TIP OF THE MONTH This page brings the latest tips and techniques to improve your water-skiing. Benefit from the experience gained from teaching top professional skiers. JANUARY 2000 In slalom skiing, many skiers have great turns that put them in a good position as they finish the turn. However, this strength is short-lived, as the skier's power position will be lost as soon as the rope becomes tight and the pull from the boat increases. Typically, the shoulders will rotate toward the boat {i.e. when going from 1 to 2 ball, the left (rear) shoulder will come forward}. From here, the skier has given in to the boat and the boat is pulling the skier down course, rather than the skier going across the course, and out in-front of the next buoy. The skier goes straight at the buoy, with great speed, and very little chance of slowing down and making a proper turn. If done correctly, the skier will ski in front of the next buoy, giving him enough time to slow down and make a nice, controlled turn. To correct this problem, several drills can be exercised. The skier can try to keep the handle horizontal through the wakes by pressing "down" on the left hand. An effect of the left shoulder coming forward is the left hand becoming higher than the right. For another exercise, the skier can turn his head and look across the lake rather than at or beyond the next buoy. Many top coaches disagree with this technique, however, for a beginner, I feel it is a great starter exercise. I even believe it is applicable to more advanced skiers. In my opinion, if a skier looks across the lake, he will ski across lake, rather than directly at the next buoy. It's a nice feeling then look up and see the buoy well in front of you, while you get ready for that next turn.