Taking corners at high speed is an essential skill for all avid downhill skateboarders. Taking corners at high speed PROPERLY and executing proper lines is also very essential. From past to present, we've seen styles begin to evolve from foot braking to... well pre-drifting. There are many ways for us to slow down and take on a corner, but my favorite way personally is balls to the walls side ways and gripping into the apex. Here are some tips for your pre-drifting:
1) Square your shoulders towards the apex (or the direction you are going).I cannot stress this enough. Keeping your shoulders squared to the direction you want to go will prevent you from over steering or sliding out into a 180. In the photo above, I am executing a toe side pre-drift. Note my shoulders and the direction of my board.
2) Make sure the hand you are putting down is placed in front of you (pretty much adjacent to your front wheels)Putting your hand out forward will also help prevent your pre-drift from turning into a pendulum. When you put your hand down, it acts like an anchor point for your slide. When you pendulum, the full 180 motion is caused mainly from your hand placement being center. When you place your hand more forward, your slide is limited, therefore you will NOT go into a pendulum if done properly. Practise putting your weight forward when you pre-drift. Note my hand placement in the photo above.
3) 65/35 (hands/feet) Weight Distribution When you begin your pre-drift, make sure you have about 65% of your weight on your hand. The 35% of weight on your board will be just enough for you to regain your traction once you fully execute your pre-drift. This way your board won't just slide out from under you and/or you will not high side from forcing your board too much into a slide.
4) Extend your rear legs When you have the 65/35 down, you will find it really easy to control the amount you pre-drift. Using your rear leg as a directional/sliding mechanism is easily controlled by simply extending your rear leg. You will eventually understand the synchronization of weight distribution and your leg extension when you finish executing your pre-drift and re-grip. Note my rear leg in the photo above.
I hope this helps you guys out. Adjust this for heel side pre-drifitng, it's the same sort of deal.
