How To Ice Skate! The Best Figure Skating Tutorial For a First-Time Skater

Hello Skaters! So happy you found my channel. Today I am giving you a tutorial for the first time skater, so that you can gain confidence out on the ice. If you are having fun learning and are ready to keep improving your skills, here are a few tutorials I think you might like...
To keep learning, watch this tutorial. You will learn how to do proper push and glide skating...
• Learn Figure Skating F...
This Tutorial will teach you how to skate backwards... • How to Ice Skate Backw...
This Tutorial will teach you how to stop in skates... • How to stop on Ice Ska...
This Tutorial will teach you how to do a basic spin... • Learn to Spin on Ice S...
This Tutorial will teach you how to do your first skating jump... • Learn The First Two Be...
Join my Patreon to get access to extra special content:
/ coachjulia
I would love to connect with you!!
/ julia.rodell
/ skatingcoachjulia
My Figure Skate Boots are Custom Harlick (If you order Your own boots from Harlick, let them know I sent you!) www.harlick.com
My Figure Skate Blades are MK Gold Star Revolution
Coach Julia has been skating (first on roller and then on ice) for over 30 years. She was a competitive skater until she turned 21 when she got her first contract as a professional show skater. Julia has been a figure skating coach for 15 years, is a USFS Gold Medalist in Moves in the Field, and an ISI Gold Level certified judge. She has held positions as the Skating Director of the largest skating program in the United States, as well as Head Coach at two different skating clubs. Julia has now turned her skills towards a larger audience and is bringing her love and knowledge of skating to all of you!

[@prettygang720]

I want to try ice skating so bad, I literally spend HOURS daydreaming about it and watching videos from years back and now of kids and adults doing their performances 😭

[@c222ng2]

do it.

[@kaleeyah5090]

ikr my mom keeps saying she'll take me but never does

[@prettygang720]

@@c222ng2 I want to, more than anything. But I lack so much in order to do it, I will for sure look into it when I’m able to! 😌

[@CoachJulia]

I hope you get a chance to try it out.

[@prettygang720]

@@CoachJulia thank you, I hope I get the chance as well 😭

[@nancypaul3524]

i like how you explained how best to fall. knowing that falling isn’t a bad thing stops you from fearing it and as soon as you lose that fear you gain so much confidence

[@ladypenelope6733]

The first thing i wanted to learn was falling :D And coach Julia made falling so fun :D

[@RU-qv3jl]

Is actually suggest finding somewhere quiet and practicing falling as suggested. It will quickly teach you that it doesn't have to be bad or painful. It's like when learning to juggle it's a good idea to deliberately throw the ball up and let it hit the floor. Do that whenever you get really frustrated and it will remind you that it isn't bad at all.

[@linyan9299]

I like coach Julia’s haircut and whole appearance and the way she teaches.

[@CoachJulia]

Thank you so much! I appreciate that!

[@meliclaros_]

hand placement- 1:25 how to fall- 2:35 how to get up- 3:15 how to stand- 3:40 how to glide- 5:00

[@ruslanadovhal]

Thanks

[@Bsainfailure]

Theres one difference that some people don't know about ice skating and roller balading\skating, it's that in roller skating you push with your toes and in ice skating you push with your inner parts of your feet.

[@bibihawa137]

More difference is you ice skate on ice and you roller skate on concrete bro me and my friends always have a fight about it😅

[@chrismcknight7164]

I'm 42 and have recently started learning to skate for the first time. What stopped me from learning before was not wanting to fall, hurt myself, and look stupid/be laughed at. What changed is: 1. I stopped caring what other people think so much (this may be age related!) 2. My 4yo son started going skating with my wife, who is an excellent figure skater, and I wanted us to go as a family So far I've been just three times, but am enjoying myself and didn't fall today :) I watched a fair few tutorials and this is the best I've seen! Thanks Julia

[@singleservingjack4547]

I started just this weekend, I'm 29 so kinda late to the game? But hey enough patience and I'm sure we going to be flying round soon. I fell flat on my butt in front of everyone, it didn't hurt close to what I thought it might, and no one acted like I was a fool. Keep it up man, never to old to start something new!! Goodluck! 👍

[@minealbayrak3712]

Omg that is so cute! I’m sure you are doing well now

[@amy.ilcsfm]

I'm 15 and I've always wanted to ice skate for fun, and I may actually be able to soon so I've been binge watching ice skating videos. This really helps me be prepared for what I'm going to learn! Thank you :)

[@vontayyuman4478]

same

[@svgrrs]

Yeah same

[@Anythingforyou11]

Samee 🌱😩

[@161cjl]

i am 15 going today.. well i've been there twice before but that was when i was really young

[@strwbrryk2185]

@@161cjl im 15 and i love watching figure skating so much and i want to try and learn but even though im still young it's embarrassing starting at 15 when most people learn when they are really young😭

[@AG-ur4dr]

Today I did my first hour of skating since I was a teenager (I'm 32). Thank you so much for these tutorials. Without it, I would be flat on my back the moment I've stepped on the ice. I've managed to do all the basics (+ forward swizzles). Your channel is gold! :)

[@CoachJulia]

Yay! Welcome back to the ice! I am glad I could make your return a bit easier!

[@elizabethstevenson7100]

I wish you had been my teacher 80 ago when I first put on a pair of skates--it would have saved me many falls on the ice. So impressed with your fun and easy to follow instructions.

[@CoachJulia]

Awe, that is so kind!

[@megmcphee7663]

I'm 69 and want to get through family skates without hurting myself or pride to badly. I have rarely skated over the years so I really want to learn to do it properly not just willy nilly. Enjoying your videos. Thank you so much for doing them.

[@fivebluelakes8948]

So happy I found this! I skated a lot as a kid and even did a few competitions but in 40+ years have only been on the ice maybe 5 times. Very nice tips which I had long forgotten. Also taking my grandkids out on the ice here soon, so these tips are great. Thank you so much. Some of my happiest moments were on the ice back home in Michigan and I'm looking forward to just gliding around one more time. Thank you, Coach Julia

[@CoachJulia]

So glad to hear that my tips have been helpful. I hope you have a wonderful time out on the ice again with your grandkids! That sounds like a lovely time.

[@shelleyzoe8254]

weeee!! me too!!

[@jisoo1571]

This makes me feel so comforted :( I really want to learn to skate and I live right next to an ice rink but I have pretty bad anxiety so I’m scared to go alone haha. Watching this makes me motivated to try and go though! Even though I feel like it’s too late, I think I can still become somebody who skates confidently! I don’t want to be the best or anything, it just looks like so much fun 🥺🥺

[@tiasnails3552]

Go! It is a bit weird at first to go alone but you get used to it and often times people there are supportive and will help you improve your technique!

[@CoachJulia]

Awe, you can definitely be someone who skates confidently. I know it is scary to go do something alone sometimes, but just think, that way you can concentrate on your own skills and not be distracted. I hope you get out there and give it a try.

[@trisomyhassaikai8403]

Hey, thanks for putting this out there. I'm in the same situation and I think I'm gonna face this now

[@hwangjung-hwa8908]

😇🥰☺thanks me too

[@h2rn2]

I’m 45 yo father, just started taking my 2 kids (14 yo and 6 yo) to a beginner class. I have to say that this vid really helps! Thanks Julia!

[@12mipa2sabiyanavril2]

im in a tropical country, its so hard to find an ice rink :( in my area there is an ice rink but its pretty expensive, especially on weekends. i've tried getting into the ice rink for the first time yesterday, i follow these steps and I CAN DO IT OMGMGMG im very happy, my dream has come true!

[@CoachJulia]

OH my goodness, that is so wonderful! I am so glad you had a successful skating experience!

[@EM-dx4hw]

Im a teen and Im really excited to skate. I went for two years and got an ankle injury so I couldn’t skate. Now about four years later Im ready to start skating again. Thank you so much, Coach Julia

[@akiolukban6645]

Good luck on the recovery my guy

[@luxspotting]

So cool and exactly how I teach my beginner groups! I can show them this video!

[@CoachJulia]

That is awesome! Thanks for watching.

[@ievacae]

thank you so much 😊 i’ve been learning to ice skate recently and bought my own skates and been going every week but it feels like i’ve had no progress and just can’t stop holding onto the wall, and everyone is so much better than me. i’m going to try everything in this video and hopefully i’ll improve some day it’s been really un motivating not progressing when i’ve been at the rink multiple times. 😅 you make it look so easy! edit: i’ve actually progressed a lot from when i commented this which was only two weeks ago! i’m able to skate without holding onto wall! and it actually isn’t that difficult i think fear was just holding me back. seems like after i wrote the comment the next day i progressed so randomly

[@guodaripinskaite6314]

Congratulations!! Very happy for you

[@yolandabritton3876]

I'm at the stage of your first paragraph. I feel I'm not making progress. Can't let go of the wall and i went several times now.

[@1AndreasKendu]

Thanks coach Julia. I just picked up my first ice skates ever and have so many of your videos saved to start my drills. Thank you so much!

[@CoachJulia]

So excited for you! I hope you really enjoy your experience learning this sport!

[@gustavoandrade2635]

Thank you! Very helpful!!

[@dextergray2840]

Thanks for the tips very helpful.

[@HuongPham-dm1ob]

Your Video is helful for me ! Thanks so much!

[@sinthyalloyd5421]

I am 41 years old and I am taking ice skating classes. With this tutorial I am soo much better. And I decided to practice in parking lot!! Guys try soooo much fun!!

[@CoachJulia]

That is awesome!

[@Aaron4309]

As an intermediate I'll say this: bend yer knees, always lean forward not back and youre pushing your skates to the side like swimming not walking.

[@janeynget3059]

I love your tutorial.

[@vairagya8530]

Beautiful... Way of presentation....

[@humairasiddiqa]

I would be starting my very first lesson next week and your videos are helping me to prepare myself mentally to fall and get back up. Thanks!

[@andrewhajdini539]

I want to thank you so much Coach Julia! I finally am about to begin my figure skating journey and your videos have already been so so entertaining! I can’t wait to finally be able to use your videos for help instead of simply watching for fun!

[@lmps6059]

Thank you so much! I just started ice skating class. I was so confused but you explained everything so clear.

[@zoeb1002]

In the very beginning in the reflection in the glass, that person was doing really good! And thanks for the tips!

[@heatherblasius7905]

Thank you so much. Was taking lessons with my 5 year old and didn't go very well. So now I am in adult classes and he will be getting less afraid of the ice and falling.

[@monicamcgrath1329]

I’ve been trying to skate for years and I think I’m getting better, just need a little confidence boost since I’m such a hesitant person but my brothers are hockey players so we are always at the rink I can’t wait to continue watching these tutorials to help me out ty!

[@lillycake42]

I’m super excited my dads gonna get me skate lessons at my towns rink !!

[@chuninho3179]

Like the way she teaches,she makes it seem so easy and graceful! Started taking my 3 and 5yr old for beginners classes and I keep on looking with envy at all the show-offs intimidating non skaters like myself! I'm afraid of spraining my ankle though as the older one gets,things take longer to heal! I hope I try some of these tips asap!

[@christinewang3048]

I started to learn with my 5year old, I fall every time for 5 weeks in roll, now I’m so much more comfortable on ice. Try it, it’s fun

[@tahminarahman6571]

Thats great 👍

[@innermostbeing]

At 42, I got an opportunity to join an ice skating class in St. Louis as we don't have a rink back in the country where I live. With Google, nothing is secret anymore and the reason for this comment is somehow through their algorithm they featured this video in my list as a surprise. Glad to learn from you coach. I enjoyed every bit of your session. I'll try these in my next session. You were clear, crisp, and slow in coaching that made me clearly understand the lesson. Summarising at the end was the cherry on the cake. Thank you so much for your free online lesson!

[@TheGeebify]

Thank you for this tutorial, can't wait to try these out!

[@CoachJulia]

Yay! I hope you have a great time skating!

[@Tuda2023]

Thanks a lot coach.❤

[@CoachJulia]

You're welcome 😊

[@00buck74]

Thanks Julia! I haven't skated since I was a kid and hated it because my ankles always bowed in and hurt. I'm going to try again tomorrow for the first time in 10+ years. I'm hoping to learn so I can play hockey and your video seems like a great first step.

[@doctorweed830]

i'm skating again for the first time in about 12 years so i really appreciate the refresher and i think it'll be useful when i hit the rink tomorrow - thanks a bunch!

[@rawsunnata829]

Thank you!

[@vanessapagani9814]

Thank you for your videos Coach Julia! You have been helping me a lot!🥰

[@CoachJulia]

You are so welcome!

[@RachelHeartsBenefit]

Thank you for this! I’ve been dreaming of learning to ice skate for years. I’m in my mid-20’s and I’m fairly active/healthy because I cross train with a lot of different activites and exercises but I’ve struggled with skating so much. Makes me scared like no other thing has before haha! Falling and the speed scare me. But my goal this year is to go to some public skate sessions and learn to be less fearful on the ice and do some self-teach KZbin lessons. Then, when I find time, take some adult beginner skating lessons at my local rink! Excited to watch more of your videos ❤

[@steencd]

You are sooo nice. Thank you. I am going to watch much more of your videos in the future.

[@CoachJulia]

Awe thank you. I hope you find them helpful.

[@christaschlegel2745]

I am 68 and recently started again with icescating after way more than 40 years. I love it! You can start again at any time. It's so much fun!

[@_jocelyn_shaw]

Your videos are so useful. I’ve never had a none helpful tip. Thanks so much! :)

[@CoachJulia]

Thank you so much for the positive feedback!

[@princessprincess7388]

My first lesson ice skating is starting later today. I'm so excited. Thank you so much for sharing this. ❤️ I always have an incredible desire to play ice skating with my kids. I feel left out each time I couldn't join them. Finally, I'm brave enough to register for this lesson. 😊 yay! Never too late!

[@anthonydolio8118]

Thank you coach. Great job.

[@CoachJulia]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@janetjames6803]

Great tips. Thank you so much for sharing Coach Julia🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾

[@CoachJulia]

You're so welcome!

[@windcoming2073]

Thanks for great teaching! I'm gonna try today😊

[@CoachJulia]

You got this!

[@illuminatedgalaxies7777.]

Glad I found this I skated as a kid and teen then have a thirty five years gap now I want to skate to again thanks a lot 💞🌹🕊️

[@CoachJulia]

You can do it!

[@meerabharathy]

thank you very much for your clear explanation. you are a good teacher. keep it up. thank you. I am 55 and begin to learn skating by myself. I watched some but your's is great. thank you.

[@fikaninaomigibson4534]

This was sooooooo helpful!!!! Thank you!!!!!💕

[@CoachJulia]

You are welcome!

[@Ellanl12]

So good!! Very nice teaching skills!! Also showing it again at the end, thanks for that! 🥇

[@CoachJulia]

Glad you liked it!

[@katrachofeliz1976]

Thanks for sharing

[@CoachJulia]

Thanks for watching!

[@madkittyjoey70]

I want to try ice skating! Ever since I read about Charles Schulz being an ice skater and playing hockey, I found such a subject interesting to learn about.

[@Inja101]

Wonderful teacher!

[@CoachJulia]

Thank you! 😃

[@angshi413]

Thanks for the tutorial video. Bought the balance ball, look forward to trying it!

[@CoachJulia]

Great to hear!

[@emmerbrothersandfamily7665]

wow its really big help for the beginners. thank you for sharing to us.

[@CoachJulia]

Glad it was helpful!

[@NikitReuter]

I'm 13 and have been skating almost my whole life ( on hockey skates) I've also played hockey in previous years but this year I really wanted to try figure skating! So I finally got figure skates and I don't know how to skate on them since I've only been on hockey skates so this is super helpful thank you!

[@MiniDoraemons]

So much fun and informative 🥰😇

[@CoachJulia]

Glad you think so!

[@kumikosachs4619]

This is super helpful for teaching Basic Skills for the older kids! Thank you ❤

[@CoachJulia]

Glad you think so!

[@twinklefruit1996]

Wow so much help for beginner, thanks

[@CoachJulia]

Glad to hear that!

[@humbledaisy]

Very clear instructions- so helpful. I’m an adult skate now taking the Learn to Skate classes and this was super!

[@CoachJulia]

So glad you found it helpful!

[@robertfalconouellette720]

I like the magic table. Very helpful for my friend

[@CoachJulia]

Glad you like it

[@eagles665]

Great video- so helpful- thank you!

[@CoachJulia]

Glad it was helpful!

[@simplehappiness65]

Great! I have subscribed and ordered a pair of skate, will try this summer. Thanks!

[@CoachJulia]

Welcome aboard!

[@chemicallyrandom6150]

I tried skating for the first time and when I was practicing the marching to get used to being on the ice, I kept hitting the toe pick. I also practice ballet, and I never thought about trying in first position. Thank you, gonna try this at the rink today.

[@RocioGutierrez-ri8ux]

Great class, thank you very much.

[@CoachJulia]

Glad you liked it!

[@ReyDev165]

Great info shared, am senior citizen doing ice skating here in Manila

[@MrPromerican]

Best tutorial ive seen.. ty

[@CoachJulia]

I appreciate that!

[@wanpenrakcheep1792]

I love your video so much, I will try to make it, thanks so much.

[@CoachJulia]

You can do it!!

[@allaboutthepaws7937]

Thanks! Really helped!!!

[@CoachJulia]

Glad to hear it!

[@jack_richman]

Just started skating and these videos are so helpful!

[@CoachJulia]

Happy to help!

[@gachamaniac3560]

Meh too

[@katiemarie7750]

Thank you ! 👏 *I've just SUBSCRIBED ! 🤗 I've been trying to learn for a long time, but never had proper instruction. Lol *I'm glad I ran into your video. I think these beginner's steps are going to help me a lot !!! 👏👏👏

[@CoachJulia]

Awe yay! Welcome to my channel! Glad you find it helpful!

[@katiemarie7750]

@@CoachJulia Yes. Thank you !!!

[@mscovaz]

Well done, coach! I'm a inline skating trainer and imho side falling is best to adults..

[@Amy-pf3xy]

I will do this and learn from your videos when I have access to a rink while also stretching for flexibility before taking classes! Thank you so much

[@CoachJulia]

You got this!

[@OLAA513]

thank you coach it was so useful 🌹

[@CoachJulia]

You're very welcome!

[@pamlambert5138]

Great teaching !

[@CoachJulia]

Thank you!

[@rosj9623]

Thank you for your teaching. 😊 For the first time I tried to skate today. Now for next time I will use your teaching. Thanks a lot. 😊

[@CoachJulia]

You can do it!

[@veronicasarahjanesie1297]

Thanks a lot for the tips...

[@CoachJulia]

My pleasure!

[@ellisyntucker1181]

I’m so glad I watched this today I tried skating and fell almost every time I tried to glide

[@sugarmountain9086]

This was very informative, I liked the tone of the video ❄️ I've never been skating but I'm probably going to watch all your videos lol

[@CoachJulia]

Awe, thank you so much!

[@jjasonliu]

This really looked like my skating Rick I went to the first time for class but this really helped me improve my skating a lot

[@mikeb7199]

Very helpful for beginner indeed.

[@CoachJulia]

Glad you think so!

[@deborahdurkee9795]

Really informative!

[@CoachJulia]

Thank you!

[@rowsanararuna2351]

Your video is so helpful

[@CoachJulia]

Glad you think so!

[@davidsolomon9684]

I used this to learn how to skate for the very first time as an adult. It was great. It helped a lot thanks.

[@CoachJulia]

I am so glad to hear that it was helpful.

[@sarahelizabethking3430]

Great video, thanks 😀👍👍👍

[@CoachJulia]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@gregglind]

Amazing video! Could you add this to your figure stating playlist OR make an “absolute beginners” playlist? I keep ending up at the forward swizzles video!

[@PrajaktaParabMusic]

Best video I’ve seen so far!

[@CoachJulia]

Thank you so much!

[@pippamathers]

I haven't been to ice skate in such a long time but it's good to know that there are others out there who haven't. It's good to relearn

[@CoachJulia]

I hope you find my tips helpful!

[@coachleif]

Great video!

[@CoachJulia]

Thanks!

[@j.c.turner823]

Thank you so much! I took my 1st lesson today , fell , got up and tried to do better.Your video really explained how to use balance ( FYI I am a dancer) vs just focusing on falling!

[@CoachJulia]

What great feedback! Thank you! Congrats on your first lesson and welcome to the ice!

[@rinisrilestari7865]

Terimakasih atas ilmunya

[@jsala08]

hard to believe this is for first-time skater. I'll definitely try this routine. Thx for sharing.

[@CoachJulia]

I hope you find it helpful!!

[@dreamer7102]

im going ice skating soon in a few days and this video is so easy to learn with 😊❤

[@CoachJulia]

Good luck!!

[@faisalarisandipratama6730]

Among other channel who teach about skating, you are the best. You explain the basic concept clearly that people could easily understand. And those concept (Forward Swizzle, Forward Stroking, Backward Swizzle, etc, I just watched your other videos too) are so complete that beginner could remember. All is perfect. 😅 But, I couldn't follow your tutorial. I could only move forward a little and know how to stand up after fall. It quite easy to get momentum and keep stabilize, using your suggestion, magic table. Hehe. I try it and it work. It might get people attention because I keep my hand in front of me like you do. 🤭 But I am struggling to stand up with only 1 foot. It seems like I couldn't make a pivot on my shoes, it kind of lean left or right, even if I tie it up tightly And also, I failed to perform dip shape. It seems like the shoes too high and prevent me to lean my foot in order to do dip. 😭

[@fharag5150]

Adorable coach! First Time in Canadá 🇨🇦

[@CoachJulia]

Thank you! 😃

[@fairoxxe2801]

My university just reopened the rink and I’m getting my own gears to get in the rink for the first time in my life. It’s pretty scary but this video is calming me down a little

[@youssefmoussaid1558]

I am beginner in ice skating. I see many videos before yours. But this is different. Thank you so much.

[@CoachJulia]

Happy to help!