- Beat boredom:
- Introduce new methods and approaches.
- Vary the tempo of the training.
- Tips to Success:
- Do not waste competitor’s time with extra talking or long explanations.
- Make explanations and demonstrations clear and concise.
- Be event specific and maximize the reality of that event being trained.
How the coach balances learning new skills with hard-nosed gate mileage will depend on how many practice times are available each week and the events scheduled that weekend. Also take into consideration ‘major’ races in the near future.
A rule of thumb to use as a guide:
Summer and early season provide a high quantity of free skiing and gate training with low intensity. Focus on skill development and mileage. In mid to late season--according to the race schedule and championships--focus on low quantity and high intensity. Physical strength and skill level should peak at this time.
Keep these points in mind as you approach your spring championships and begin your program planning for next year.