Many beginners are wary about doing downhills because, well, they don't want to kill themselves. Here's a way you can improve their confidence when descending hills.

Use a Progression
Have your students work on a steep hill. Starting at the bottom, instruct them to ascend part-way up the hill—to a height they feel comfortable with—then to glide down.

Then have them climb the hill to a slightly higher point, and again glide down. They should continue this process until they can ski down the entire hill. Not only will they become confident and proficient at downhills, they'll also get a great workout.

References:
1. Bridget Duoos, Anne Rykken, Teaching Cross-Country Skiing, Human Kinetics, 2011.
2. Steven Gaskill, Fitness Cross-Country Skiing, Human Kinetics Publishers, 1998.

To download the pdf version of this
article, click here: Download Now

© 2011, Physical Education Update.com, www.peUpdate.com