By Craig Chapman, CSIA Education Program Coordinator (Central Region)
One of the maneuvers in the level 2 is spins with grabs. Let’s break down the process of adding a grab to your spin, which will definitely take your tricks to the next level. Whether you’re aiming for a 180 or a more complex 2340, the key steps remain the same: building on your grabs and spins and refining the timing and control.
Tactic 1: Practice grabbing skis in straight air
| Goal: Build confidence in grabbing the skis without the distraction of a spin. |
| Progression: Start with straight air, focusing solely on bringing skis towards the hands at the apex of the jump. This helps in developing the timing and muscle memory required for grabs. |
| Focus: -Ensure the grab is clean, with the skis coming up towards the hands at the apex of the jump. -Body position should remain centered, not leaning too far back or forward. |
Tactic 2: Practice spins without a grab
| Goal: Work on spinning mechanics without the complexity of a grab. |
| Progression: Start with smaller spins (like a 180) and work up to a 360 or more. Keep the spins smooth and controlled. |
| Focus: -Proper rotation initiation (using the core, not just arms or legs). -The body should be aligned while in the air (skis, hips, and shoulders). -Hands should remain in a balanced position until the grab is added. -Focus on timing the spin and ensuring it’s not too forced. |
Tactic 3: Spins while skiing (practice timing, orientation, balance, and coordination)
| Goal: Introduce spins while skiing to simulate real-world conditions. |
| Progression: Start with basic 180-degree spins. The grab should happen at 90-degrees, focus on spinning while keeping the balance and initiating the grab from the proper body position. Once you are comfortable with this, move to a 360 or higher with the grab happening halfway through the rotation. |
| Focus: –Timing the grab and spin in relation to the terrain (especially on small jumps or transitions). -Ensure that the upper body follows the lower body through the spin for fluidity. |
Tactic 4: Add a grab to the spin
| Goal: Combine the spin with a grab. |
| Progression: Once comfortable with spinning and grabbing separately, grab your skis at the halfway point of the spin. |
| Focus: -Ensure the timing of the grab coincides with the halfway point of the spin. -Spin, grab, land. -Body position should be compact during the grab, pulling the skis up slightly to allow for a controlled grab. -Keep the spin fluid and land square. |