National Skills Assessments continue to develop next generation

The upcoming National Skills Assessment at Mt Hotham is part of the program Ski and Snowboard Australia are delivering in a bid to assist young athletes in their long-term development.

A total of six National Skills Assessments have been scheduled for season 2018 across all five major ski clubs as part of SSA’s commitment to provide greater access to the program.

Within the assessments, SSA aims to provide valuable information and feedback to the athletes, the five major clubs and coaches.

By placing a greater emphasis on athletic skill development, the national assessments align with the SSA purpose of supporting snowsport athletes and developing champions.

The athletes and clubs are guided by Alpine Program Director Mick Branch as well as Craig Branch and Shawn Fleming.

Craig is a three-time Winter Olympian for Australia and has most recently been coaching at European and World Cup levels.

Shawn is currently the Head Coach of the Olympic Winter Institute of Australia (OWIA) Ski Cross Program, which has allowed him to attain valuable insight into the Australia’s high performance pathways.

Director, Mick Branch said the assessment is a highly valuable tool as part of the athlete pathway.

“The data collected is powerful in helping athletes better understand their strengths and opportunities for improvement.

“In conjunction with their club coaching staff and the National Development Coaches, strategies for developing fundamental skills can be implemented to enable athletes make improvements during the season,” he said.

The National Skills Assessments are open to athletes from all disciplines, however if an athlete enters with anything but a SSA Alpine membership, they will occur an additional cost.

Registrations for the next SSA Assessment will be held across two days beginning this Friday, July 6 at Mt Hotham close today, sign up here.

To view all upcoming National Skills Assessments dates and locations - click here.