Archive | Coaches’ Education

MNC/TOKO Hands-on Wax Clinic 11/18

On Nov 18th 3:30 PM – 7:00 PM MNC skier and long time TOKO rep Dave Boucher will join forces with MNC coaches to lead a wax clinic and answer your base prep questions. We are tentatively scheduled to do this in the Walker Building at the range and are just awaiting approval from the National Guard. Please check the blog for updates.

Dave will do a brief demonstration on the basic techniques of base prep, glide waxing, and kick waxing at 3:45 and then again at 6:00. We will have benches set up so you can bring a pair of skis to prepare them for early season skiing. You must bring your own wax. We will have some irons, scrapers and brushes but if you have your own it would help. Be sure to put your name on anything you bring. Some coaches will be available to help and answer questions too.

MNC attends BK Coaches Clinic

By Adam Terko on 28 October, 2013 in BKL Race Blog, Coaches’ Education

MNC Members attend BK Coaches Clinic

On Sunday Oct 28th volunteer parents Peter Duval and Lisa Burt along with MNC coach Rick Costanza traveled to Plymouth, NH to attend a NENSA sponsored Bill Koch Coaches Clinic. About 60 coaches and club leaders from all over New England were there to share ideas and learn from of our regions most experienced coaches. By all accounts the clinic was a huge success. The always energetic Abby Weissman planed and organized this annual event which featured former US Ski Team Coach Pat Casey who is now coaching skiers at the Holderness School. Here is a list of topics covered.

Technique Competencies for Young Skiers by Pat Casey, Holderness Nordic Coach and former USST Coach

Building Fitness & Skills Through Game Play by Lauren Jacobs, Maine Winter Sports Center and former Craftsbury GRP Team Member

How to Encourage Healthy Competitive Attitudes with Kids That Want to “Train” by John Ogden, West River BKL Leader, NENSA Board Member, and Southern VT District Chair

Goal Setting & Program Planning by Jim Stock, Eastern Mass Bill Koch

Logistics of Running a BKL Program by Katc McNay Koch & Andrea Ogden, West River BKL

Incorporating Biathlon by Mary Anne Levins, NENSA BKL Committee Chair & Mountain Top Paintball Biathlon Organizer

Equipment and Waxing by Rick Costanza, Mansfield Nordic

Adaptive BKL Athletes by Patrik Viljanen, NENSA Adaptive Programs Director

US Ski Team videos/photos

By Adam Terko on 19 October, 2013 in BKL Race Blog, Coaches’ Education, Junior Blog

Sometimes it seems like we are just “playing games” on rollerskis. I take out my sidewalk chalk and cones and the athletes do slalom or figure-8’s to work on various elements of technique and athleticism. Well, below is a picture of women on the US Ski Team from Jessie Diggins’ blog… doing some of the exact same drills we do (and including the sidewalk chalk arrows!).

US Ski Team women working on agility out in Utah. Photo (C) Tom Kelly

And this video from US Ski Team member Noah Hoffman’s blog shows a lot of speed work. One of the coolest parts of the video is Andy Newell’s move at 0:33. He is in a pack of skiers and in one super smooth and incredibly fast motion he steps out from behind and moves to the side to overtake. See it at full speed at 0:33 and slow-motion at 0:41. Newell is in full black tights and shirt.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZaI6AHXldZg#t=46

World Championships Biathlon – FAST FEET DRILL

By Adam Terko on 10 October, 2013 in BKL Race Blog, Coaches’ Education, Junior Blog, Masters Blog

Pay attention to Martin Fourcade at 3:07 into the video. Note his incredible turnover and just how low he gets as he accelerates away from his competitors. Now THAT is how the fast feet drill should look!! Fourcade is clearly world class.