Original scientific paper
Evaluating the effects of innovative training methods on alpine ski proficiency based on previous balance studies
Krastio Zgurovski
; National Sports Academy “Vassil Levski”, Sofia, Bulgaria
Milena Zdravcheva
; National Sports Academy “Vassil Levski”, Sofia, Bulgaria
Abstract
In the global context of skiing, discussions about ski training methods are the subject of ongoing academic and practical debate. Research efforts focus on achieving optimal outcomes in the learning process. The “Bulgarian Ski School” aims to improve the quality of training for beginners by transferring natural human coordination into alpine skills, considering the specifics of ski equipment. Our previous laboratory studies on stabilographs found that vertical movements (“up and down”) result in considerable fluctuations in the projection of the center of gravity, contributing to “loss of balance” situations. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of training in alpine skiing skills without the use of vertical movements. The sample included 100 novice skiers aged 17-18, randomly divided into a control and an experimental group, each consisting of 50 subjects. They underwent a 10-day course on Vitosha Mountain, following two different pedagogical approaches: the standard Bulgarian ski school method and a method with minimal “vertical” movements, such as folding and unfolding, at the early stages of the course. Three experts evaluated their skills through 17 tasks, and the mean grade for each task was recorded. The evaluated tasks were then divided into four levels according to complexity. The experimental group performed better in tasks such as basic turns without folding and unfolding, exhibited better posture and balance, improved direction changes, and demonstrated better control of skis during turns. It appears that this new training method, based on natural human coordination, made alpine skiing coordination, balance, and skills easier to master. Experimental training significantly improved several critical aspects of acquiring alpine skiing skills. These results should be translated into practical educational approaches for ski beginners, as they would improve their abilities and confidence on the slopes.
Keywords
alpine skiing skills, vertical movements, balance, new ski teaching method
Hrčak ID:
318416
URI
Publication date:
15.5.2024.
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