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Andy Newell's tips on how to a land a back flip on cross country skis
By Doug Haney // usolympicteam.com // November 10, 2005
Tip #1 - Find or Build a Good Jump Most tabletops at a Ski resort will do but make sure it has a nice steep landing or you might break your skinnies if you come down hard. There are no edges on XC skis, so icy conditions make it tough.
Tip #2 – Get Psyched Up Put on the headphones, turn up the Merle Haggard, and ski up to the jump to get the blood moving. Lifts are good for nothin' when you've got XC skis on.
Tip #3 - Getting Inverted When doing flips its all about commitment. Make sure you have enough speed and just go for it. Relax and float it out. Once you’re around, it’s easy just spot the landing and bring it on in. XC skis are so light its almost like you've got nothing on your feet so it feels just like your flying.
Tip #4 - How to Stomp the Trick Stomping it on XC skis is the fun part because it’s the most difficult aspect of the maneuver. Everything needs to come together...good snow, but not too much powder. Firm, but not an icy landing. Because our boots are built for racing there's not too much support so your balance needs to be right on as you come into the landing. When you really stomp it on the skinnies, there's no better feeling.
Tip #5 - How to Make it Smooth Cross Country skiing is all about having a smooth style. When racing it's very important to stay clam and relaxed on our skis, and going off jumps is no different. XC skis are built for speed and will run a lot faster than alpine skis in a short distance, so just point ‘em strait. Once in the air it’s all about smooth movements. There something a little different about shooting through the air with 190cm tooth picks on your feet, but that’s what makes it feel so free.
Tip #6 - How Not to Break Your Face I can’t guarantee that wont happen but just have fun with it.
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