Fig. 46.
These two methods are none the less distinct for the fact that the “Sats,” as made by most jumpers, is a combination of the two.
By using the first method you will be far more certain of landing at the proper angle, but will barely increase the length of your jump; by the second you will be able to lengthen your jump to the utmost possible extent, but will find it exceedingly difficult at first to regulate the forward tilt accurately.
You had better, therefore, begin by practising the first method only, and keep to that until you can jump with accuracy and certainty, when you can little by little exchange it for the second one.
In order to make the “Sats” by the first method, you have, from the crouching position of the first pair of figures, merely to bring your body and thighs into line with the legs from the knees downwards; for in the crouching position this lower part of the legs is already inclined forward at about the angle at which you will have to land.
In straightening up, therefore, be most careful to keep your legs below the knees, and also your feet, absolutely motionless.
When in the crouching position make sure that your knees are forced forwards to their utmost extent, then try to imagine that they are being held immovably in this position, and that your heels are fastened firmly down to the skis. This will ensure your making the straightening movement of the “Sats” from the knees upwards only, and, if you bring your thighs and body exactly into line with the motionless lower part of the legs, will also ensure your landing at about the correct angle, or even slightly more forward, which will not matter.
As you straighten up, swing your arms forwards and upwards to help the movement, which, when you are used to it, you must try to make so smartly, and even violently, as to be almost instantaneous.