This is the second of three videos of a Chris Conte lesson at the 2009 G2C Extreme Super Camp. In thefirst part, Chris discussed flow and important body positions. In this part of the lesson, Chris extends the discussion to flow in jump combinations.
At the beginning of this video, Chris uses the word “slowtation” as his skater has an awkward double flip that barely gets around. Chris focuses on alignment and releasing tension. He also mentions “Odie” whom we’ll see in action in video 3 of this series. (Odie is a $1.99 inflatable duck. The name comes from the Koreans that train each summer in Fairfax. Odie means duck in Korean.)
Chris has his skaters perform a “Russian twist” exercise for developing natural rotation at the beginning of the jump. Chris says, “You need to get everything to turn naturally – right hand connects to left.” In the “Russian twist” exercise, notice 2 important things. First, the skater takes the right hand to the left hand. And second, notice how still the skater’s head is during this drill.
This would be a fantastic drill for you to steal for your skaters!
Notice Chris’s focus on being relaxed and having natural movement. He says, “Easy means that you’re aligning yourself with the laws of nature and physics.”
Here’s another great quote. “We’re out here to get technique so refined that we don’t even think about technique and we can create art.” Amen.
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2 responses to “Grassroots To Champions Skating Camp: Private Lesson – Part 2 (Chris Conte)”
Great lessons! Loved the explanations – right to the point – thank you!
I love the last quote, too! I am so intrigued by a lot of the language that was used, but I am only teaching single jumps. I would love to see the same technique using Odi on single jumps. What is meant by “toe is easier if you let it climb first?” Also for toe, “through and up before you try to turn it over.” And one more, “pivot point of landing on six count.” WOW, I just might have to take a trip to Virginia and sit in on some of your lessons. This was awesome. Thank you so much!