Success in Adopting Technique of Alpine Skiing with Respect to Motor Abilities of the Children Aged 7-8 Years.

The aim of this research was to determine relations between estimated motor abilities and efficiency of alpine ski learning in children ski beginners. It included 54 children between 7 and 8 years of age (average 7.44 ± 0.52 years). Children were tested for balance, agility, strength, coordination and frequency of movement on ten motor ability tests. After motor abilities were assessed, participants learned alpine skiing during six-day alpine ski school and upon completion of ski school program, were tested on three elements of alpine ski technique (stopping in a snow-plough, uphill turn and turns around the posted marks) by three independent judges. According to achieved level of ski knowledge, they were allocated to three groups differing by the level of success; less successful (N = 18; 26-44 points), moderately successful (N = 11; 45-48 points) and successful (N = 25; 49-55 points). Significant differences in success of adopting basic ski technique were noticed with respect to the results achieved in the task polygon backwards (F = 6.162, p = 0.004), foot tapping (F = 6.337, p = 0.003) and crossed arm sit-ups (F = 3.099, p = 0.053). The participants who successfully adopted the basic ski technique also achieved good results in tests: polygon backwards, foot tapping, crossed arm sit-ups, side steps, balancing on left leg perpendicular on balance board, vertical jump and medium results in tests 20m dash and balancing on right leg perpendicular on balance board. Our results suggest that successful participants have better developed coordination, frequency of movement, strength and agility.