DEVELOPMENT OF CROSS COUNTRY SKI SKATING ABILITIES

Authors

  • A.P. Lepävuori
  • J.T. Viitasalo

Abstract

Skiing techniques together with the development of equipment and the ski tracks has undergone major changes during the last decade. In the beginning of the decade ski skaters in Finland were considered weak. A project designed to develop the skating techniques for the 0lympic level Finnish racers was started in1992. Athletes were followed for three years, 1992-1994. During the follow up period five different 3-D film analyses were performed; 1) in a training camp, November 1993, 2) January,1993, 3) at the Falun World Ski Championships, 4) November, 1993and 5)in another training camp, November, 1994. Skiers were filmed performing the V2 technique on a steep uphill section of the track (8 degree slope). The data was digitized using the APAS-motion analysis system. From the digitized data the contact phases of poles and skis, speed and height of the centre of mass, and the directions of the velocity vectors were calculated. At the Falun World Championships the change of technique during the 50km race was analyzed at three different phases of competition. major change in techniques during the race were observed. During the three year follow-up period the timing of the pole work and kick phases changed remarkably, leading from very inefficient speed production to a smooth centre of mass velocity curve and velocity vector directions. The height of the centre of mass of good skiers became lower. We concluded that individual skating techniques can be changed over the long term.

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Coaching and Sports Activities