Member of the Month

abjectwoe
May, 2025

Online

Welcome to the Newschoolers forums! You may read the forums as a guest, however you must be a registered member to post. Register to become a member today!

540 - getting frustrated

profile picture
Vani
Posts: 6 - Karma: 85
Hi

I've been doing 360 since march 2014 and im pretty good at them now. my problem is the 540. i've been trying it for motnhs now, but i just cant get my legs to go over 360. My upper body, head and arms are already turning but my legs are always stopping after 360.
Can anybody give me some tips?

Cheers
10 years ago
83 14
profile picture
Vani
Posts: 6 - Karma: 85
since march 2015* not 2014
10 years ago
3 0
profile picture
Zurg
Posts: 1530 - Karma: 5,171
Try spinning a bit harder. Its all being committed. For me when I try harder to spin, I spin slower so just try to not rush the rotation.
10 years ago
0 0
profile picture
Mr.Bishop
Posts: 22738 - Karma: 77,008
VaniHi

I've been doing 360 since march 2014 and im pretty good at them now. my problem is the 540. i've been trying it for motnhs now, but i just cant get my legs to go over 360. My upper body, head and arms are already turning but my legs are always stopping after 360.
Can anybody give me some tips?

Cheers


COMMIT.

I can't express how much most tricks are about commitment. If you're stopping at 3, you're probably only actually trying to throw a 3 on takeoff and hoping for 5. You need to fully commit to 5.

Its like a relationship - if you hold back your emotions, its never going to work out. You need to commit, even if it means opening yourself up to getting hurt.

Are you afraid of landing switch? Can you do 180s?
10 years ago
18 0
profile picture
milo-mcsenderson
Posts: 661 - Karma: 9,335
I am very new to spins but I found with my 3 that I had nailed it on a small lip I knew well and landed my first one on.

Then when I went into the park it was as if I had never landed it before and I cranked up the speed I hit the jump and kept myself forward.

Not entirely relevant but I just had to commit and I landed it on the last run of my trip.

Good luck, hoping I will be moving to 5s by the end of the season at least
10 years ago
0 0
profile picture
Vani
Posts: 6 - Karma: 85
thats the thing, while skiing towards the kicker, im pretty sure that im gonna do a 540. i keep telling myself aswell. so im actually comitted to it, its just after the 360, i legs wont do shit :/
i think my 180s are alright, i also thought that thats the problem, so i practiced them today on small and medium kickers. i landed them all, but im just not feeling too comfortable landing backwards. im not scared of falling (I'm used to that now haha) but not being able to see where im gonna land, because its backwards, is a little weird..
10 years ago
2 0
profile picture
asdfpijeoafsdsk
Posts: 29 - Karma: 117
It really helps to practice spinning on normal ground (not snow). Try getting it to the point where you can do 630s or 720s. Keep your arms tucked in to you sides and make your body stiff. If you can keep you body stiff and your skis with you upper body, you should be able to bring it to a 5.
10 years ago
0 0
profile picture
jakeordie
Posts: 665 - Karma: 3,281
Mr.BishopIf you're stopping at 3, you're probably only actually trying to throw a 3 on takeoff and hoping for 5. You need to fully commit to 5.



If you're just learning 5s, you're probably on a smaller jump than the ones you see in edits and stuff. In your head, think about doing 3 on the way up so you can spot your landing super early and have plenty of time for the last 180 to come around.

Then when you've got the rotation down, go to bigger jumps and you can float the spin steezier.
10 years ago
1 0
profile picture
EClay46
Posts: 2499 - Karma: 69
Vanithats the thing, while skiing towards the kicker, im pretty sure that im gonna do a 540. i keep telling myself aswell. so im actually comitted to it, its just after the 360, i legs wont do shit :/
i think my 180s are alright, i also thought that thats the problem, so i practiced them today on small and medium kickers. i landed them all, but im just not feeling too comfortable landing backwards. im not scared of falling (I'm used to that now haha) but not being able to see where im gonna land, because its backwards, is a little weird..


There ya go chica, gotta work on that switch. How is your switch skiing? You should be able to ski backwards down pretty much any run, I had the same issue with landing backwards, you just have to get comfortable with being in that position. Start practicing your switch skiing and get to the point where you can bomb blues and you should be fine.

When skiing backwards you are going to use an entirely different technique. You must open your hips to allow yourself to see where you are going and learn to initiate your turns.

take it slow and easy at first, maybe start out on flat ground and just practice the technique

look over your right shoulder and slide your right hip back and left hip forward (uphill) allowing your right ski to track out in front of the left. This will initiate a turn to skiers right(lookers left/your left shoulder)

now shift your hips the opposite way, left hip back right hip forward (uphill) initiating a turn to skiers left(lookers right/towards your right shoulder)

Now just put it together, and you've got it!

Usually the trouble comes during the transition of turns, for a split second you will be skiing blind, this however is just a mental block, (people like to see where there going, go figure) Start out on an uncrowded beginners run and go for it, you won't have to worry about running into random obstacles or picking up to much speed while your not comfortable in your technique. try to keep it smooth and glide through these turns

I can tell you skiing switch is one of the most enjoyable things in skiing and it will open up a whole new world for you! have fun!
10 years ago
2 1
profile picture
Mr.Bishop
Posts: 22738 - Karma: 77,008
Vanithats the thing, while skiing towards the kicker, im pretty sure that im gonna do a 540. i keep telling myself aswell. so im actually comitted to it, its just after the 360, i legs wont do shit :/
i think my 180s are alright, i also thought that thats the problem, so i practiced them today on small and medium kickers. i landed them all, but im just not feeling too comfortable landing backwards. im not scared of falling (I'm used to that now haha) but not being able to see where im gonna land, because its backwards, is a little weird..


One thing you should try is skiing backwards a lot more. The subconscious fear of backwards can really trigger the idea that even though you *think* you're setting for 5... you're actually trying to stop at 3 because you're scared.

Go to the bunny hill. Go to green runs. Ski the entire thing switch. Chairlift to chairlift, all switch.

The more comfortable you are with going backwards, the less your 'lizard brain' stops you from landing backwards.
10 years ago
1 0
profile picture
SofaKingSick
Posts: 9736 - Karma: 65,744
Mr.BishopCOMMIT.

I can't express how much most tricks are about commitment. If you're stopping at 3, you're probably only actually trying to throw a 3 on takeoff and hoping for 5. You need to fully commit to 5.

Its like a relationship - if you hold back your emotions, its never going to work out. You need to commit, even if it means opening yourself up to getting hurt.

Are you afraid of landing switch? Can you do 180s?


this is great advice, and when i first started park, this was the key to my fixing the same problem you have

all i can tell you is set the spin knowing youre doing a 5, not 360 + 180. i have good news, too: landing switch is great, and some will argue is actually easier and more comfortable than landing forward. once you do it once, or even crash doing it, i think youre going to go "okay now i get it"
10 years ago
3 0
profile picture
EClay46
Posts: 2499 - Karma: 69
Oh yeah two more things:
work on shifties, and make sure you spot over your shoulder.

do some ones and try to keep them slow, turn your body while leaving your skis pointed downhill, then shift your skis to catch up with your bodies rotation.

-------

Make sure you are looking over your shoulder, do you grab? lead tail grabs really help getting those 5's around. (spinning left, grab left tail with left hand, spinning right, right hand to right tail)

-pop and spin off the jump, make sure you turn from your hips and shoulders.
-as you spin, look over your shoulder and extend your arm back on the same plane as your shoulder, which should follow your line of sight. (your arms should be in a T)
-spot your tail, and bring it up to your hand by pointing your toes(skip this step if you don't feel comfortable grabbing)
-look over your arm and shoulder until you spot the landing.
-once the landing is in sight keep your head pointed at it and let your body catch up to complete the 5
10 years ago
4 0
profile picture
Vani
Posts: 6 - Karma: 85
Thanks for the great tips. I havn't really skied switched yet, so I'm def. gonna try that tomorrow :) so, at the point before you even land the 540, you are already looking over your shoulder ?
10 years ago
0 0
profile picture
SchnackD
Posts: 48 - Karma: 289
Mr.BishopIts like a relationship - if you hold back your emotions, its never going to work out. You need to commit, even if it means opening yourself up to getting hurt.


Damn Bishop you've had a dark past.
10 years ago
14 0
profile picture
Tony2urnt
Posts: 216 - Karma: 212
try a switch 5 first
10 years ago
1 0
profile picture
TheBigApple
Posts: 1169 - Karma: 488
I accidentally did a 540 once and then they were super easy after that, and throwing a 7 is even easier. Fuck now I want to go ski just thinking of that feeling
10 years ago
2 1
profile picture
270on420out
Posts: 7524 - Karma: 51,324
I always think to myself "OK don't stop spinning until 540 degrees no matter what"
10 years ago
3 1
profile picture
mikemoose
Posts: 53 - Karma: 543
Its like a relationship - if you hold back your emotions, its never going to work out. You need to commit, even if it means opening yourself up to getting hurt.

[/QUOTE]

Damn, shit got deep.
10 years ago
1 0
profile picture
boppin
Posts: 111 - Karma: 308
If when you try to 540 you 360,
you just have to try to 720 and you'll 540.
Easy.
10 years ago
2 0
profile picture
JJ.
Posts: 183 - Karma: 669
THEDIRTYBUBBLEI always think to myself "OK don't stop spinning until 540 degrees no matter what"


Same.
10 years ago
1 0
profile picture
tris10radeka
Posts: 267 - Karma: 665
I don't really know how to help with this, because the 540 really just sort of happened for me. I had been pulling 3's off of anything i could find, and even doing them when i wasn't skiing, and then i started to do a lot of 270's on and off of rails because they were really fun (still my favorite trick) and then one day i built this perfect kicker into powder behind my condo, and i decided to just huck the biggest spin i could do and i ended up spinning 720 and face planting, and then i was really excited and decided to dial it back a little bit and i landed it. i did a bunch more and then i tried it in the park and i went from there. my advice is just do a lot of spins, and work on your control and will come eventually
10 years ago
1 0
profile picture
tris10radeka
Posts: 267 - Karma: 665
TheBigAppleI accidentally did a 540 once and then they were super easy after that, and throwing a 7 is even easier. Fuck now I want to go ski just thinking of that feeling


like i said, it should just sort of happen. it dd fr me and this guy anyway
10 years ago
0 0
profile picture
.R-Lohin
Posts: 1686 - Karma: 117
Mr.BishopCOMMIT.

I can't express how much most tricks are about commitment. If you're stopping at 3, you're probably only actually trying to throw a 3 on takeoff and hoping for 5. You need to fully commit to 5.

Its like a relationship - if you hold back your emotions, its never going to work out. You need to commit, even if it means opening yourself up to getting hurt.

Are you afraid of landing switch? Can you do 180s?


This. You'll be throwing 5s off any little knuckles and jumps in time you just need to commit to letting your legs go with the flow and open up at the right time so you arent over /under spinning. Yea, you might bail a couple times and jump bails are never easy, but over time you'll learn to catch that 5 when u feel it come around. I learnt landing switch way better with rails
10 years ago
0 0
profile picture
EClay46
Posts: 2499 - Karma: 69
VaniThanks for the great tips. I havn't really skied switched yet, so I'm def. gonna try that tomorrow :) so, at the point before you even land the 540, you are already looking over your shoulder ?


I'm trying to visualize this right now, haha

Every time you do a trick you have to realize there will be some variance, it all depends on how you come around, since your having trouble getting all the way around as it is, you will probably still be looking over your shoulder but if you have enough air to where you come around before you touch down you may need to adjust where you're looking to keep from over rotating.

You've gotta just get out there and do it, only so much we can give you online. Before you hit the jump visualize yourself doing the 540. Stand up at the drop in and take a second to go through the process. Imagine yourself skiing in, bend your knees and extend your knees as if you were popping off the jump and rotate your shoulders and look. Do this motion a couple of times, see and feel yourself doing the trick, then drop in and stomp that shit.

You've got it!
10 years ago
1 0
profile picture
e_watt
Posts: 27 - Karma: 94
Have you tried buying Full Tilts?
10 years ago
2 3
profile picture
theabortionator
Posts: 52612 - Karma: 174,454
Turn your head.

IF your head stops and focuses on the landing you stop spinning.

Another thing is trying to spin more level. Try to whip side to side more than jumping the spin. With a 180 or 360 you can jump it like if you were doing it on the ground without skis. For bigger spins just focus on a nice level prewind and then release side to side. When you come around 270-360 don't stare at the landing, try and look back at the takeoff.

Idk, for me those were my two biggest problems.
10 years ago
1 1
profile picture
Pac2
Posts: 800 - Karma: 3,042
0kay i had the same problem dude the trick is dont turn your head like these people say and try not to wind up a whole lot because that will send you into a cork, i learned that from jake mullers video. ease up the jump set your t a little wound up but dont wind it up, its hard to explain but basically set your t or arms perpendicular to the jump without actually winding them up, almost like pre winding your arms that helps me spin fast, next your gonna wanna literally jump off the jump this is often referred to as popping. swing your arms a bit and stay straight if you can then once you get them down you can throw in some style. its really a lot of commitment you have to really go for it and throw your body harder than a 360 and stay tucked for longer. here is a video that really helped me get spins down. While this may not work for you it helped me a lot so its worth a try looking over your shoulder in my opinion always throws you off axis. https://www.newschoolers.com/videos/watch/753922/Pt--2--How-to-360-on-skis
10 years ago
1 1
profile picture
theabortionator
Posts: 52612 - Karma: 174,454
kryptonic0kay i had the same problem dude the trick is dont turn your head like these people say and try not to wind up a whole lot because that will send you into a cork


I feel like this is totally wrong but I guess to each their own. Different things work for different people. IMO most peoples biggest problem is that they stare at the landing at 270 and stop spinning by 450 max. If you turn your head you'll keep spinning even if you touch down 450 and slide it around switch.

Also even with 360s people struggle because they don't spin, they just jump. You can hop a 180 on the ground easy with your skis. Any bump just jump with a 180. Anything 5 or bigger I feel like getting a nice level side to side spin is the most important thing.

Also nothing will send you into a cork other than the way you throw yourself and sometimes the type of jump you try it off of.
10 years ago
0 0
profile picture
FrenchFry
Posts: 969 - Karma: 3,432
K so honestly i basically just carve pretty hard and as soon as you take off you really turn your head too 360 as soon as you can and once your body starts to catch up just keep looking but your body should start to slow down if you see your landing. Throw in a little shifty and you're good togo
10 years ago
1 0
profile picture
EClay46
Posts: 2499 - Karma: 69
kryptonic0kay i had the same problem dude the trick is dont turn your head like these people say and try not to wind up a whole lot because that will send you into a cork

ease up the jump set your t a little wound up but dont wind it up, its hard to explain but basically set your t or arms perpendicular to the jump without actually winding them up,

looking over your shoulder in my opinion always throws you off axis.


wtf are you talking about...
10 years ago
0 0
profile picture
APunx176
Posts: 1189 - Karma: 2,628
Mr.BishopCOMMIT.

I can't express how much most tricks are about commitment. If you're stopping at 3, you're probably only actually trying to throw a 3 on takeoff and hoping for 5. You need to fully commit to 5.

Its like a relationship - if you hold back your emotions, its never going to work out. You need to commit, even if it means opening yourself up to getting hurt.

Are you afraid of landing switch? Can you do 180s?


To add on to this (and sorry if it's already been said) you are probably getting to 360 in the air and you dont mentally think that you can get it around so you are opening up to not go ever a 3.
10 years ago
0 0
profile picture
skiP.E.I.
Posts: 7961 - Karma: 23,221
If you can stomp a switch three first, the 540 will likely feel more natural. Also try to keep knees tucked up as you are initiating the final 180, so your whole body is moving more as one unit.
10 years ago
0 0
profile picture
Pac2
Posts: 800 - Karma: 3,042
EClay46wtf are you talking about...


did you watch the video? he explains it perfectly. i mean yeah you turn your head to spot your landing but i never really look over my shoulder.
10 years ago
0 0
profile picture
Pac2
Posts: 800 - Karma: 3,042
AlsoKnownAsI feel like this is totally wrong but I guess to each their own. Different things work for different people. IMO most peoples biggest problem is that they stare at the landing at 270 and stop spinning by 450 max. If you turn your head you'll keep spinning even if you touch down 450 and slide it around switch.

Also even with 360s people struggle because they don't spin, they just jump. You can hop a 180 on the ground easy with your skis. Any bump just jump with a 180. Anything 5 or bigger I feel like getting a nice level side to side spin is the most important thing.

Also nothing will send you into a cork other than the way you throw yourself and sometimes the type of jump you try it off of.


true but i mean watch the video its one of the first things he says and jake is pretty good so he knows what hes talking about but whatever works for you i guess i just noticed when i was learning how to spin that the more i tried to look over my shoulder the more i would land in the back seat and what not because it would make my body lean back more so when i kept my head straight up and down and in between my shoulders it helped me stay up right and land cleaner.
10 years ago
0 0
profile picture
qyleberry
Posts: 788 - Karma: 2,211
When I first tried one I purposely tried for just spinning a 3 and then try to add the 180. That probably makes no sense, but what I mean is I didn't try to huck it, I spun the 3 realized it, then turned my head and arms more for the 180, like they were different tricks with a slight delay in between them..

After I got that I hucked it and I landed cleaner.
10 years ago
0 0
profile picture
EClay46
Posts: 2499 - Karma: 69
kryptonicdid you watch the video? he explains it perfectly. i mean yeah you turn your head to spot your landing but i never really look over my shoulder.


Why would I watch a video explaining how to do a 3 if I'm already here explaining how to do a 5.

Just watched your video, and that kid was landing backseat on all of those 3s anyways.

looking over your shoulder is fine, the only reason you would go off axis would be if you looked over and in the process dropped the shoulder. As mentioned in my post I said to keep your arms/shoulders straight in a T
10 years ago
0 0
profile picture
TheButterHashira
Posts: 9691 - Karma: 1,702
Maybe you need the right piece of snow to cheat a 540 on first. I learned how to spin initially on side hits and the ones on the right side of the slope I could take off on my left edges and whip small spins around just to get the feel for doing the trick.

A lot of times doing a 3 on a big jump can result in you having to do a 5. I think starting small is the better approach but doing it big is definitely faster.
10 years ago
0 0
profile picture
Emma_Watson
Posts: 4491 - Karma: 6,798
Tony2urnttry a switch 5 first


i tried for a sw5 and went sw inverted 3.







op


try a switch 5 first.
10 years ago
0 0
profile picture
Pac2
Posts: 800 - Karma: 3,042
EClay46Why would I watch a video explaining how to do a 3 if I'm already here explaining how to do a 5.

Just watched your video, and that kid was landing backseat on all of those 3s anyways.

looking over your shoulder is fine, the only reason you would go off axis would be if you looked over and in the process dropped the shoulder. As mentioned in my post I said to keep your arms/shoulders straight in a T


no need to get defensive lol i respect your opinion, but you would watch the video because its just is a good guide for learning spins thats all, Regardless of what you think about "that kid" he can do dub 10s so i mean he knows a little about spinning. I think its funny though because you totally contradicted what you said about not watching the video since you know how to do 5s.
10 years ago
1 0
profile picture
TRPD
Posts: 26 - Karma: 270
Pretend your throwing a 3 on a jump that is smaller than the one you are actually hitting. That way you'll bring it around and if your'e having commitment issues your'e not actually committing to a 5, you are just tricking your brain to bring it around a faster 3. Worked for me... Also they are easier on a bigger jump because you have more correction time in air. Good luck!
10 years ago
0 0
profile picture
mr-mcsteeze
Posts: 487 - Karma: 1,103
Mr.BishopThe more comfortable you are with going backwards, the less your 'lizard brain' stops you from landing backwards.


Vani confirmed lizard people

ALL HAIL THE LIZARD OVERLORDS
10 years ago
0 0
profile picture
Colby_eubanks
Posts: 72 - Karma: 647
Just commit and "Send It"
Try popping off the jump a little harder and spinning a little harder!
10 years ago
0 0
profile picture
littleman34
Posts: 1405 - Karma: 4,256
Colby_eubanksJust commit and "Send It"
Try popping off the jump a little harder and spinning a little harder!


Pretty much. I landed my first 5 Second or third try. Just huck it and keep trying
10 years ago
0 0
profile picture
_Ryan_
Posts: 1538 - Karma: 3,192
I went 3 seasons in a row not spinning past 360.... Here are my main pointers because as soon as i broke the barrier i was throwing 7's no problem.

#1 is commitment... It's hard for someone who isn't committing to understand what full commitment is. As i said, this was the case for me about all of park skiing, the year i fully nutted up is the season i improved rail and jump game tenfold.

#2 when coming up the to the lip i like to throw my upper body before coming off the jump.. pretty much just preloading by starting your twist before you leave the jump, this causes the whipping motion that makes your feet follow.

#3 when learning it helps to look in the direction you're spinning but won't make landings easy, it can cause overspinning. In my opinion when you learn its best to overspin, just huck it off a smaller jump so you don't injure yourself in any serious way.

#4 get comfortable with floating your jumps and threes more. Its totally possible to do a 360 without actually being loose and comfortable in the air. Get used to straight airing big jumps and not flailing or anything, just being totally confident coming up and all the way through.

Good luck
10 years ago
0 0
profile picture
robotdna
Posts: 1232 - Karma: 2,959
Tony2urnttry a switch 5 first


Some find switch tricks considerably harder, but she could try.
10 years ago
0 0
profile picture
fghtoffyrdmns
Posts: 3003 - Karma: 6,957
robotdnaSome find switch tricks considerably harder, but she could try.


yah thats terrible advice
10 years ago
0 0
profile picture
EClay46
Posts: 2499 - Karma: 69
kryptonicno need to get defensive lol i respect your opinion, but you would watch the video because its just is a good guide for learning spins thats all, Regardless of what you think about "that kid" he can do dub 10s so i mean he knows a little about spinning. I think its funny though because you totally contradicted what you said about not watching the video since you know how to do 5s.


Come on kid(lol). I watched your video after you said "did you even watch my video:'("

I wasn't getting defensive, I just told you how it is. I didn't watch your vid, because why would I? I'd already explained and so had many others. I checked it because you complained, and regardless of whether or not that id can do 10s he was landing back seat. Just because you can do a bunch of tough tricks doesn't make you a good teacher. In fact it probably makes it harder to teach, once you know how to spin you don't even have to think about a three or you may have forgotten the basics because it comes so natural.
10 years ago
0 0
profile picture
Pac2
Posts: 800 - Karma: 3,042
EClay46Come on kid(lol). I watched your video after you said "did you even watch my video:'("

I wasn't getting defensive, I just told you how it is. I didn't watch your vid, because why would I? I'd already explained and so had many others. I checked it because you complained, and regardless of whether or not that id can do 10s he was landing back seat. Just because you can do a bunch of tough tricks doesn't make you a good teacher. In fact it probably makes it harder to teach, once you know how to spin you don't even have to think about a three or you may have forgotten the basics because it comes so natural.

Dub 10s*

Not following your logic but what ever floats your boat.
10 years ago
0 0
profile picture
Rennis_Deynolds
Posts: 2739 - Karma: 19,059
lock your knees back when you land
10 years ago
1 0
profile picture
EClay46
Posts: 2499 - Karma: 69
kryptonicDub 10s*

Not following your logic but what ever floats your boat.


who cares man, everyone can dub now.

done.
10 years ago
0 1
profile picture
Swandog7
Posts: 4957 - Karma: 9,033
Mayne try a triple cork? The rotation I'd very similar
10 years ago
0 1
All times are Eastern (-4); Currently it's 9:06PM