But, I have such a pretty face!!
The hardest thing to learn with any double pole technique, and skating is all double pole, is to launch our faces unprotected toward the snow. The best visual image I know of is to look at a ski jumper launching off the end of the jump, driving their face forward toward the ground- several hundred feet below.
In fact, we have poles that will always catch us and protect our precious visage, but somewhere deep inside us is that protective instinct that must be overcome- don't fall on face!
Starting, muscle memory and trust--
Stand facing a wall with your feet about 24" from the wall. In basic ski position BSP bring your hands to about shoulder height.
Flexing only at the ankles, launch your face toward the wall, catching your weight with your hands. Do this repeatedly until you begin to trust that the wall will really stop you. The wall is actually standing in for your poles, and all you need to do when on skis is to bring your poles up to the proper position and lean into them.
What you don't want to do, but probably will, is drop anchor--that is flex backward at your knees so your butt and center of gravity stay behind your heels. That way you can pretend you are commiting your face to the snow without actually doing it. I know you will because I see it in myself the first time I see myself on video every year.
Double pole variations-
Dryland double pole drills using poles are mainly power drills. It’s easier to learn DP on skis.
Dryland double pole drills without poles are mainly timing drills. It's tough to combine the two.
DP skating drills are useful for technique training for classic, but there are subtle differences caused by the difference between one-footed and two-footed double poles.
It's easy to cheat and drop anchor with skate double pole because you are on one foot. The emphasis on getting hip forward/high is crucial.
More to follow
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