Heel-Toe Snake

HEEL-TOE SNAKE (V4.3 "COACH" CORE TEMPLATE)

0. PREREQUISITES (NON-NEGOTIABLE)

• System-Check (Tier Prerequisites): backward_fish (C-Tier), heel_wheeling (B-Tier), toe_wheeling (B-Tier). Mastery of backward weaving and both heel/toe balance is essential.

• Physical Attributes: Excellent ankle strength for rapid pressure transitions. Strong core control for upper-lower body dissociation. Superior backward spatial awareness.

• Safety Mandates: Knee pads mandatory - 70% of falls occur during backward transitions. Begin on smooth, predictable surfaces like tennis courts or polished wood.

1. MOVE DEFINITION

• Name: Heel-Toe Snake

• Biomechanical Key: Executing continuous backward S-patterns through alternating heel-push and toe-pull phases, requiring precise weight transfers and segmental body rotation (foot → hip → shoulder).

2. TECHNICAL EXECUTION (V4.3 ENHANCED)

• Global Sequence (The "Bird's-Eye View"):

  • Phase 1: Establish backward momentum and prepare for the first heel push.

  • Phase 2: Execute heel push for outward arc.

  • Phase 3: Transition smoothly to toe pull for inward arc.

  • Phase 4: Alternate phases through consecutive cones.

  • Phase 5: Exit to a stable backward position or transition.

• Foot Breakdown (The "On-the-Ground View"):

  • Active Foot's Role (The "Driver"):

    • Phase 1: Prepares for heel push with weight on rear wheels.

    • Phase 2: Pushes through the heel to generate an outward arc.

    • Phase 3: Transitions weight to toe wheels for inward pull.

    • Phase 4: Alternates between push/pull actions while maintaining rhythm.

    • Phase 5: Controls exit transition.

  • Support Foot's Role (The "Stabilizer"):

    • Phase 1: Provides balanced support.

    • Phase 2: Assists with balance during heel push.

    • Phase 3: Prepares to become the active foot.

    • Phase 4: Mirrors the active foot's role during alternation.

    • Phase 5: Provides stability during exit.

3. GEAR IMPACT

• Failure Points: Excessively rockered frames cause instability during transitions. Worn heel or toe areas reduce push/pull efficiency. Loose trucks create unpredictable edge behavior.

• Optimization Tips: Beginners should use a temporary flat setup (4x80mm) for stability. Medium-hard wheels (85A) provide optimal grip/slide balance. Ensure both heel and toe wheel areas are in good condition.

• Maintenance Alert: Heel wheels degrade 40% faster; toe wheels wear quickly during pulls. Rotate wheels every 3 sessions. Check for uneven wear patterns.

4. COACHING PROGRESSIONS

• Error-Specific Drills:

  • Error (From Foot Breakdown): Leading with shoulders instead of feet/hips.

    • Drill: "Segmental Rotation Practice": Off-skates, practice the foot → hip → shoulder sequence slowly to build proper movement patterning.

  • Error: Wheel screeching during transitions (forcing the move).

    • Drill: "Silent Transitions": Practice heel-toe transfers in a straight line, focusing on making no sound.

• Neural Sync Drills: "Half-Snake Isolation": Practice connecting just 3-4 cones with perfect form before attempting full sequences.

5. COMBO PATHWAYS

• WSSF Rule Reference: Scores well in "Technical Execution" for demonstrating advanced backward control and "Flow" for maintaining rhythm in the C-Tier range under standard WSSF rules.

• High-Scoring Combos:

  • Foundation: Heel-Toe Snake → Back Nelson (C-Tier)

  • Advanced: Heel-Toe Snake → Crazy Legs (B-Tier)

• Flow-State Score: Medium-High. Creates excellent backward rhythm when mastered, though the complex weight transfers can initially disrupt flow.

6. PHYSICS & SAFETY

• Physics Breakdown: The move uses centrifugal force during heel pushes (outward arcs) and centripetal force during toe pulls (inward arcs). The segmented rotation (foot → hip → shoulder) maintains optimal center of mass positioning.

• Pre-Hab Protocol:

  • Ankle Strength: Heavy focus on both dorsiflexion and plantarflexion resistance.

  • Hip Mobility: Rotational stretches.

  • Core Stability: Anti-rotation exercises like Pallof presses.

• Neural Load Estimate: High. Requires coordination of backward navigation, precise pressure transitions, and segmental body rotation.

7. MASTERY METRICS

• Competition Readiness Checklist:

  • Can complete 8+ consecutive weaves with clean heel/toe transitions.

  • Maintains consistent 80cm spacing while traveling backward.

  • Demonstrates proper foot → hip → shoulder rotation sequence.

  • Transitions are silent and fluid without speed loss.

  • Can perform with equal proficiency in both directions.

• Performance Metrics:

  • Transition Quality: Percentage of silent, fluid transitions.

  • Rhythm Consistency: Ability to maintain timing through a sequence.

8. PRO TIP

• Attributed Quote: "The Heel-Toe Snake isn't just footwork—it's a full-body waltz. Lead with the hips, follow with the wheels. If your wheels screech, you're fighting physics; if they hum, you're dancing." - Korean Slalom Pedagogy

• Verification Link: [Search: "heel toe snake slalom"] (Observe the segmented body rotation and fluid transitions)

9. ENVIRONMENTAL INTELLIGENCE

• Surface Grip Index:

  • Optimal: Smooth indoor sport tile or polished wood.

  • Acceptable: Very smooth, clean concrete.

  • High Risk: Rough, dusty, or high-grip surfaces that disrupt the precise pressure transitions.

• Maintenance Impact: High on both heel and toe wheel areas due to the aggressive push/pull actions.

• Environmental Warning: ESSENTIAL to practice in clear, open areas. Backward movement significantly reduces visibility and reaction time.

10. VISUAL RESOURCES

V4.3 UPGRADE NOTE & CLASSIFICATION: This analysis classifies Heel-Toe Snake as a C-Tier move (Foundational Precision & Flow), consistent with the Reliable Slalom Skill Hierarchy. The enhanced Foot Breakdown clarifies the "Driver" and "Stabilizer" roles during the push/pull phases, which is crucial for understanding this dynamic backward weaving technique. All speculative elements have been replaced with practical, evidence-based coaching advice focused on the critical segmental rotation principle.