Professional Development

1 Day Technique Workshop for New Coaches

Written by The Brand Office
No comments
Categories: Professional Development
One-day XC Ski Technique Workshop for New Coaches and Instructors

One-day XC Ski Technique Workshop for New Coaches & Instructors

Workshop Overview

One-day XC Ski Technique Workshop for New Coaches and Instructors
Workshop Overview
The XC Ski Instructor Workshop is a one-day course designed for new coaches and instructors interested in learning essential techniques for teaching and coaching beginner and intermediate cross-country skiers. The workshop focuses on the fundamentals and movement patterns of effective skiing and introduces dynamic teaching methods to engage learners. This course covers both classic and skate skiing styles, providing participants with the tools to support skiers in their journey from basic skills to improved performance.


Workshop Objectives

By the end of the workshop, participants will:
1.) Gain Coaching Techniques: Learn drills and tips to develop and support efficient ski techniques.
2.) Understand Progression Examples: Explore step-by-step approaches for teaching the diagonal stride and skate skiing.
3.) Learn Teaching Fundamentals: Grasp key principles for effective instruction and skier engagement.
4.) Enhance Personal Skills: Improve their own skiing through targeted practice and personalized feedback.


Example Schedule and Activities


An example schedule for a one-day clinic would allow for a 2-hour classic session in the morning and a 2-hour skate session in the afternoon after a lunch break. To achieve these objectives, participants will engage in a range of activities designed to build both coaching and skiing skills:

  • No-Pole Diagonal Stride Drill
    Purpose: Focus on weight transfer in classic skiing to promote balance and control.
  • Body Position Games
    Purpose: Use interactive games to help skiers develop an effective body position and movement awareness.
  • Marathon Skate Drill
  • Purpose: Isolate and refine the skate ski push-off technique to enhance power and efficiency.


What to Bring

  • Clothing: Breathable layers suitable for outdoor skiing and clinic activities.
  • Gear: Cross-country ski equipment (skate or classic, TBD based on session focus).
  • Supplies: Sunscreen, water, snacks, and lunch (or funds to purchase lunch if available nearby).

Workshop Benefits


This workshop is an invaluable opportunity for new coaches and instructors to build their coaching toolkit while improving their personal skiing techniques. Through a combination of drills, games, and feedback, participants will leave the clinic with a deeper understanding of both the technical and instructional aspects of cross-country skiing. Let’s work together to build strong, confident skiers!

Read More

Instructor & Coach Development 2-Day Clinic

Written by The Brand Office
No comments
Categories: Professional Development
Instructor and Coach Development
2-Day Nordic Ski Clinic

Instructor and Coach Development
2-Day Nordic Ski Clinic

Objective:
This two-day clinic is designed to develop and enhance skiing skills and coaching abilities for instructors, both new and experienced at teaching. Participants will improve both their personal skiing techniques and instructional methods through hands-on practice, video analysis, and guided discussion.

Outline

Day 1: Skiing Skills

9:00 AM – Introductions and Goal Setting

  • Meet and greet participants
  • Outline objectives for the clinic and gather participant goals
  • Review and refine the day’s outline based on group needs

Classic Skiing Session (On Snow)

  • Warm-Up: Wax check, equipment review, and group warm-up
  • Fundamentals of Classic Skiing: (May include video analysis of participants for real-time feedback)
    • Activities (tailored to participant goals):
      • Body Position, Weight Transfer, Balance Exercises – Both dryland and on-snow practice
      • No Poles Diagonal Stride – Focusing on technique and form
      • Poling and Double Pole Technique
      • Diagonal Stride with Poles – Incorporating full movement
      • Uphill Herringbone Technique
      • Kick Double Pole (Optional) – Time permitting
  • 12:00 PM – Lunch Break / Group Discussion
    • Watch and analyze participant video clips as applicable
    • Movement analysis discussion and skill feedback

Freestyle/Skate Skiing Session (On Snow)

  • 1:00 PM – Warm-Up: Game-based warm-up and equipment review
  • Fundamentals of Skate Skiing: (May include video analysis of participants)
    • Activities (tailored to participant goals):
      • Body Position, Weight Transfer, Balance Exercises – Both dryland and on-snow practice
      • No Poles Skate – Developing glide and control
      • Double Pole Review – Emphasis on power and timing
      • V2 Technique
      • V1 Technique (Uphill Focus)
      • V2-A (Optional) – Time permitting
  • Downhill Skills
    • Snow Plow – Essential for control
    • Step Turn / Skate Turn – For varied terrain
  • 3:30 PM – Video Review and Analysis
    • Group review of participant videos
    • Discuss feedback, key takeaways, and progress from Day 1

Day 2: Teaching and Communication Skills

9:00 AM – Check-In and Goal Adjustment

  • Review participant reflections from Day 1
  • Outline and adjust the plan for Day 2 based on feedback
  • Can include indoor sessions on coaching to learning styles, individual feedback in group settings, and/or creating a learning environment that keeps clients coming back.  

Classic Skiing Session (On Snow)

  • Warm-Up Exercise
  • Teaching Skiing Fundamentals
    • Activities (tailored to participant goals):
      • Assessing Students and Building Trust – Observing and adapting to individual needs
      • Planning and Implementing Drills/Activities – Structuring effective lessons
      • Creating Meaningful Practice – Engaging participants in purposeful skill development
  • 12:00 PM – Lunch Break / Group Discussion on Teaching Techniques
    • Focus on teaching and learning styles
    • Discuss adapting instruction for diverse learning needs

Freestyle/Skate Skiing Session (On Snow)

  • 1:00 PM – Warm-Up Exercise or Game
  • Communication and Feedback Skills
    • Activities (tailored to participant goals):
      • How to Provide Effective Feedback – Focusing on clarity and encouragement
      • Practice Feedback with Peers – Simulated teaching practice
      • Lesson Reflection and Preview Skills – Wrapping up with reflections and next steps

3:30 PM – Final Wrap-Up

  • Reflect on the clinic’s outcomes
  • Discuss next steps for continued development
  • Collect feedback on the clinic and provide participant resources for ongoing improvement

Workshop Benefits:
This clinic is designed to be interactive, with hands-on activities, peer learning, and professional video analysis. Each participant will leave with enhanced skiing skills, effective coaching techniques, and new insights into both Nordic skiing and teaching.

Read More