Skill Level: Beginner – Intermediate
Summary: Want to improve your skiing before you hit the slopes? These 3 simple at-home drills help train your lower-leg mobility and balance control for better performance.
Balance Starts Before You Even Put on Your Skis
Skiing isn’t just about what you do on the slopes—it’s about how you train off them too.
Before you head into ski season, building lower-leg mobility and balance at home can make a huge difference in your performance.
The good news? You don’t need fancy equipment—just a chair, a wall, and a little space to move!
Drill 1: The Chair Balance Exercise (Push-Pull Training)
This drill simulates the push-pull movement you need for better ski balance.
How to Do It:
✅ Sit on a chair with your feet flat on the ground.
✅ Move your feet forward slightly (simulating the "push" phase of a ski turn).
✅ Then, pull your feet backward under your body (simulating the "pull" phase).
✅ Repeat 10-15 times per leg in a smooth, controlled motion.
Why This Works:
✔ Builds muscle memory for proper ski movement.
✔ Improves ankle mobility for better ski flexion.
✔ Strengthens the lower legs and core for balance.
Drill 2: Wall Lean Test (Balance Point Awareness)
This exercise helps you find your optimal balance point—a key skill for maintaining stability on skis.
How to Do It:
✅ Stand 6-8 inches away from a wall.
✅ Slowly lean forward toward the wall, feeling your weight shift onto your toes.
✅ Then, shift your weight back onto your heels (without falling over).
✅ Repeat this 10-12 times, noticing where your balance feels strongest.
Pro Tip: The ideal ski balance point is just in front of the heel—not too far forward or back!
Why This Works:
✔ Trains proper weight distribution.
✔ Improves ankle and foot control.
✔ Helps prevent leaning too far forward or backward while skiing.
Drill 3: The Soccer Kick Exercise (Lower Leg Activation)
This drill trains the lower legs to move independently of the upper body, just like in skiing.
How to Do It:
✅ Stand in an athletic position with feet hip-width apart.
✅ Imagine kicking a soccer ball forward in a smooth, curved motion.
✅ As you kick, focus on using your ankles and lower legs, not your whole body.
✅ Repeat 12-15 times per leg.
Why This Works:
✔ Develops ankle mobility and foot coordination.
✔ Strengthens muscles used in ski turns.
✔ Prevents stiff, upper-body-dependent skiing.
Bonus: How to Turn These Drills into a Daily Routine
Want faster results? Try this simple 5-minute routine before ski season:
Week 1-2: Do each drill 2x per week.
Week 3-4: Increase to 3x per week for better muscle memory.
Week 5+: Add a balance board or Bosu ball for extra difficulty.
Total Time Needed: Just 5-10 minutes a day!
Build Balance Before You Hit the Slopes
Balance isn’t just something you work on while skiing—it’s a skill you can train year-round.
By adding these simple at-home drills into your routine, you’ll:
✅ Improve ski balance & stability
✅ Develop stronger lower-leg control
✅ Feel more confident on the slopes
🎥 Watch Thomas break down ski balance techniques in action: YouTube Video