Performance Flow and Anticipation

Recommended practice time: 40–55 min

Introduction

Flow is carrying turn energy forward without gaps. It comes from anticipation (two turns ahead), a breathing-driven rhythm, and clean load timing through transition.

Essence / steps

  1. See two turns ahead
    Pick finish targets for this and the next turn. Let gaze and shoulders guide calmly—no rotation.
  2. Breath as metronome
    Inhale at entry, exhale through finish. Breathing stabilizes cadence and smooths transition.
  3. Load wave
    Build pressure after the fall line, crest it, then release cleanly. Elastic joints—no pop.
  4. Early edge preparation
    Move mass over the new outside while skis still run flat. Keep continuity—avoid dead zones.
Flow: see two turns ahead, breathe the rhythm and carry a smooth load wave with a clean release into the next edge.
Sequence: vision → breath → load wave → early next-edge prep.

Typical mistakes

  • Late planning—eyes on ski tips, choppy cadence.
  • Explosive release (“pop”) breaking snow contact.
  • Poor breath-rhythm → stiffness and long transitions.
  • Late move to the new outside ski.

Questions

How do I feel the load wave?

Count 1–2–3 in each turn: 1 build, 2 crest, 3 quiet release. If you bounce—release is too abrupt.

What if I lose rhythm?

Reset with one longer-finish control turn, re-sync breathing, and re-establish the two-turn look-ahead.

Instructor’s tip

“Let skis do the work—your job is the wave: see, breathe, transfer, prepare.”

Conclusion

When vision, breathing and timing align, turns link themselves. Practice on moderate pitch before full speed.