As a newbie in the ski world, I've started watching a bunch of explanatory ski videos in order to improve my skills. I am truly happy that I stumbled upon your channel. I devoured all your videos, even if some of them are not meant for my level :)) I absolutely love your teaching style, your voice is so comfortable and warm. Yesterday I managed to improve my parallel turns, even if there were some ice portions. All this steps ahead because of you, so thank you very much. Can't wait for your next videos, Deb. Big hug from my side. Ani from Romania.
Amazing! When you mention dancing and not looking at feet Bridget's whole posture changes and the movement becomes fluid. It is so important that we find the right description to connect with the student.
Thanks Deb. I was just teaching this to my class today! So I will forward this video to them for a reminder and a better explanation of the benefits of this drill.
So awesome! Great teacher/student interaction, simple explanation, clear feedback and awesome demo and you can see Bridget's progression! I tore my ACL/MCL 1/8/2017 doing the splits accidentally teaching a student on the 1st day of ski lessons. I had surgery to repair and waited until the 2019/2020 season to start skiing again on new skis and bindings that I gave myself for a 60th birthday. present. I have been using the whirlybird drill everyday on snow since then.
Deb Excellent video. As an PSIA instructor I use these exercises with all of my students. The pressure changes from the ski to ski/ fore and aft/ leads to improved skier abilities. In addition I use the exercises with skier’s as a safe skiing maneuver’s in case of emergency direction changes.
Bridget- your whirly birds are looking great!! Still working on these and love how fun they have become!! Still working on smoothing out and preventing divergence of skis. Patience and pressure… will keep working on it - skiing stronger and stronger every moment!!
Thanks Deb for another great drill to help develop and improve a feel for the ski. This one is a little more challenging than garlands and falling leafs. Please keep the drill videos coming. Being a Tennis Coach I tell my players, “you got to do the drills to build the skills “. I will add this one to my practice routine on the slopes 👍⛷⛷🙏🙏
As a hockey player turned skiing addict, I was out practicing my whirly birds today, I am trying to implement that patience you talked about😂 skating is more of direct feedback where as when your in skis there's a slight delay. I'm going to keep practicing them😬- also I agree that skiing a narrower ski is more beneficial for skill progression I skied my Elan insomnia's for the first time in a while, I had been using my DPS uschi 94 skis for skinning and skiing lately and I can safely say that I prefer my elan's for fast icy days like today... It was almost if I became a bad skier after skiing my DPS skis 😲 after a run or 2 I was back into narrow waist world😬 the right tool for the job is critical.
Finally, confirmation this channel is a long con to support one of Deb's friends who's pioneered a new, inexpensive collar bone and ulna setting procedure. edit: What are those goggles? Reflection is a crystal.
in a rotational system like this , the ski edges are the bearings, and the skier is the axle. proper edging creates a low friction bearing that allows easy rotation, proper body position, more upright/extended minimizes the rotational moment of enertia
Thanks for the next exercise! My ski buddy and I can do these, but only on much flatter terrain, and not nearly as well. We can do Falling Leaf on medium-steep well-groomed, so as you say this is a natural progression from that. (Greetings from western PA, where we got Autumn for December.)
When you talk about being patient and allowing time to slide backwards it really resonates. When I do these and notice that I'm stemming a bit or have that 1-2 sequential thing going or the skis aren't working in unison, it tells me that I'm not being patient enough and am trying to rush the return back to skiing forward.
Do you mean demo exaggerated movements? Not sure I will demo doing another whirlybird video. The fore/aft and foot to foot is almost invisible, so muchnoccuring down in the ankle for me as I am already more or less in balance. The foot to foot and fore/aft and small adjustments. This is why I speak to this so much, because it is often difficult to see. I call it my super power😉 for someone less skilled and with fore/aft issues their movements would be much larger, gross movements, or exaggerated movements. Less efficient, taking longer to execute. Anyway, just some thoughts.
Thanks for the video, Deb. Can you elaborate a little on the timing of the shortening and lengthening of the legs as to what point in the circle you should begin transitioning and where you should be at max length in one leg and short in the other? Thank you.
Like walking, one leg becomes shorter as yiu take a step. It isn't all that easy for me to spell out in words at what moment that leg begins to shorten, flex, while the other leg, the stabilizing leg, is strong and long. But in the whirls birds the leg that is on the uphill side must shorten, be more bent, if it wouldn't adjust then the downhill leg would come off of the ground. If you are doing this exercise at all and the downhill leg is staying on the ground then you are already doing what you are asking. I just promote being more proactive and intentional about it. This will smooth things out. Of course then there are the edging movements😉
I saw this drill...and thought...wow...I have no idea if I could even do that. So I tried them on a mellow slope...and could do them pretty solidly. But here is the funny thing...I have absolutely no clue how I am doing them. I guess I have pressure control....but learned it so long ago (decades...) that I don't even know what my body is doing. Very strange. I would bet that they get much harder on steeper slopes....
I did these last week but needed my pole to push off at the apex of the turn. I guess that’s part of the progression, I assume the pole plant goes away in time.
I will do alternating whirlybirds, left then right, repeat. If I am really ready I will do 2 or 3 left, then 2 or 3 right.. I've gotten dizzy! That will mess you up;)
New to your channel Deb, and it's an excellent resource! Thank you. I'm trying to develop from a fast carver skier to a more playful and delicate skier, and wonder if you have any opinions on how gear can impact on this progression? I got a great deal on a pair of Volkl M5s in October, which has helped alot with my carving and stability in uneven terrain on piste. But i find doing your exercises quite challenging with these skis. Should a skier just embrace the challenge their gear may pose? (stiff skis makes it hard for me to follow my advanced friends when doing off piste runs) Or should I consider a softer pair if we are seeking more playful skill progressions? Thanks again from Austria!
Thanks For the insight Deb! I use this drill w a Masters group at the beginning of the year. What’s your thought on head position? Bridget is looking downward more than you , giving her more weight towards the tips🤷♂️
I'm focusing more on the movements of my legs because we ski with our legs. This is different than tumbling or gymnastics where our legs may be in the air as we rotate. Just a thought.
Hi deb I was wondering if theres any chance we can get a full in depth video on the progression from snowplough turns/ semi parallel to fully parallel turns with an emphasis on controlling speed and really getting that feel and flow that I see a lot of long time skiers have. Your videos are fantastic and have allowed to me to progress to blue runs on only my second time out ever! personally im finding it a little difficult to engage the edges and start my turns smoothly without a plough and i was wondering if you can do an in depth video about that awkward begginer-intermediate spot
As a newbie in the ski world, I've started watching a bunch of explanatory ski videos in order to improve my skills.
I am truly happy that I stumbled upon your channel. I devoured all your videos, even if some of them are not meant for my level :)) I absolutely love your teaching style, your voice is so comfortable and warm.
Yesterday I managed to improve my parallel turns, even if there were some ice portions. All this steps ahead because of you, so thank you very much.
Can't wait for your next videos, Deb.
Big hug from my side.
Ani from Romania.
Hi Ani. I am so happy you found me. Thank you so much for reaching out. All the best to you and your skiing. Happy new year.
Amazing! When you mention dancing and not looking at feet Bridget's whole posture changes and the movement becomes fluid.
It is so important that we find the right description to connect with the student.
Thanks Deb. I was just teaching this to my class today! So I will forward this video to them for a reminder and a better explanation of the benefits of this drill.
So awesome! Great teacher/student interaction, simple explanation, clear feedback and awesome demo and you can see Bridget's progression!
I tore my ACL/MCL 1/8/2017 doing the splits accidentally teaching a student on the 1st day of ski lessons. I had surgery to repair and waited until the 2019/2020 season to start skiing again on new skis and bindings that I gave myself for a 60th birthday. present.
I have been using the whirlybird drill everyday on snow since then.
Deb
Excellent video.
As an PSIA instructor I use these exercises with all of my students.
The pressure changes from the ski to ski/ fore and aft/ leads to improved skier abilities. In addition I use the exercises with skier’s as a safe skiing maneuver’s in case of emergency direction changes.
Bridget- your whirly birds are looking great!! Still working on these and love how fun they have become!! Still working on smoothing out and preventing divergence of skis. Patience and pressure… will keep working on it - skiing stronger and stronger every moment!!
Great. Love reading this Cheryl!!!!
Thanks Deb for another great drill to help develop and improve a feel for the ski. This one is a little more challenging than garlands and falling leafs. Please keep the drill videos coming. Being a Tennis Coach I tell my players, “you got to do the drills to build the skills “. I will add this one to my practice routine on the slopes 👍⛷⛷🙏🙏
Love these edge and pressure drills especially when they depend on ankle articulation. Thomyt
I like the comments "nuance and touch." Two skills that are lost with modern equipment. Great drill that usually leaves everyone with a smile.
Bridget has plenty reason to smile!
As a hockey player turned skiing addict, I was out practicing my whirly birds today, I am trying to implement that patience you talked about😂 skating is more of direct feedback where as when your in skis there's a slight delay. I'm going to keep practicing them😬- also I agree that skiing a narrower ski is more beneficial for skill progression I skied my Elan insomnia's for the first time in a while, I had been using my DPS uschi 94 skis for skinning and skiing lately and I can safely say that I prefer my elan's for fast icy days like today... It was almost if I became a bad skier after skiing my DPS skis 😲 after a run or 2 I was back into narrow waist world😬 the right tool for the job is critical.
Finally, confirmation this channel is a long con to support one of Deb's friends who's pioneered a new, inexpensive collar bone and ulna setting procedure.
edit: What are those goggles? Reflection is a crystal.
I love this exercise! I was taught it in ski school at like 13 but never why and I still do it at almost 34!
in a rotational system like this , the ski edges are the bearings, and the skier is the axle. proper edging creates a low friction bearing that allows easy rotation, proper body position, more upright/extended minimizes the rotational moment of enertia
Wow - Bridgtet did great!! Such a great drill for all the reasons you mentioned.
Thanks for the next exercise! My ski buddy and I can do these, but only on much flatter terrain, and not nearly as well. We can do Falling Leaf on medium-steep well-groomed, so as you say this is a natural progression from that. (Greetings from western PA, where we got Autumn for December.)
Absolutely! I practice these as my last runs every day. I do a pure flat 360, with focus on fore/aft and turning the head.
It’s one of the skills that I am too lazy to mater along with one ski drill. I am on my way to the mountain tonight. Thank you for the motivation.
When you talk about being patient and allowing time to slide backwards it really resonates. When I do these and notice that I'm stemming a bit or have that 1-2 sequential thing going or the skis aren't working in unison, it tells me that I'm not being patient enough and am trying to rush the return back to skiing forward.
Your student is an amazing skier
Oh boy...These are going to fun to try next month! Love it...I'll let you know how I do. Wish me luck. Best, Jeff Greenwell
Deb’s the best!
...great as your usual Deb😉👌
Fantastic vid thanks
Deb, you dance on your skis. Wow.
Thank you😉
Thanks Deb!
Please explain or demo more fore and aft and the flat ski
While getting a smooth Whirlybird
Do you mean demo exaggerated movements? Not sure I will demo doing another whirlybird video. The fore/aft and foot to foot is almost invisible, so muchnoccuring down in the ankle for me as I am already more or less in balance. The foot to foot and fore/aft and small adjustments. This is why I speak to this so much, because it is often difficult to see. I call it my super power😉 for someone less skilled and with fore/aft issues their movements would be much larger, gross movements, or exaggerated movements. Less efficient, taking longer to execute. Anyway, just some thoughts.
Thanks for the video, Deb. Can you elaborate a little on the timing of the shortening and lengthening of the legs as to what point in the circle you should begin transitioning and where you should be at max length in one leg and short in the other? Thank you.
Like walking, one leg becomes shorter as yiu take a step. It isn't all that easy for me to spell out in words at what moment that leg begins to shorten, flex, while the other leg, the stabilizing leg, is strong and long. But in the whirls birds the leg that is on the uphill side must shorten, be more bent, if it wouldn't adjust then the downhill leg would come off of the ground. If you are doing this exercise at all and the downhill leg is staying on the ground then you are already doing what you are asking. I just promote being more proactive and intentional about it. This will smooth things out. Of course then there are the edging movements😉
So fun! Can't wait to try!
I saw this drill...and thought...wow...I have no idea if I could even do that. So I tried them on a mellow slope...and could do them pretty solidly. But here is the funny thing...I have absolutely no clue how I am doing them. I guess I have pressure control....but learned it so long ago (decades...) that I don't even know what my body is doing. Very strange. I would bet that they get much harder on steeper slopes....
Want! The skills and Orange gear.
Not sure my mind would figure this out but one day I will try.
Is that the name for what my son is doing on the mountain. I had no idea. Thanks! Now I can use the proper name.
I did these last week but needed my pole to push off at the apex of the turn. I guess that’s part of the progression, I assume the pole plant goes away in time.
Nice Deb! So many skills coming into play here. How about the double Whirlybird??
Nice Bobby!!!!!
I will do alternating whirlybirds, left then right, repeat. If I am really ready I will do 2 or 3 left, then 2 or 3 right..
I've gotten dizzy! That will mess you up;)
New to your channel Deb, and it's an excellent resource! Thank you. I'm trying to develop from a fast carver skier to a more playful and delicate skier, and wonder if you have any opinions on how gear can impact on this progression? I got a great deal on a pair of Volkl M5s in October, which has helped alot with my carving and stability in uneven terrain on piste. But i find doing your exercises quite challenging with these skis. Should a skier just embrace the challenge their gear may pose? (stiff skis makes it hard for me to follow my advanced friends when doing off piste runs) Or should I consider a softer pair if we are seeking more playful skill progressions? Thanks again from Austria!
Thanks For the insight Deb!
I use this drill w a Masters group at the beginning of the year.
What’s your thought on head position? Bridget is looking downward more than you , giving her more weight towards the tips🤷♂️
I'm focusing more on the movements of my legs because we ski with our legs. This is different than tumbling or gymnastics where our legs may be in the air as we rotate. Just a thought.
They both had a pole assist.
Hi deb I was wondering if theres any chance we can get a full in depth video on the progression from snowplough turns/ semi parallel to fully parallel turns with an emphasis on controlling speed and really getting that feel and flow that I see a lot of long time skiers have. Your videos are fantastic and have allowed to me to progress to blue runs on only my second time out ever! personally im finding it a little difficult to engage the edges and start my turns smoothly without a plough and i was wondering if you can do an in depth video about that awkward begginer-intermediate spot
I will think on that topic about some co tent that can help you!!!!
I've been skiing for 7 years and I still can't do these. How do you stop yourself from catching the edge? How do you work up to this?
🤯😳😱 I am not at this level yet 😂
I am 63 and do whirlybirds every time I go skiing. Now - with age -I get dizzy after many rotations.
Why u use such long poles?
Not you, the green helmet girl
Are my poles long? I didn't know that. What defines a long pole? 😉😉😉
Oh. Ok. She is using my poles. Do the poles pose a problem for her? Just curious. Where do you ski? Have an awesome day.
That's to hard for me! I'll stick to spinning 360s.😋