How to learn to ski for skating in a week?

Cross-country skis have existed for several centuries, and their technique is constantly developing in different categories. The most common is classical skating, in which the legs move parallel to each other. However, the most intensive and fastest way to move on skis is to skate.

Specificity of this technique

If you want to understand how to learn to ski on a skating course, then keep in mind the idea that while doing this, you literally push yourself forward by pressing one leg outward along the diagonal. Then do the same with another ski. This method simulates the movement of skates. The heel is free from attachment, which allows the ski to move forward.

In the picture you see two athletes using two different styles. To the left is a classic move along the paved ski-track, to the right - a ridge on the processed track.

Importance of choosing the right equipment

In order to understand how to learn to skate with a skate, one important technical question should be solved. First you need to buy the right equipment. Skates for the ridge run are generally shorter than the classic ones, and are characterized by the absence of specific rifling on the back side. The ribbing is designed to keep the athlete from slipping backwards, as well as at the moment of carrying the weight of the body, but skating ridge skates simply will not function correctly with the cuts. However, as with applying some sticky wax. On such skis apply sliding wax on the entire surface in such a way that they slide much faster than the classics. In addition, their length depends on the weight of the athlete.

Skiing by skating is an extremely intense physical activity. All muscle groups of the body are involved. The ridge move requires the ability to balance on one leg, therefore, it is easier for those who have good sports training or skiing experience.

But what to do to those who persistently missed winter physical education classes at school and did not learn to determine the difference between the classical and the skate course?

Study! Cast aside all doubts!

So, how to learn to ski on a skating course? Can I do this without a professional coach, say, at home?

Answer: definitely yes!

It is only necessary to work out three points:

1. Allocate time for classes.

It's enough to dedicate this New Year's vacation to understand how to learn how to ski on a skating course for a week.

If we consider ordinary everyday life, it is desirable to allocate twice a week, say, in the evening after work. There is a plus for those who are somewhat shy to train in the minds of other skiers. Although it is better to immediately drop all doubts and concentrate only on their sporting achievements. It is also logical to take two days off for training.

2. Provide yourself with the right skis that meet the requirements of the ridge run.

Their characteristics have been described above. How to learn to ski skate? To achieve this goal, it is not necessary to go to the store and immediately buy expensive equipment. You can use the services of rent. Or purchase equipment that was in use. When you master the technique, you will feel the taste for skating, and also understand your preferences, then it makes sense to go for brand new shiny skis.

Make sure that the route you are going to work on is well prepared. This means that it has been cleared of snow. If the condition of the route is poor, you can achieve results for a very long time, which means that motivation will suffer. It is logical to train there, where athletes do it. At the same time, looking at them, you can learn a couple of ideas on how to learn to ski fast.

3. Follow the instructions below.

This article does not pretend to a scientific presentation of the technique of skating with a skating course. She offers a simple and usable instruction in terms that your friend would operate on.

Human instruction for beginners

Many people ask how to learn. Riding with skating is not difficult. Before proceeding to the description, it should be noted that during training it is better to leave the ski poles aside. At first it is very important to find the balance of the body in an unusual movement for the body. And the sticks here will only interfere.

Leaving your hands free, relax your shoulders, and you will feel that they themselves begin to move in such a way as to help you roll forward. In a word, trust the body.

Then you need to choose a level ground for training. You do not need a 5-km track, pick up a snow-cleared plane at about half the standard school stadium. It is here that you will work out the following movements.

A simple diagram explaining the mechanical aspect of skating by skating

In the photo above, it can be seen that both legs perform different functions simultaneously. This is the main focus. At a time when one leg repels from the surface (as a rule, the inner part of the foot is more involved in this process), the second uses the moment and slides through the snow. All our weight, assiduously accumulated at the desk, we resolutely transfer to the limb that slides. Note that these movements are not parallel, but diagonally!

Let's say you have moved your body weight to the left, pushed your right foot and slide while on the left. Try to slide as long as possible. For what? In order to have time to rest before the next push with your left foot. First, do the exercises slowly and smoothly. When you have learned enough, then you will proceed to work on the development of speed. So, pushed off the left ski, transferring your weight to the right, and sliding right. Thus, we alternate the tremors with the left or right foot. Reminds skating, is not it?

Note that the leg on which we slide is slightly bent at the knee. Imagine that this is a spring on which your weight is placed.

Practice at home!

If problems persist with keeping the balance, then in order to better understand how to learn to ski on a skating course, you can train at home one leg on one leg. For 12 seconds per each with a change, only 4 approaches.

In addition, it is not superfluous to watch the competitions of professional athletes, for example, in biathlon races, you can even on TV. So much easier to absorb visual information about how it should look, and then understand what exactly is required of you.

The main thing is to believe in yourself and give the body time to learn new movements, and then everything will necessarily happen. And next year you will already explain to your friends how to learn to ski on a skating course.

Good luck!