The “Forward Trap”: Why Getting Forward Isn’t Always Better

Are you actually too far forward when you ski? In this episode of First Chair, George Thomas talks with PSIA-AASI National Team member Kevin Jordan about the “forward trap”—and why the common cue to “get forward” can sometimes do more harm than good. Based on his 32 Degrees article, Kevin breaks down the difference between “pushing” and “pulling” in your turns, how overdriving the front of the ski can cause the tails to break away, and what it really means to manage pressure throughout the turn. From practical cues to real-world teaching applications, this conversation gives instructors a clearer, more effective way to help guests create better turn shape and ski performance. 00:00 Intro + Meet Kevin Jordan 00:46 The “Michael Jordan” Name Joke 01:32 What Is the “Forward Trap”? 02:15 Backstory: Pushing vs Pulling Concept 03:20 Why “Get Forward” Can Go Too Far 04:37 Coaching Cues and Misinterpretation 06:41 Defining “Pusher” vs “Puller” 07:04 What “Pulling” Feels Like in a Turn 09:29 Why Tails Break Away When Pushing 10:24 Carving, Edge Engagement, and Snow Interaction 13:37 Finding Center: Boot Flex + Movement Awareness 15:57 Teaching This to Intermediate Skiers 16:24 Practical Drills + Coaching Approaches 19:49 Managing Pressure Through the Turn 21:20 Releasing the Turn Effectively 22:07 Brachistochrone Curve Explained 25:09 Practical Cues + Self-Assessment 28:10 Applying Push vs Pull in Short Turns 29:30 End of Season + What’s Next