Figure Skating Progress: Coach Explains Skill Progression & Timeline

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[@KatasticD]

This! All of this...! Thank you so much for emphasizing the fundamentals of skating for all levels. It's so critical for skaters to understand why mastering the basics sets them up for success. Love the rest of your content, too!!

You are so welcome! Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@IngebhorgdPizarroKrause]

You started again at 40!?? Wooow, what an inspiration :D I'm 30 an I feel so old to start, haha, this gave me great motivation! Thank you!!

Yes, I came back to skating at 40! You got this!

[@MobiusMinded]

I’m gettin my first new pair of boots soon. I stopped around ‘77. I turn 62 in March.

[@lizjansen2496]

Same. I had the cheapest coach who didn’t insist on focusing on the fundamentals. While I became fairly good considering I skipped some steps, there are certain elements that I’m embarrassingly bad at. Stopped when I was 15, wasn’t serious, hated competing, resumed when I was 35. It came back, but I’m afraid to practice correctly now that there’s a lot more injury risk.

Try to practice conservatively until you get more comfortable again 😀 You got this!

[@coldservings]

The way I use tutorial videos is threefold: First, a lot of things get thrown at me in class and it's hard to remember it all even long enough to jot down notes at the end of class. Various tutorials are a big help on reminding me of what we went over in class so that I can focus on that in my practice between classes. Second, the coaches online often use a somewhat different approach to a particular element than does my coach in class. Sometimes that different approach is just what I need to help something "click" that I'm having difficulty with. Third, I'll sometimes use them to give me a bit of a "heads up" on what the next things are going to be, not to replace instruction by my own coach to but by seeing what's coming I can figure how what I'm doing feeds into it. For example, so many of the upcoming things rely on good, solid back outside edges (Waltz 8, for example, in Pre-Free-Skate and needed for the Pre-Bronze MITF), that I've been working a lot on getting my back outside edges (back inside, too, but the BOE needs the most work) solid so I can hold them for an extended time.

Yes, that is precisely why online tutorials are good. However, (and unfortunately) many skaters use them to skip ahead to things that they are just not prepared for. My point is that there is a proper skill progression and skaters do themselves a disservice if they skip to things before they are ready - it can result poor quality and injuries. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@coldservings]

When I'm teaching swizzles, I take a couple of minutes to show them how the motion is fundamental to so much basic skating. Swizzles, then one-sided swizzles (c-cuts), then half a one-sided swizzle picking up the foot and bringing it in (forward stroking). So mastering the swizzle lays the groundwork for much of what's going to come after.

Exactly! That's why it's so important to work on those basic skills and master them!

[@yulemoon]

I'm not sure if you'll come across this comment, but I wanted to thank you for your videos. They've really helped me understand everything about this sport a lot better. I started skating 3 months ago around mid August, I knew nothing! But since I have the resources I go 3-4 times a week for 2 hours each and now I'm practicing my lutz jump! II have almost all my spins as well.

You’re welcome! Thanks for watching!

[@deirdresversion]

Your message is so important. My attitude is the main reason why I left competitive figure skating as a teen. I could do advanced spins all day, but I couldn't and wouldn't take the necessary steps to perfect my simple jumps in order to land my axel properly. I saw everyone around me land it before me and grew to take the sport. Fast forward 15 years, I am now 28 years old and going back into the sport. I signed up for the most basic lessons, even though I know how to skate still, I know I need to perfect the basics if I want to eventually land my axel. I want to make 13 year old me proud!

That's so awesome! Thank you for you sharing your story!

[@ariane51000]

Thank you for your video here and others telling about MITF tests.Best wishes from Finland. I just found your site and channel.I'm 63 and been skating really last four years. Your point about basics is so good. Same in mathematics: if the base is not good you have difficulties later. Our Figure Skating Union's official tests differ quite a lot - your tests are clearer. happy new year 2022 to you, Aime'e. --Anu from Finland :)

Glad it was helpful! I'm surprised to hear that U.S. tests are more clear as many skaters here find it confusing! That's great that you're 63 and skating! My skater Monica is 61 and just passed her first free skate test yesterday after passing her first two Moves in the Field tests last year! Happy New Year, Anu!

[@ariane51000]

@ , I find Finnish tests quite simple to understand, but your tests are so good starting with good basic forward stroking. Here is Finland Skating Union basic test 1 kzbin.info/www/bejne/pmjOaWdjnq2mbsk

[@noorallawati5390]

Me watching GOAT Yuzuru and looking forward to be effortless as he makes it look. Oh waw i watch all the 3 channels mentioned hahah. I am currently working on my basic skills, trying to be more at ease with them. My turns are wobbly and im nervous to do them with speed. Just managed to do basic forward crossovers

Best of luck to you!

[@flacateracotta4553]

Just wanted to say your videos are super helpful and informative! I’m a roller derby player that just started on the ice and it’s really helped in so many ways.

I’m so glad to hear that! Thanks for watching!!

[@CaraMarie13]

I was actually thinking about skipping adult basic 3 since I am taking private lessons on the side since I learned basic 2 moves with him while in basic 1. Now that am in basic 2 and learning basic 3 with my couch, I can see the benefits of still doing the LTS classes because my rink has a couch and junior coach in each class and they really hone in on how to improve or point out if you can do something but not doing it well. I want to get my basics down and the repetition of the LTS classes is great.

[@anikaparker1077]

Excellent. This video has answered many of my questions.

Glad it was helpful!

[@fayevibar7560]

Hi Coach Aimee! I really love your videos and you're really one of the coaches I look up to and sort of quality control my coaches too to make sure they're teaching me the right skills. I'm a beginner adult skater that transition from inline skating to ice figure skating and I am very very careful with the fundamental basic skills as it's difficult carrying on a bad habit and want to have that top quality fundamental skills with me. I really love how you emphasize these basic skills and that these are essential key components for performances as well. You're really awesome in explaining all the nuances of Figure Skating. Much love from Philippines! ❤️

Thank you for your thoughtful comment, Faye! Basic skating skills are so critical to future success!

[@avantimaharaj2386]

I absolutely love this video - sincere and straight from the heart - thank you ❤

[@aomandersen3419]

Thank for this topic. Good explanation for my daughter who want to master double jumps but didn’t realized other things else she should do to promote her jumps skills. 😊

You are so welcome!

[@linbelejacobsen5037]

I really loved this video. I need one on learning metodology as well. So my coach is pushing us to do so many advanced moves, but I am still struggeling with the 3 turns. I have been loyal thinking it will bring strength and understanding in the end. However its so demotivating doing all the advanced stuff like flip and toe loop really bad over and over again. We are a big group with many different levels, and I am thinking of quitting and only do 1 private lesson a month and then work alone in between. I am an adult skater returning to the ice after 35 years... My learning progress on other fields has been best when moving slowly making as few errors as possible and the muscle memory seems to work way faster. At this point in my skating journey I am hating the classes and having little to no progress... So frustrating, I need to change things up to fit my learning journey. But not sure how. Today (alone) I did about 40 repetitions of inside and outside 3 turns, same yesterday. It is progressing slowly.

I'm so glad to hear that you loved the video! Often in group classes, coaches have to teach to the mid-level of the class to keep the majority engaged. Of course, this is challenge when you have skaters in a wide variety of levels. However, it sounds like what your coach trying to do with your group class. Unfortunately, its just not possible to meet every skater in a larger group exactly where they are and the entire group effectively. Private lessons could be more effective for you. However, only one lesson of month may not give you the results you're after as working with a coach on a more regular basis would provide you with more efficient corrections. Are there lower level group classes that you enroll in?

[@linbelejacobsen5037]

@ Yes actually there is. There is a group for complete beginners, and that was where I started this September, but in the second session, I was moved up to this intermediate group. In this intermediate group, many skaters are at my level, they are also not able to do the basics. :) The group also has fairly advanced skaters, so I think you are spot on. Our instructor is going for something in the middle. I think my effortlessness on the ice gives the impression that I know the basics well, but this is not true. My brain knows it from when I was 16, but my body cannot follow through. I agree 1s a month is not enough, that number was set from my wallet, not my need for progress. :D I might do as you suggested going back down to the beginner group, and maybe on top of that do a once a month private lesson. The class for winter is priced the same as one private lesson with the coach... 120$. Thank you for the advice. I will have to rethink how to go forward. If I should quit skating altogether, stick with doing the wrong moves throughout OR find a different skating environment that suits my lack of skills better.

Is it possible for you to speak with the coach that you want to taking lessons with and ask them their thoughts about taking a private lesson once a month with group classes? IMO, that sounds like a reasonable solution! I would rather you do that then stop skating! I also like your suggestion about find a different skating environment. Are there other rinks in your area?

[@linbelejacobsen5037]

​@ Well this coach of ours is amazing even though I am not happy with the lessons she teaches. As you said, I think she just does the middle level, and as I am lower than that, it's a miss. I am also the only left-handed so when I do get her instructing me one-on-one, I feel she is a good fit for me. She would be the one in the area who is the obvious one to go to. She also teaches in the nearby rinks. I have heard of other teachers in rinks about 2 hours from me, doing full weekend workshops, so I will do some research. As you can see my coach has so many students and the only reason I get to talk to her is due to me being a lefty. She does not know my goals or any of those "coach" things one would expect if I had a private coach focusing on me. So when I added my first comment here (and thank you so much for responding) I was hoping for a video from you in the future that explains how to be more self-sufficient with how I plan my progress. e.g. how many on-ice days, off-ice days, how much stretching is advised at the different levels etc. This video here sure gave me loads of value but as you can see, I still have some questions :D Again, thank you so much for all your help here, I was not expecting that and I am so grateful!

It sounds like you've identified a great coach for you! Next time you have her in a group lesson, ask if you can speak with afterward or at another time about taking private lessons. Feel free to let her know about the challenges you're having and that you're on a limited budget. Figure skating is really a sport that requires professional supervision with a professional coach so I am not an avocate for skaters being too self directed. Once you have a established a coaching relationship, you should discuss your goals with the coach and let them guide you about how often to practice on the ice and condition off the ice. I also have a figure skating planner that you can purchase that may really help you too! Go here: skatewithaimee.com/shop there's discounts right now for the holiday season.

[@lexthegoose]

Your channel is god level!!

Thank you!

[@osoreo3697]

Started skating 2 weeks ago at 22! I’m learning backwards crossovers! It’s so hard especially with my anterior pelvic tilt 🤣

Getting backward crossovers in 2 weeks is quite an accomplishment! Congratulations! An anterior pelvic tilt is typically correctable! I suggest that you look into physical therapy. Working to correct it will help make your skating!

[@geological]

I'm hoping some of your tips can help me improve on inline skates as well :)

I hope so!

[@ft7037]

This was very useful! I'm a beginner working on basic 4 skills and especially crossovers. It's all new but I suspect that my one foot glides and backwards skating aren't good enough and that's what's holding me back. Dou you have any advice on how to improve them? People tell me to just do them over and over again but it's been a few months and they aren't improving much, I think I'm training the wrong muscles.

It can be really helpful to work with a private lesson coach when you’re having difficulty with a particular element. If you’re not already working with someone one on one, I suggest that you talk to the rink skating director and ask about booster lessons.

[@ft7037]

@ Thanks for the reply! I have had the opportunity to work one on one with two coaches and they both say it's a balance issue but haven't really told me how to improve it apart from just practice. I do plan to do more lessons when I have the budget for it.

@@ft7037 look for a coach that specializes in skating skills and if possible is also certified in personal training or in the medical field. There are coaches that are also doctors, etc! Ask your skating director

[@HEADSH0TD3AD]

Im also having trouble with my one foot glides, did you ever perfect yours? If so, can you please tell me how you perfected it, it’s stopping me from doing basic things like stroking and crossovers :(. Thank you ❤️

Sometimes, if skates are too big or not tied correctly, it can be difficult not to fall into your edge and sustain the glide. I'm unsure from your post what your specific issues are, but look into having your skate sizing checked and tying them correctly. Then make sure your feet are together before you lift you foot using your knee and remember not to lift it up too high. I have a video about checking your skate sizing here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eKrUnmOIat6ibdE and a video about tying your skates here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qmWopnmYrNFpf7c If all that checks out. Check with your coach for more suggestions and consider taking a private booster lesson or two to improve.

[@bradleyolinger1691]

@AimeeRicca, what is your opinion of dance classes as part of off-ice training? It is already something I am interested in, but over the years, I have heard conflicting opinions.

There is absolutely nothing wrong with taking dance as part of off-ice training. However, you would still need sport specific strength and conditioning.

[@catsarethebest3739]

Hey Aimée, I know its been a while since you made this video but I have a question. I am a 14 year old figure skater from a very small town in Germany and so there a no professional off ice coaches available. We do not even have a non professional of ice coach. I do jump doubles and do basic spins like camel and sit spin. But I feel like most of the elements do not work because I lack body strength. For example my shoulders and hips twist and it feels like my shoulders are controlling me. So is there maybe a way of getting at least a little bit better by measuring your strengths and weaknesses and creating an off ice routine for yourself? I hope you still see this comment and can give me and answer, love you! 💞

I love your name! Cats are the best!!! I wouldn't recommend trying to put an off-ice program together yourself. But, there are online options. I do custom programs - you can find it on my website here: skatewithaimee.com/off-ice-figure-skaters Or you can try: www.sk8strong.com/home.html or www.icedynamics.net/ or bsp-skaters.com/ or flexafit.com/easy_at_home_workouts_for_figure_skaters

[@catsarethebest3739]

@ Thanks a lot!!!!

@@catsarethebest3739 You're weclome!

[@AlejandraE094]

I figure skated in middle school for 3 years and stopped in 2008! Haven’t stepped foot on the ice since and I’ve miss it so much!, so now at 28, I’ve decided to get back into it! How I’d love for you to be my coach! 🥰

That is awesome! If you live in my area feel free to reach out on my website! skatewithaimee.com/contact

[@AlejandraE094]

@ I wish I did!!, I’m located in LA 🥺

There are many coaches in your area!

[@LolaBalletAndFigureSkate]

I would also LOVE to have Aimee as my coach but I live in the other side of the world (Tokyo, Japan) 😢

Incredible, thank you!

[@keziatheofani1741]

Hi Coach Aimée. Thank you for making this video and This video is super-super helpful for me as a lesson beginner adult skater. I used to skated before but just for fun or being a recreational skaters but because I saw pro-skaters doing their jumps and spins I'm attracted to learn more in this sport to achieve my skating goals which I can do a single jumps and spins😄I start learning from very basic skills and for me the elements that I found super super challenging in my lesson is "The one foot glide where the Right foot up and the left foot gliding on the ice" it's quite hard for me to balance in this techniques😅 may I ask you a question, do you have any tips on how to do it? So I can improve and balance better in this one foot glide where right foot up and left foot glide. Thank you😄🙏

I-Foot Glides - both forward and backward - are the element that many beginning skaters find the most challenging! Often it can keep a skater from moving on to the next level. It's best to be patient. After stroking make sure your feet are together (without looking down at them) in a 2-foot glide. Then lift one foot up - slightly - keeping your head up and posture straight. If you lift too high or too quickly that will affect your ability to balance on one foot. Additionally, if your skates are too big and your foot can move back and forth or side to side that can negatively impact your ability to balance on one foot. So make sure your skates fit you snuggly! Ideally you want your foot to be in contact with all sides of the skate so that it is an extension of your foot. If you're doing all these things and you still have difficulty, it could be that you are pronating (leaning in your inside edge). So make sure the skate is tied tightly so that the laces don't move when you run your fingers over them. If that is not the issue, look into getting Jackson Supreme Insoles in the correct degree for your foot: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oXqbinmcfsShjqc

[@keziatheofani1741]

@ thank you for the advice coach. Oh speaking about skates, the skates that I wore while i’m on my lesson for now are a pair of Risport skates I forgot the type I think it’s RF3 but it’s the old model and it’s a figure skating boots. I’m so lucky the rink gave me those not rental skates for me to start my lesson😂also I’m going to get my own pair of skates too soon. I’m going to get Jackson Freestyle skates because that’s what my coach recommends me😄

You're welcome!

[@maeskates]

Thank you for these videos, coach. They are very informative! Do you have any recommendations on coaches in the Houston TX area? I have been taking group classes but will like to move to private lessons.

You're welcome! I know that Darlene Cain has an Aspire Program in Euless, TX for youth skaters. If that's too far or you are a different age group, check with the skating director at the rink where you have group lessons and ask them for some suggestions based on your age and level.

[@JennaAlexander8272]

What if I know have am in the top of my group lessens and I just started so I’m a level 3 but I can already to crossovers and some more of level 4 stuff?

That's a good question! If you feel you have been placed in the wrong level, talk to the skating director. Most programs will evaluate skaters the first week or two to make sure they are in the appropriate level. If the skating director or your coach feels you are in the correct level, it could be that there are some skill gaps. Remember, to move up you need to master all the elements at the level - which means you need to be able to do them correctly 8 out 10 times. It's up the coach or skating director to determine if you have meet the passing standard for every element at your level before you can move up.

[@2ndSummer]

I'm wondering how often you recommend sharpening skates for a 10 year old who skates 6 days a week and has cosmos blades.

All blades should be sharpened after about 20 hours of skating

[@2ndSummer]

@ thank you. Good to know. I don't think we've been sharpening enough. She skates about 10 hours a week! Thank you

You’re welcome!

[@truthdecay3438]

What's your take on eter tuberxe teachings..that Russian coach? Thanks

I'm not a fan of her tactics.

[@angelafan8886]

lol I always have too deep edge when I land my jumps, especially after I do more edge exercise lmao.

Deep edges aren’t a bad thing!!

[@Person-mh6xq]

You just don't want your jump landing edge to "curl." That's just one example of a deep edge you don't want!

Exactly!

[@MobiusMinded]

I used to skate 32 hours a week, plus 2 hours of Ballet on Saturdays. That’s what it takes for competition.

Today, 32 hours on the ice is considered overtraining. A typical competitor will now spend an average of 20 hours on the ice and another 10 with their off ice training. So it's still around 30 hours - but with a different training schedule.

[@alicepost8644]

Dear Aimée, thank you so much for this excellent explanatory video! I could not agree more with you in everything! 👌🏽👏🏽🙏🏽⛸️❤️

You're so welcome! I'm glad it was helpful to you!

[@aomandersen3419]

Thank for this topic. Good explanation for my daughter who want to master double jumps but didn’t realized other things else she should do to promote her jumps skills. 😊

Glad it was helpful!