Different approaches to learning!...
The 2nd of my Document Snowboard Magazine columns. Different approaches to learning!
Most tricks either fade or are made on the run in and in the transition!
The run in is all about speed control and setting your line. Once you have the correct speed for the kicker or rail or what ever you’re attempting the battle is half done. The other half is being able to handle this speed confidently and stay calm and relaxed enough to set in motion the movements and actions needed for your trick.
Most kickers are designed so that if you get the speed right you’ll make the sweet spot on the landing every time. If you’ve not hit a kicker before watch from the sidelines for a while and see where others are hitting it from and how much speed they’re carrying or get Ed Gunn to drop in first.
Feel for the float and arc of the jump with tried and tested tricks before you try anything too hard or new.
Do a couple of drive bys to feel what the speed is like then try to find the spot where you can run in straight from without having to speed check.
Speed checking on the run in normally means you’re going to come up short (unless of course it’s a small kicker and you’re obviously going way to fast). The old adage, ‘speed is your friend’ is definitely worth remembering.
The line of approach is very important you need to know exactly which line you’re going to take off the lip and which edge you want to come off. Once you know this you can work backwards to choose the line of attack. Be precise to the exact spot that you want to leave the lip and make a clean line in.
The worst thing you can do on the run in is start to change your mind about which trick you’re going for, indecision on the take off spells disaster.
Everything you want to do in the air must be set in motion through the transition and executed as you leave the lip. You’ll know pretty much as soon as you take off if you’re going to make it or not.
Break the trick down in to a movement pattern so that you understand how it works and what you need to do. You’ll often see riders practicing their tricks stationary, turning their shoulders and grabbing their boards before they drop in.
Make sure you know the movement pattern of the trick and try to build up a mental idea of what the trick should feel like. Snowboarding is a very feeling orientated sport, feeling and flow are the essential elements. Keep your movements smooth and flowing and once you think you have, it commit to this feeling and go with it.
Keep relaxed and move smoothly through out the transition, if your speed is good you won’t need to pop and extend, the kicker will take you in the right arc for the landing. If you’re too slow and having to pop then you’re putting a dynamic vertical movement into the movement pattern of the trick that probably doesn’t need to be there and so making it harder to control.
Suck your feet up as you leave the lip and push your knees apart, try to feel your feet on the board when you’re in the air for better control, feeling and awareness.
Build smooth progressions that will help you learn the movement patterns of the tricks you’re trying to learn and the ones you want to learn.
Learn each trick well before moving on. Don’t be afraid to keep practicing the same trick until it feel right. Watch Jenny Jones work on the same trick over and over again until she knows she can nail it every time and pick up an X Games Gold.
Use visualisation to help you map out a mental image of what you’re trying to do. Watch someone else do the trick or call the demo master Nelson Pratt for the perfect demonstration. Always imagine the whole trick complete to riding away.
Ride with friends who can point out things that you are doing and help you progress. A good group of friends all learning and getting stoked together creates the best learning environment.
Ask questions to find out if you’re doing what you think you’re doing and pay attention to the small details. Be specific with your questions to get specific answers. You probably already have a pretty good idea of what you’re doing right or wrong so look for details.
Analyse your performance but don’t dwell on it too long. Start every new attempt from a clear mind. If it’s getting you down go back to something you can do until the feeling comes back.
Use video to check what you are doing and to assess your performance.
Listen to the sounds created by your board on the run in and as you leave the lip, this will help you be more aware of how you are using your edge.
Learn to spot your landing but don’t focus on it too soon. Know when in the trick you’re going to start looking for it.
Don’t hesitate, once you’ve dropped in go 100% commitment or drive on by. If you can’t go 100% build a progression, break the trick down or go to a smaller kicker or easier rail. Make the task easier until your confidence builds and grow with it.
Don’t bite off more than you can chew, don’t run before you can walk and don’t try it unless your heads into it, you’ll know when you’re ready to give it a go.
If you want to progress you have to work at it and practice, we’ve all heard the saying ‘Practice makes perfect’ so take a look at Jenny Jones who has reached the top of the game with gold in the X Games pretty much all off her own back! No formal coaching, no team backing, just dedication, practice and a whole lot of determination.
Look to your favourite Pros for inspiration and guidance and work your ass off if you want to succeed.
Loose you attitude and Snowboard because you love it!
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