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F-B Page 2 |
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The common factors: Hips The use of your hips is an important element in the success of any barefoot turn. A common thought is that the handle must cock and then twist and be pulled to the hip. I don't have a problem with the cock and twist which can bring a rhythm and flow to your F-B, but the pull on the handle is what needs to be thought of differently. When you crush and then rise into the F-B you should start with your handle comfortably close to your body and throughout the rise advance your hips to the handle. This will give you momentum into the turn and help with your flow.
Rhythm and Flow A F-B can be performed without any up and down movement what-so-ever. Minimizing the up and down movement is necessary to become proficient at multiple turns like the B-B, 540's, and 720's. However, the F-B and the F-F 360 can be performed most easy with some up and down movement to create rhythm and flow.
Axis Head-Up. This is the most important factor for balance in any sport. If you can't see the horizon, you simply cannot achieve the greatest balance. Keeping your head up looking at the horizon will naturally help keep you on a good axis. The other things to keep in check are the feet, hips, and shoulders. Your feet should always maintain a glide on the water. This is achieved by keeping your feet under your knees. Your hips should be slightly behind your feet, and your shoulders slightly behind your hips. This holds true for the front and back positions. If you froze as a solid unit in front position and, without moving a single joint in your body, turned to the back position you would have completed a good F-B. Hips, rhythm, and flow will add smoothness and tempo to your turn.
Unified Movement Momentum is provided by the up and down movement, the twist of the handle, and the movement into the turn. Once the turn is under way it is important to turn as one unit. Your body at this point is like a robot. There is movement into the turn and a cushion with the knees to finish the turn, but during the actual turn there needs to be a unified movement. This is important to practice on the dry-land as well as shoe ski's to feel this concept.
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