N O W B O A R D IN G - Special Olympics

Special Olympics Snowboarding
Coaches Quick Start Guide
Toeside Falling Leaf
Once the athlete has become familiar with the falling leaf movement utilizing the heelside edge, begin to practice the
movement utilizing the toeside edge.
Important! Please remember to take extra care when teaching the toeside falling leaf. While performing the
toeside falling leaf, the athlete will be traveling with his or her back facing downhill, increasing the risk of potential
injury. Achieving success with the heelside falling leaf may make the athlete anxious to rush into trying the same
movement on the toeside. Be careful to start slowly and progress as the athlete becomes more comfortable with the
movement.
Begin with a review of the balance progression, and practice with a straight toeside side slip. When the athlete has
re-familiarized himself or herself with the side slip motion, begin to have him or her experiment with applying pressure
in the same manner that was used while performing the falling leaf on the heelside.
Teaching Points – Toeside Falling Leaf
1. Start with knees flexed, eyes up.
2. Begin with pressure on the toeside edge, equally with both feet.
3. Have the athlete slowly shift the weight toward the nose or the tail of the snowboard, looking in the direction of
travel.
4. Release heel pressure SLOWLY; snowboard will begin to move downhill in a diagonal direction.
5. The movement of the snowboard should be a smooth, flowing motion.
6. Once the athlete is comfortable, have them move in the opposite direction.
7. Continue alternating directions down the hill.
NOTE: For Drills refer to the Full Snowboarding Coaching Guide at www.specialolympics.org
36 Snowboarding Quick Start Guide- March 2008