If you don't have safe railroad tracks to practice on, suggestions for
alternatives are below.
180 Hops
Backwards
Walk
On
and Off Railing
One
Leg Box Jumps
One Leg Hops
Running
Both Sides
Running on
Box
Running on
Rail
Running
on Railing
Running Side
Running
Towards
Shuffle
Side Hops
Walking Lunge
Staying on
Track
Off-Season Training to Improve Balance for Snowboarders
by Jean Sapula
Balance
is a key component for snowboarders to being able to ride rails and to
keep your snowboard on edge. An easy way to practice, and build
yourskills is as easy as walking down a railroad track. Don’t have
anyrailroad tracks in your neck of the woods? Try using a low wall,
curbing or fence, as pictured in the video clips.
A low
fence is a good starting point, keeping it easier and safer. Progress to
higher fencing and more narrow walls. Or make your own rails. Shop
your local lumber yard for some nice 2x4 or 4x4 inch posts. Try to
purchase the longest possible length that can be carried in your car or
truck. Partially bury, or secure the length of lumber, which will
insure it staying stable, as you leap across it.
Walking,
jogging, leaping and hopping develop dynamic body balance, used for rail
slides. Start with a simple walk down the rail/lumber, with arms out
from your side, like a tight-rope walker. Try not to look down at your
feet, rather focus your vision about 10 feet ahead, towards the end of
the rail. As you improve, you will use your peripheral vision, as you
focus more on a point on the horizon ahead of you.
For all
the skills shown on the video, there are many more variations, let your
imagination be your guide.
Walk
forwards/backwards on rails, side shuffle, squat, one legged squat,
lunges, both forward and backwards. Hop from railroad tie to rail, to
tie, to rail, etc…for the ultimate trick…jump and land across from one
rail to the other and stick it.
Only
increase the difficulty of tricks when you really own each trick and
perform it well, without loss of balance, when repeated, time and
again. Amping it up a level, now attempt to leap onto the rail from a
180, then 360. Do the same coming off the rail too.
Foot
agility is practiced when running on only the railroad ties, or
alternating from rail to tie and back again. Wear flat-soled sneakers,
such as tennis shoes, as opposed to running shoes, which tend to slip
off the rails and increase the risk of ankle sprains. Overall, be safe,
look and listen for trains, don’t use active train track routes while
wearing your ipod.
