The Pole Swing
A consistent pole swing in the direction of travel will help maintain balance, rhythm and flow from turn to turn. This is especially helpful in steeper terrain and variable conditions where balance is constantly challenged.
Fundamentally, the pole should swing in conjunction with the turning of the skis. Although the pole and ski move at the same time they do not necessarily move in the same direction. Depending on the size and outcome of the turn, the pole swing will deviate from the direction of the ski somewhat to accomplish what is desired.
When a skier is comfortable with the terrain and conditions, he/she remains relatively balanced and the pole swing may be insignificant to his/her control. But when you see his/her balance challenged by terrain and conditions his/her pole swing is late and/or inefficient.
The skier in clip one initially keeps the pole swing moving down the hill in the general direction of travel. In the middle of the run he allows what should be his swinging pole/arm/hand to get behind and break the flow from turn to turn. The reason for stopping the swinging action may have been a result and reaction to loss balance, but being disciplined to continue the pole swing will make recovery much easier.
