Technical vs. Tactical errors

One of the most difficult things to analyze is the difference between technical and tactical errors.  Most of the time the focus is on technical errors and tactical errors are overlooked.  Observe this master's racer and try to distinguish the difference between their tactical errors and their technical errors.  What do you find?

For example, two technical errors that stand out with this skier, and are stance related are limited fore aft movement and skiing with a flat back.  Although these are major technical flaws, they are not the factors which are limiting this skier's speed.  This skier's coach could work on improving these stance related issues outside the gates.  However inside the gates, the major issue with this skier is line.  Unfortunately the set of this course doesn't fit well wtih this skier's turning style.  The gates are too close together and do not have enough horizontal offset.  This forces the skier to jam on the brakes in order to make it around each gate in time for the next turn.  This will result in a time similar to a skier of less technical ability, holding back the potential of this skier in this race.  To correct this problem, the coach must work with this skier to improve their tactics.  The speed of the turn should be consistent from start to finish. In other words there should be no "jamming on of the brakes."  If that means turning between the gates or skiing around the gates instead of cross blocking then that is what the skier should focus on.  A series of timed runs with a change in tactics should be the focus.  This will result in faster times for this skier.

Managing speed and choosing line

In events like SL, managing speed can become an increasingly important skill.  Skiers modify their line, according to the speed they feel comfortable with when negotiating a course.  Watching different skiers and how they change their line in reaction to their speed, can provide insight into what line provides the most comfortable speed for your ability as a racer.  Compare the masters line verses the world cup line, keeping in mind that world cup courses are set differently.

Masters race

World cup race

What is important to note, is that rhythmical turning gates in world cup SL are set with more horizontal offset.  This means that as you look up the hill, the red and blue turning gates are farther apart, than how most masters courses are set.  This allows for more speed and easier control of the speed managing tactics.  Unfortunately a masters racer who is a strong technical skier will be held back in a typical masters set.  This is because there is a limit to how fast you can negotiate a masters course, regardless of how fast you can ski and still maintain control.  Notice the difference between how the world cup skier checks their speed, this is mainly a function of the differences in course setting.  If the masters racer checked their speed the same way, their ski tips would hook the gate.

Learn to train your eye.

One of the best ways to learn to race is to watch amateur skiers negotiating a race course.  Investigating tactics of line and speed management, and how their vary from skier to skier, helps you make decisions of your own with regards to how you approach a race course.  The pros often step on the gas from start to finish, where as many masters racers don't have the muscular physic and fitness to hold a world cup line at top speed.  Watching the fastest masters racers can give you insight into how to improve your own times within your capabiliites.

The role of the coach

Coaches play a significant role in the development of the skills of any skier.  A good coach can help a skier develop their skills to maximize their potential in the sport of Alpine ski racing.  Recently one of my coaches told me that a coach is a tool in the learning process of ski development, and it is important that an athlete learn how to use that tool to the best of their ability, otherwise the athlete will struggle to meet their potential.  How does the athlete learn to use the coach as a tool?

Welcome

This blog has been set up to discuss Master's alpine ski racing issues and concerns.  Feel free to add any comments you may have concerning the posts on this blog.