the turn as opposed to converging or diverging.
171
passive
Allowed to happen in order to maintain ski-snow interaction.
172
physics
The study of matter, energy, motion and force.
173
pivoting
To rotate or the act of rotating a ski around an axis perpendicular to the surface of the snow.
174
pivot slip
The descending skier quickly pivots the skis to turn sideways while continuing to travel in the same direction as before.
175
pivot point
The point around which skis pivot. Generally the center.
176
planes of motion
Terms of reference that help describe the way the direction of body movements. The three planes are sagittal, frontal and horizontal. See also cardinal planes.
177
plantar flexion
Ankle extension of the foot downward and away from the shin.
178
pole plant
In relation to a pole touch, a pole plant is harder, more deliberate snow contact used to stabilize the upper body, manage momentum and control rotation.
179
pole swing
The active movement of a ski pole to promote the timing and rhythm of turns. It helps direct the upper body into the next turn.
180
pole touch
The light touch of a pole tip into the snow which, like pole swing, promotes the proper timing and rhythm of turns.
181
posture
The way a skier stands. May be effective or ineffective.
182
practice
Repetition of movement patterns or other activities designed to develop and refine a skill. Student focus and instructor guidance/feedback are important parts of effective practice.
183
prescription phase
The phase in movement analysis in which the student goals garnered from the observation and evaluation phases are used to lead the student to a more advanced level.
184
pressure
The amount of force distributed over a certain area.
185
pressure control
Managing forces acting on the skis. Skiers manage the distribution of pressure over the length of their skis, transfer pressure from one ski to another, and adjust the overall magnitude of the forces acting on the skis.
186
pressure control movements
The movements required to manage the forces acting upon the skis both along their length and from side to side. Movements that create, maintain or reduce the pressure of the skis on the snow. Achieved through leverage, extension, flexion, transfer of pressure from ski to ski, and adjusting edge angle, muscle tension and changing velocity, direction, turn shape and turn size.
187
progression
A sequence of acts, movements or events that increase in difficulty and are designed to meet a goal. See also exercise line.
188
pronation
Movement that consists of dorsiflexion and eversion/abduction of the foot.
189
railroad track turns
Turns in which the skier slightly tips both skis to make two clean and parallel lines in the snow.
190
ramp
A natural or manmade jump.
191
range of motion
The distance a joint can articulate along its planes of motion.
192
rate
The speed at which a movement occurs. Observed as a quantifiable element of movement analysis.
193
rebound
The recoil of a de-cambered ski. When the skier bends the skis through the turn, then releases the pressure and forces, the skis rebound, creating a snappy linkage from turn to turn.
194
reinforcement
The process of rewarding students for proper performance. Praising students increases motivation.
195
retraction
Pulling the legs up under the body or allowing the terrain to push the legs up under the body (passive retraction) which momentarily reduces pressure.
196
reverse camber
Term used to describe a ski bowed or bent at the mid section such as during a turn.
197
rocker
The shape or design of a ski with reverse camber throughout its design.
198
rotation
Circular movement around an axis.
199
rotational balance
The rotational movement of a body around an axis to maintain equilibrium.
200
rotational control
Turning the skis around the vertical axis of the body. Used to change the direction the skis point.
201
rotational movements
Movements that increase, decrease or limit rotation of the skis.
202
sagittal plane
An anatomical plane that divides the into right and left halves. Fore and aft movements occur along this plane.
203
shaping phase
The middle third of a turn, from just before the fall to after the fall line.
204
sidecut
The hourglass shape of a ski when viewed from above, typically wider at the tip and tail and narrower at the waist. This characteristic helps a ski turn when the edge is tilted and pressed into the snow.
205
sidecut radius
If an imaginary line matching the curvature of the ski continued around form a full circle, this would be the radius of the circle. Sidecut radius influences the ideal type of turn the ski is designed to make.
206
sideslip
A maneuver in which the skier travels in a direction sideways to the length of the ski. Slipping can occur straight down the hill or diagonally down the hill forward or backward.
207
sidestep
A movement in which the skier climbs up or down a slope by standing perpendicular to the fall line and taking small steps with each ski, keeping the skis parallel.
208
simple
The portion of the exercise line/progression in which the skier sets into motion the movements and sensations initially introduced in a stationary exercise.
209
skate
To move forward on diverging skis by alternately engaging the edges and flexing/extending the legs. Poles sometimes, too.
210
skidded turn
A turn in which the edge slips laterally as it travels forward or a turn that is not carved.
211
skidding
Movement of the skis in a curved path characterized by simultaneous sliding (forward movement) and slipping (sideways movement) of the skis.
212
ski flex
How a ski bends along its length to form an arc.
213
skier zones
A means of classifying general ability levels based on appropriate terrain and skier proficiency. While there is no universal system for categorizing skiers, the American Teaching System refers to beginner/novice, intermediate, and advanced skier zones.
214
skill
A learned movement resulting in proficient movement that is controlled, coordinated and efficient.
215
Skills Concept
The technical model of American ski instruction. It is based on the knowledge that three skills - rotational control, edge control and pressure control - are integral to all turns and essential for maintain balance.
216
ski performance
An element of movement analysis in which the instructor observes the action of the skis in relation to the student desired outcomes and body movements.
217
slalom
Considered a technical discipline in ski racing, the course is set with gates close together, dictating short radius turns.
218
sliding
The movement of skis across the snow in in the direction of the long axis of the skis.
219
slipping
The movement of skis across the snow in a direction perpendicular to the long axis of the ski.
220
slow versus fast
An element of movement analysis in which the instructor may ask students to ski slowly during a particular task to aid observation of the skier's body movements and resulting ski actions.
221
smear
A turn with a low edge angle and pronounced lower body steering.
222
spine
The series of small bones, called vertebrae, along a person's dorsal side, which support much of the body's structure, is flexible to allow movement, and protects the spinal cord. Also a park feature.
223
stance
How a skier stands on skies. One of the basic indicators of performance at all levels of skiing, stance affects the application and blending of skills. The "stacking" of body segments is often best observed from the side.
224
stationary
The portion of an exercise line/progression in which the instructor introduces a goal or sensation at its most basic level while the skier is standing still with or without skis.
225
steering
Using muscular movements to turn edged skis. Steering allows skiers to actively direct the path of the skis while responding to terrain and snow conditions.
226
step turn
A turn in which the skier uses the downhill ski as a platform and steps the uphill ski into a parallel or converging position.
227
straight run
The act of sliding in the fall line.
228
student-centered teaching
A teaching style that addresses the student's needs, desires, expectations and preferred learning styles, and reactions to the learning process.
229
Student Makeup (profile)
Part of the Teaching Model, this term represents the non-technical factors each student brings to the learning environment, including personal characteristics and background, motivation, emotional states, beliefs and values, and physical health.
230
super-G
Considered a speed event in ski racing, the course is set more open than for giant slalom and speeds are much greater.
231
supination
Movement that consists of plantar flexion of the ankle, and inversion and adduction of the foot.
232
tactics
The strategic choices a skier makes to achieve a goal. Decisions based on intent, knowledge, and level of performance within the context of the skiing environment.
233
tail
The back of a ski.
234
tail shape
A component of ski design that influences how skis finish a turn. Flat, upturned and twin tip.
235
taper
The amount that the tail of a ski is narrower than the tip.
236
tapered sidecut
A progressively tighter curve as the sidecut nears the tail of a ski.
237
task
An assigned activity that focuses on specific instructors, goals, movements or skills.
238
Teaching Cycle
The portion of the Teaching Model in which the instructor learns about the student and establishes an open, trusting learning environment. Also known as Instructor Behavior.
239
Teaching Model
The model of the American Teaching System that consists of Student Makeup and Instructor Behavior, which together form the Learning Partnership.
240
technique
How skiers move or the methods skiers use to apply the mechanics of skiing. Different techniques provide movement options for how skiers affect or react to the action of the skis on the snow.
241
tendon
Tissue that joins a muscle to the bone, upon which the muscle acts and creates movement of joints.
242
terrain park
An area with a concentration of manmade terrain features.
243
timing
When a movement occurs. Part of what the instructor observes as a quantifiable part of movement analysis.
244
tip shape
A component of ski design which influences how the skis perform in the snow. Three kinds: performance, all mountain and powder.
245
torsion
The amount of effort it takes to twist the ski along its length.
246
transition
A process of linking turns that begins during the finish phase of a turn and continues into the initiation phase. It begins as the skiers decreases edge angles in preparation for an upcoming turn and ends as new edges are engaged.
247
traverse
To move across a slope while balancing on both uphill edges.
248
turn
A curved path of descent or change in the direction of travel. Also the rotational action of the skis relative to the surface of the snow as a result of muscular effort to change the direction the skis point.
249
turning
One of the three basic ski skills as defined by an early version of the Skills Concept. Known known as rotational control.
250
turn radius
The size of a turn. The sidecut of a ski can influence radius.
251
turn shape
The shape skis leave in the snow during a turn. Variety of shapes such as C, S, J or Z.
252
up unweighting
A quick extension of the legs that produces a momentary reduction in pressure when the skier's center of mass slows or reaches the top of its movement.
253
unweight
To reduce pressure on part of all of a ski or both skis.
254
upper body rotation
The movement in which the upper body turns first, followed by the legs turning in the same direction.
255
vantage point
The location from which an instructor views a skier.
256
vector
A quantity with both magnitude and direction.
257
velocity
A vector measurement of motion describing the rate of change of an object's position, including both speed and direction.
258
visual learners
Students who receive and store information best through visual input such as pictures, mages and demonstrations.
259
waist
The narrowest part of the ski, located under the foot.
260
waist width
The width of the ski as it narrowest point underfoot, which influences edging characteristics and optimum turn radius.
261
wedge
A position in which the skis converse so the tips are closer together than the tails and the are on opposing edges.
262
wedge christie
A basic turn in which the skier starts in a wedge and, during the shaping phase of the turn, actively steers the inside ski to bring the skis to a parallel position.
263
whole
The portion of an exercise line/progression in which the skier applies to free skiing the skills learned and practiced in the stationary, simple and complex phases of the progression.
264
whole versus part
An element of movement analysis in which the instructor choose to observe the skier's whole body or focuses on the movements of specific body parts or isolated ski actions.
265
zeppa angle
See boot board angle.
