Intensification of the process of alpine skiing teaching through training on inline skates

The purpose of this research was to assess the influence of introductory inline skating training as regards the future learning of alpine skiing. Participants were divided into two groups of students from the University of Athens during the years 2012-2015. Group A (111 persons) was trained on inline skates prior to a ski camp at the Parnassos Ski Centre (simulation of the basic technique of alpine skiing), while group B (117 persons) participated in the camp without any prior inline skating training. All study participants were beginner skiers. Both groups (A and B) got the following time-based tests: 1. The “Haczkiewicz triangle test” (on a blue ski slope), 2. The “Slalom test” with seven gates (on a red ski slope). The statistical analysis was conducted with F-test and ANOVA test (F = 0.004 < 0.05) for independent samples in order to determine differences between mean values of a common variable (the time of performing each test) for both groups. The difference between times in the “Haczkiewicz test” and the “Slalom test”, achieved by students who got inline skating training (group A) and students who did not participate in it (group B), was statistically significant. Teaching the basics of alpine skiing technique on inline skates has a beneficial influence on the effects of training and should be applied in order to increase the effectiveness of alpine skiing teaching.