Pole position (excuse the pun)

After just spending a week in france working hard on my technique (picked up from this forum of course) I thought I was progressing reasonably well. I can handle most slopes and ski at a speed that I feel comfortable and in control. However towards the end of the week, some of the group told me that I was throwing my ski poles around like a mad man, much to their amusement! This led to think about how I position my poles while skiing. There is a lot of talk and discussion about the pole plant and when and how you do it. I don't recall much (if any) discussion about what to do with your poles the rest of the time.

What should you do with your poles after the plant and what position do you hold them in? or does it really matter as long as you don't poke someones eye out!!

you could always just ignore your mates and tell 'em that it works for Bode so it'll work for you

haha, yes I did ignore them, but did not think of as good a reply as that one. mental note...

There is an excellent exercise all ski instructors know, to teach skiers correct pole position and correct hand position!

You see pole position and hand position are very much interrelated! Think of the pole like a "indicator" of your correct ski technique.

One of the major indicators of an expert skier is "those quiet hands"! What does that mean?
Arms and hands are steady, moving very evenly and softly! More like caresses!

The poles should be parallel close to body, pointing downward towards snow surface!

All that waving with poles is lost energy! Is dangerous to others and to you! You will soon find out ! It indicates how you are constantly moving about your upper body!

Pretend you are carrying a tray with one half full glass in the center! Now ski in this manner. This is still a common certification test for ski instructors! Really! They are given a plastic tray with one plastic glass with wine half full! They must ski down an expert run without spilling wine!!!!
All who fail must pay other instructors some wine!!!

Try this other exercise. Take poles and place them on your palms which are facing to heaven! ( UP)! Now ski never allowing poles to fall off palms! Note I said palms NOT fist,,thus poles are free moving!
This will teach you to have 'quiet' hands and also quiet torso!!!

PS. Bode Miller is Bode! Unique, special! Always on the edge..... Nobody skis like him,,even the top ski racers of all other nations!
Do not even try to ski like him!!!

What is the purpose of poles apart from push you along and stopping you from falling over on a green run?

Iceman wrote:

What is the purpose of poles apart from push you along and stopping you from falling over on a green run?  

I didn't say it

Trencher

Thanks Pavel for offering the tip.

Iceman wrote:

What is the purpose of poles apart from push you along and stopping you from falling over on a green run?  

IS that a serious question or a wind-up? If it's serious, I'll give you an answer.