> |
> |
Skating alone and technical limits
In many years of meeting, speaking to, and observing skaters in their training I have been asked many questions and experienced a number of interesting things. When certain topics recur on a frequent basis a pattern begins to form. And this pattern speaks to the overwhelming theme that most skaters fall prey to one or more of a distinct set of training-related pitfalls. Often this is caused by simple ignorance, while other times it is the result of a systematic and widespread propagation of misinformation. It never ceases to amaze me some of the things skaters believe, what they have been taught or told, or the ways they go about trying to improve their performance. Over the next 5 weeks, I hope to set the record straight on a number of issues.
1. Skating alone too often
Aside from your own individual technique the most important skill you can develop as an inline athlete is the ability to be comfortable and efficient in a pack. This means drafting close and being able to deal with the dynamics of a group. Skating alone does absolutely nothing to foster this particular talent. The only way to get good at something is to practice it, and it is painfully obvious which skaters regularly train on the own versus those who train with a group. Make the extra effort to skate with others, even if its with only one other person.
Skating with others also helps to make your workouts go by faster, enhances motivation, and helps you become a more well-rounded athlete. Since no two skaters are exactly alike, your technique will require subtle modification in order to draft different individuals as closely as possible. You will find that you prefer to follow certain people, and hate to follow others. A skater may kick back too much, their stride may be too long, or they may not wash their skinsuit enough. Whatever the case may be, skating with others is an effective way to develop greater versatility on skates.
2. Skating beyond your technical limits
I am a big believer that all skaters should learn to skate well before they learn to skate fast. This basic tenet is something we preach at every one of our workshops, and skaters are often hesitant to accept it. We’re all in this sport because we love to skate, and we speedskaters love to skate fast. The problem is that many skaters possess strength and raw talent that far outweighs their technical aptitude. Most skaters can perform well at low to moderate speeds, but as soon as they exert themselves beyond a certain point technique falls to pieces. Skating beyond this ‘redline’ too often will not only impede one’s technical improvement, but can foster bad habits that may stick around forever.
There is much to be gained by skating within your technical limits. Those with the patience to learn proper mechanics and the all-important timing of the weight transfer will be rewarded down the road. Technique, and the practice time you spent developing related attributes, is an investment! Invest now if your form and once you are solid and stable then you can train your body. Remember, balance and body alignment are the first skills for a skaters to achieve. Only skate as hard as you are able while remaining in full control. In the end you will be faster and more efficient than your chums who just go out there and hammer like a Mack truck on flat tires.
opyright © 2004 Barry Publow. All Rights Reserved.
