When we learn to snowboard we focus on learning new movements and cementing those new techniques into our memory, but many of us forget about one area.
We also have to eliminate unneeded movements in our snowboard technique that make it harder for us to execute clean, smooth movements.
What are unneeded movements?
Unneeded movements are any movements which are not helping you execute a technique.
For example, if you watch beginners learning to snowboard, you’ll often see their arms flying all over the place when they turn their snowboard. Those arm movements are unneeded movements.
Another common example is watching people learning to spin. There’s arms, legs, hips and shoulders flying all over the place to try to get that spin around. Those are unneeded movements.
Why do I need to eliminate them?
Those movements work against you and make it harder for you to execute techniques such as turning, jumping and spinning.
Think of it like this. If you’re trying to write the word ‘snowboard’ on a piece of paper and you’re constantly shaking the pen as you write, it gets harder to write.
It’s the same in snowboarding. If you’re trying to turn or move your snowboard in a certain way and you’ve got hands flying all over the place or you’re throwing your hip outwards in weird movements, it’s only going to make it harder for you to actually execute each technique.
Not only will eliminating those unneeded movements make it easier for you to snowboard, but it’ll also help eliminate bad habits early, before they start to become a bigger problem later.
The key to eliminating unneeded movements
Don’t just focus on just memorising the new technique and movements. While you work on learning whatever new snowboard technique you’re working on, also look and analyse your current technique and find movements that aren’t necessary.
The easiest way to do this is video yourself and look for movements which are not part of the technique you were trying to execute.
For example, if I recorded myself making a toeside turn and it shows that I’m pointing my hip out for no reason, then I know that’s something I don’t need to be doing and I can eliminate that.
I know this sounds pretty simple, but it’s something a lot of us tend to forget when we’re learning new snowboard techniques.
One more thing…
You know all those times you recorded yourself snowboarding only to realize that you didn’t look as cool as you thought you would? That’s because all those unneeded movements make us look less in control. It makes our riding look jerky and messy.
Not stylish at all.
The benefit of eliminating unneeded movements is that not only will you execute techniques easier, but your style also gets better. You start to look more in control and your body starts to look calm and collected.
At the end of the day, that’s an awesome plus, because your riding improves AND you’re looking better on the slopes 
Good luck and happy riding.
- Jed
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