How to Teach Kids to Ski Tether

Everyone needs training wheels when they start a new sport. Kids in particular learn in a variety of ways and adaptive learning equipment facilitates the process. Many kids are still developing or fine-tuning their motor skills, and equipment can assist them in learning proper form. Some ski instructors use tethers as a way of guiding children through the early learning stages of the sport; they can be very effective in slowly introducing the sport to children who have never been on skis.

Instructions

    • 1

      Assess their abilities. What type of athletic ability does the student possess? Once you become aware of that, constructing an objective per lesson becomes easier.

    • 2

      Customize your lesson. Be aware that every student learns differently. Some students may want to take their time, while others may be more adventurous. Take their personalities into account when developing a learning strategy.

    • 3

      Be flexible. If your student has never experienced snow, the first lesson will probably be an introduction to adapting to the weather, putting on equipment, getting her balance and learning to glide. If your student has experienced snow before, he may want to jump into his skis right away. Devise a lesson plan for a variety of students.

    • 4

      Strap on the tether. Attach the tethers to the ski boots and hold on to the straps.

    • 5

      Adjust the straps. Shorter straps allow the instructor more control over speed and turns. Longer straps provide less control.

    • 6

      Demonstrate stance and position. With kids, it’s easier to show them proper form instead of explaining it or giving them a pamphlet. As you step onto the snow instruct them as to how they should stand and what their body should do as they move or turn.

    • 7

      Begin on a flat surface. Use the tethers to pull the child from the front. This allows the students to familiarize themselves with the feel for the skis. It helps them to find their balance, adjust their frame to the motion and feel the sliding sensation.

    • 8

      Try a few turns. Pull from the front of the skis and guide your student through a few turns. The tethers help the students slowly change their body position to the movement and permit them to feel the turn.

    • 9

      Progress to a short, gentle slope. After familiarizing them with flat terrain, move onto a slope. The tethers should be attached to the back of the ski boots and used to control downhill speed. Explain that they must use a wedge stance as they begin their descent.

    • 10

      Begin drills with short leash. As you start teaching each exercise, whether on flat surfaces or slopes, begin with a short leash. This allows for maximum control. As the lessons progress, extend the leash so that the students gradually learn to control balance, speed and turns.

    • 11

      Remain consistent. With enough practice the children will learn to maneuver in the snow easily and with confidence. But this takes practice. Encourage your students to come to practice on a regular basis, so that they become familiar with the drills and can advance easily.