TOP TO BOTTOM DRILL


AIM:

To teach surfers the importance of being able to utilise the entire wave face on the waves they ride.


PREPARATION: 

Ask the surfers to go for a light jog on the beach followed by stretching exercises.

Clarify with them the effort expected by the coach and explain the benefits of the training to their surfing performances.


DRILL: 

  • Send the surfers out into the surf for 20 minutes or for a specific number of waves (between 3-6, depending on the conditions).
  • Ask the surfers to perform a bottom turn at every opportunity. Score 1 point for every bottom turn performed.

NOTES TO THE COACH

Every time a surfer performs a bottom turn this is usually followed by a top turn.

Every time a surfer performs a top turn they are scoring points.

This drill is used if a surfer tends to surf through the middle of the wave, neither hitting the bottom or the top of the wave (this is known as “racing”), therefore missing manoeuvre opportunities along the way.

Or if a surfer consistently performs their bottom turns above the bottom of the wave (they don’t reach the bottom of the wave before commencing the turn).