Classic Ski Drills - Nordic Ski Lab

Simple Hill Lesson Plan

A simple way to structure a segment of a classic ski lesson to encourage a range of skill development.

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The High Hands Cue

The “High Hands” cue explained. Why is it valuable and is it used in all double poling techniques?

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Palace Cues (How Much Should You Use Your Legs in Double Pole?)

This video addresses the question of how much you should use your legs in double pole technique. Do cues like “knees to skis” help or hurt?

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Tuck in the Track: How to Reduce Friction

Follow this 3 step process to reduce the drag between your classic skis and the ski tracks, for faster speeds in tuck.

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Basic Double Pole Progression

Basic progression for learning double pole for beginners or intermediate skiers who want a refresher.

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8 Common Mistakes in Double Poling

Demonstration of common errors in double poling; 3 in the upper body, 3 in the arms and 2 in the poles.

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Downhill Striding

A fun and challenging “do-anywhere” classic skiing drill to improve balance.

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Ankle Flexion: Another Approach

The ability to flex well through the ankles is helpful for most skate and classic ski techniques. This drill takes a novel approach to building range of motion. Who knows? It might just improve your balance too.

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The Invisible Wall & Stride Triangle

Visualization cue to improve balance in the forward direction.

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Single Sticking

Arms-only drill for diagonal stride to improve coordination and strength.

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Extended Glide in Kick Double Pole

A finessing skill for more advanced skiers to extend the glide and improve the kick.

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Baby Steps – Diagonal Stride

A good starter drill for learning diagonal stride.

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Double Pole Coupling Drill

Learn to time your recovery to suit different terrain and situations.

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One Ski Diagonal Stride Drill

Slow down and simplify diagonal stride technique to perfect your kick and glide.

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Over the Top Kick-Glide

Use terrain to balance and integrate your kick and glide skills.

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Six Steps (3 classic techniques)

An Olympian’s favourite drill for becoming a more versatile and adaptable skier.

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1. Uphill Striding Technique

Adjusting diagonal stride on uphills so you can use less kick wax.

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2. Herringbone & The Klaebo

Adjusting diagonal stride on uphills so you can use less kick wax.

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Early Season Drill for Balance, Tempo and Timing

Dynamic work on roller skis to improve forward position.

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Pro Glide – Diagonal Stride (Advanced)

Finesse your kick/glide transition – next level pro skills.

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Slipper Cue – Diagonal Stride

Simple cue keeps your weight forward during the leg recovery.

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1-2-3 Clearance Drill

Rate how high the tail of your ski lifts from the snow and improve forward position.

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Ankle Flexion in Skate & Classic

Why ankle flexion matters and practical strategies to increase your on-snow ROM.

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Supple Spine for Diagonal Stride

Trailside mobility routine to free up the T-spine for graceful and efficient skiing.

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Elastic Elbows

Use elastic bands above the elbows to improve poling mechanics

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Step, Step, Glide

Outstanding drill for balance.

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Wings Away

Beginner drill for balance and weight transfer.

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KDP Booster Drill

Test, treat and re-test the efficiency of your KDP leg push.

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Quick Hands: Double Pole Timing Drill

A 3-step strategy for adjusting the timing of the recovery in double pole timing. Best for experienced skiers.

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Snap Kick Drill

A drill for intermediate skiers to to improve the classic kick so you can use less wax and ski faster.

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Power Striding w/o Over Striding

Explanation of how to make your striding technique more powerful and vigorous without compromising your overall body position.

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Hitting the High Spots

Trailside drill; ideal activity to mix into a longer ski. Learn to adjust stride length to take advantage of small irregularities in the track.

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Handshake Drill (Striding)

Guest coach Ian shares one of his favourite early season drills for learning how to adjust hand position and arm swing for variable terrain and pace.

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Transitioning from KDP to Striding

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Transitioning from DP to Striding

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Diagonal Stride With One Pole

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Counting Pole Plants

A strategy to improve positioning by adjusting range of motion. Explained for striding but can be used for other techniques too. Chris’s favourite drill.

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Striding on Skate Skis

Teaches athletes to get on and off their skis quickly. Fun, but proceed with caution so you don’t fall forwards.

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Using Terrain Transitions to Work on Diagonal Stride Technique

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