GB biathlon training - Lee Jackson

Rollerski technique drills

Roller ski racing

Army rollerski preparation days

Roller skiing is ideal preparation for Army ski teams getting ready for the cross-country ski and biathlon season. It provide a competitive edge on snow, helping to build up balance, technique and specific strength.

We offer 1-day and follow-up rollerski courses specifically aimed at ski and biathlon teams preparing for events such as Spartan Hike, and Ex Rucksack. Our instructors can travel to sites around England, with all equipment required.

Aims
We introduce both skating and classic rollerski techniques, taught specifically with reference to skiing on snow. Skiers learn the essential principles of both techniques, and there is a focus on balance and co-ordination.

Our Army courses have the potential to save skiers several days' worth of training on snow.  Doing a session or two in October / November gives skiers' muscles the chance to recover and build up before arriving on snow.  This allows quicker absorption of skiing concepts and technique from the first day on snow. 

Our way of coaching
We begin with walk-through drills on grass, quickly followed by rollerskiing on tarmac. We do a lot of balance drills on rollerskis, games, and keep moving continuously - skiers will learn mostly by doing - skiing and general balance muscles will be challenged.

We normally start with skating technique, when legs are fresh, as this requires greater balance initially. Classic technique will follow in the afternoon / post lunch session.

Skiers are given homework - things to work on in the run up to arriving on snow. The courses offer a chance for skiers to ask questions to experienced instructors, to help in their preparation for the on-snow exercise.

Our team & equipment
We have an excellent team of rollerski instructors and modern, high quality rollerski equipment. Three of our team are international cross-country ski racers and experienced instructors:  Alan Eason GB, Cross-Country Skiing;  Adam Guzda, POL, Biathlon; Mantas Strolia, LTU, Cross-Country Skiing. 

We have a maximum number of skiers per instructor of 10, and have enough equipment for 30 skiers. We've been involved with teams including 16 Medical Regt, Logistics Support Reg (Alan, on snow), HAC and Exeter University OTC.

Venues
There are many circuits ideal for rollerski training around the UK.  We can come to Army barracks, and venues including Aldershot (Eelmoor Driving Circuit) / Windsor (Dorney Lake) / East London (Hog Hill) / West London (Hayes) / Wiltshire (Castle Combe) / North Wales (Marsh Tracks) / Kent (Cyclo Park Gravesend) / any Army barracks with good tarmac tracks.  We travel with our van full of equipment to chosen venues.

Costs
£25-£35 per skier, depending on numbers / venue / equipment required.

If you would like to more information, or to make a booking, please contact Iain Ballentine, iain@rollerski.co.uk 020 8348 2540 or Mantas, mantas@rollerski.co.uk 07445 346662.