So we have been working hard on prepping for the H2Oz Pro Swerve which takes place on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday (May 30th-June 1st)-go to h2oskievents.com for more info. With all that is going on and the fact that most of you are now spending more time on the water than behind your computer I decided to keep it light this month. Check out some "Quick Thoughts" and "Quick Tips" for Late May/Early June.

I try to keep my ears open to things I hear form my students so that I can continue to learn and improve what I know. Below are a few quick phrases that I picked up from various people I have coached over the last month or so. I hope you enjoy, and please, if you have any thoughts of your own...send them my way.

"Don’t do it better, just do it again." (Steve Allen in reference to the fact that once you find the feeling, try to repeat it rather than always trying to over-exxagerate it.)

Desire can often beat a lot of talent (Mike Bray in reference to the fact that we all may have what it takes, but only those who have the heart to work diligently to accomplish a goal will truly excel. I agree whole-heartedly in both life and waterskiing.)

If you can get one, you can get ‘em all. (Drew Phillips when rationalizing the fact that he should be able to run his 32 off if he can get to one ball...kind of reminds me of the old football coach saying "if you can get your fingertips on the ball, you should be able to catch it.)

Oftentimes, I see people beating themselves up day after day trying to get better by doing the same thing over and over. Well, surely we all know that working hard on the wrong things will land you in the same place year after year. To work smart, you need to be able to step back and really focus on what you are practicing. Good coaching is a must, but reflection on your part is also very important. Get your brain involved when you’re off the water in order to analyze (not so much that you tweak yourself out of the game) what you are doing and make corrections for better results. Working smart, will keep you on a track of never ending advancement.

Over the years I have taken a great number of what I call "worthless sets." These are the ones where you go out and ski and ski fairly poorly and only realize how un-focused you are by about the 8th pass when you are too tired to go any more. Somehwat hypocritically, I would suggest that you take a moment or two to focus before each set in order to maximize your time on the water. This doesn’t mean that you have to over-think what you are going to do. It may be as simple as walking through some of the motions that you make on the water, or taking some time by yourself to warm up, stretch out or get motivated. However you do it, note the importance of being in the game when you hit the water. This will prevent you from wasting a lot of yours and your training partner’s time.

March 2008 Tips

"Winter/Spring 08-Don’t Give It To The Boat and Name That Line" Click here...

"Winter 08 Tips"-Click here...

"September/October-Dispelling Myths about Fin Setup"

If you want to see the videos of the rhythm drill from previous instructionals, go to www.waterskitrainer.com/news.php and scroll down until you see the videos.

"July 2007-Off Water Training and Warm Up and Whipping Drills Revisited"

"May-June 2007-Driving Tips, Stance, and Gear Check"

"March-April 2007-Slalom 101"

"December-January 2006/2007-Holiday Training Tips"

September-October 2006-"Style versus Physics, Fin Fundamentals"

June/July 2006-"Physics of Movement, Surefire Trick Runs"

April/May 2006-"Work Smart, Push-Retreat, Graphite for your Screws"

March 2006-"Whatchyou Lookin’ At-What’s the trick to where you look?"

Jan/Feb 2006-"Spring Training Tips, Gate Concepts, and Core Strength"

Fall 2005-"Tips on Trying new gear"

August/September 2005-"Lose your Connection, Lose your Direction"