CAN WE MAKE THE ALPINE SKI LEARNING MORE EFFICIENT BY OMITTING THE SNOW-PLOUGH TECHNIQUE?

Abstract

The aim of our research was to define the most efficient 7-day alpine-ski learning program forthe ski-beginners. The research included 126 alpine ski naïve students, randomized into twoequally-sized groups, at the study start not differing according to morphological characteristics ormotor abilities. Participants of one group were taught alpine skiing by parallel-carving techniqueexclusively, while the other group learned alpine skiing through traditional parallel and snowploughtechniques. Acquired ski knowledge was tested through demonstration of five ski techniqueelements, by five independent judges. Participants of the two groups differed significantlyin the grades obtained for the elements short turn (2.85 vs. 2.44; p=.01) and parallel turn (3.20 vs.2.85; p=0.01), where higher grades were achieved by the participants combining parallel andsnow-plough techniques. To conclude, according to our observations, in the process of teachingalpine ski beginners how to ski it is more efficient to initially use both parallel and snow-ploughalpine ski techniques.