In the quest to increase the quality of our ski schools lessons and clinics, instructor strive to create new and unique methods of teaching a specific skill. Sometimes the exercises that are created become pillars of the ski instruction universe, but more often then not our nifty little inventions get lost in the vast networks of our minds, or in my case, lost amongst several other articles of paperwork on my desk. I would however, like to share with you an exercise that I have discovered, which has survived the surge of ideas and theories that ebb and flow on planet David.

There are it myriad of exercises that utilize the ski pole, and which isolate the skills of balance, pressure control, edging and turning (i.e., waiter's tray, gun sights, airplane turns ... ). The only aspect of this drill that is unique is the visual image employed.

Imagine if you will The Hula-Hoop This orbicular toy has provided millions of people with hours of frustration and joy, and a chosen few have pursued professional careers with said novelty. The exercise, which was inspired by Nick McDonald's performance at the Symposium dance party several years ago, involves visualizing your ski poles as the confines of a Hula Hoop.

The hoop is round and provides a strong and positive boundary, similar to a giant steering wheel. Hold the hoop with your hands at the 10 and 2 position (consult your driver's education manual), keeping you body perpendicular the hoops plane, as you link movements together. I have found that the essential factor here is to make sure you adjust the plane angle of your hoop as soon as you begin the new turn. Remember, that skiing involves dynamic movement in a dynamic environment, so as you adjust the angle of the hoop, actively drive your hands diagonally towards the apex of your next turn; a static application will inevitably put you in the back seat. Making the adjustment early allows you to transfer weight sooner, helping you to remain aligned primarily over the outside ski during the turn.