I agree with you completely. His poling is a symptom of other problems,
not the problem itself. It is, however, a concrete, visual cue that he can
use when he is trying to get farther forward.

-Nathan
www.nsavage.com


"Gene Goldenfeld" wrote in message
...
Yes, it makes sense. I just think one has to be especially careful
about spelling things out with someone like Ken. I do think, tho, from
a pedagogical standpoint that his poling can't be straightened out until
he learns to skate from ski to ski instead of stepping or running
forward; i.e., until he gets the sense of how to stay on each ski longer
and use his edges to help get up the hill. Right now (video), he's
planting about as far forward as his legs are giving him the time to do.

Gene

Nathan Schultz wrote:

"Gene Goldenfeld" wrote in message
...

I agree that Ken is not planting his poles nearly far enough forward;
he's not on each ski long enough to do so. I do think your statement
about where the tips should be planted is subject to misunderstanding,
however. Assuming reasonably good technique, isn't the position a
function of individual poling style and terrain?

Yes, pole plant will change with terrain, speed and among individuals.
But
in general, if you are poling behind your toe, then something is probably
not right with your body position. My point was not to say that his pole
plant was incorrect, but that his poles are not planting in the correct
position because his hips are back and he is not leaning far forward
enough
at the ankles. In other words, his poles land too far back because his
body
position is too far back. Not because he is planting incorrectly.

Does that make sense? He can use the pole plant as a cue to see if
he
is getting forward, but the pole plant itself is not the problem.

Nathan
www.nsavage.com