Trouble With Double Crazy and Stroll

[ChakaKhan]

So, I've discovered these tricks are, for me, harder than they look. My main issue right now is losing momentum. I get through 2 or 3 foot changes before I'm not really moving anymore. I'm guessing there's something I'm missing when watching videos of the tricks. Can anyone offer some tips? Thanks.

[GregT]

Originally Posted by ChakaKhan

So, I've discovered these tricks are, for me, harder than they look. My main issue right now is losing momentum. I get through 2 or 3 foot changes before I'm not really moving anymore. I'm guessing there's something I'm missing when watching videos of the tricks. Can anyone offer some tips? Thanks.

In freestyle, 100% of you momentum is generally generated when you "fall" from one foot to the other. In other words, almost always in this discipline, you should have all your weight on only one foot. When executing a move, you will have "counts" or "beats" on which you will transfer your weight from the current weighted foot to the other foot. This weight transfer will give you all the momentum you need, propelling you forward in the trick.

However, this concept of a singled weighted foot and constant weight transfer on a beat is different than skating most people are used to. Therefore, it takes a while for your body to learn the concept. However, once you have it, you become a true freestyle skater, and you will find yourself using very little energy for the tricks, with greater style and "floatiness".

It is best if you can learn this technique in a class or from some other, more experienced slalomer. If that is not an option for you, I can give you a few tips to start with:

1) keep your knees well bent during tricks. This will allow your legs to work as pistons and give excess leg length needed for each "fall".

2) Practice the weight transfer technique on an easy trick initially. I suggest "front cross":
a) When "crossing" your feet before a cone, weight your lead foot (the
foot closest to the approaching cone).
b) when "uncrossing" your feet after passing the cone, weight your
trailing foot (the one that passes the cones last).
c) there should be a definite 1-2, 1-2, 1-2 beat to the trick as you
weight lead foot, then trailing foot, then lead foot, . . .

Crazy is a trick that gets MUCH easier once you have the weight transfer down. If it feels like work, you are doing it wrong.

Once you get the weight transfer concept down, your freestyle will really improve and be more fun.

good luck!