It's Tricky: Changing Coaches in Figure Skating

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[@TheNairaa]

I will be honest- when new families come to learn to skate and ask for a coach, no one tells us “whoever you get now, you are stuck with and any change will be dramatic and difficult” if we got heads up that we were choosing a coach for good then we would choose more carefully and do research. I also don’t understand why when we pay for 100% cost- we don’t get a say in who gets to coach especially when we see unethical behavior at times. I do think people sometimes need more time to assess but generally when you look at the rink, you know who is a good coach and who is not up to part

That’s why I do these videos for more awareness. These are the kinds of things that are not usually discussed. On one hand there is an expectation for the coach that the skater will stay with them. On the other hand the family may not be aware that is an expectation. That’s why I provided the historical context because there once was a time when a coach would be considered unethical for teaching a skater that started with another coach. Doing your research is definitely important! I have another video that explains what to look for in a coach: kzbin.info/www/bejne/e2TPfXtqptuGh8ksi=QPgC3HL3KN6M7-NI it’s always wise to inform a coach that this is on trial basis until you decide on a permanent coach.

[@Foxy11123]

My issue , my coaches always badmouthing , yelled , never accept other coaches that more capable than him ( olympic coaches) , and always about money everything i have to pay him even he only come to see me just for test not doing anything , my mom have to pay him

Coaches should not be badmouthing others and they should not be yelling. Every coach offers something unique and different, Olympic coaches are not necessarily more capable - it depends on the coach and the skaters they are coaching. A coach should be coaching you outside of the testing session. Otherwise, how would you be qualified to pass the test?

[@KP-zd3hc]

Instead of changing coaches, I have two. I go to one mainly for overall skating skills. The other one for spins; I needed to learn how to spin from someone other than my first coach because something just didn’t click. I’m not exactly a people person, so I generally don’t like approaching anyone new. My coaches know my personal ebbs and flows, so it would be such a waste to trash the 1-2+ year rapport I have for the sake of starting afresh. I’m an adult skater, by the way, and I don’t mind the slow, gradual progress I’m making. My coaches work with me to ensure that I don’t pick up bad habits.

Thank you for sharing! Often, its best to add on a coach, rather than replacing them. If you can make even an 1% each session that can be huge over time! Best of luck to you!

[@aidasarikhani]

Thanks for helpful information

Happy to help!

[@morningstarfreeman8740]

This was well timed. I am an adult skater who is getting back into the sport after 15 years. I stated with one coach because I wanted to get into synchronized skating. That didn't work out so I switched to ice theater and with the old coach's permission, switched to someone who specialized in that. I was debating switching again (we have been working together for 6 months) after some pretty big communication issues. Perhaps I should heed your advice and have a discussion about it.

Definitely!

[@CaraMarie13]

I am about to start my journey into ice skating. I requested a couch from the rink I will be taking the LTS program so I can advance faster but I am not sure how to even tell whether a couch is good or judge their technique. Like I can barely stand on ice, how am I not supposed to think the first coach I get is the best thing since chocolate?

I have another video that can help you! kzbin.info/www/bejne/e2TPfXtqptuGh8k

[@TaylorHam22]

Do you think it would be time to switch if I feel that my coach is kind of unenthused about my skating progress/journey? (I’m an Adult skater, started from scratch but now I’m competing!) I think I might be their only adult student and it often feels like they don’t care about my progress or goals. I do sometimes feel like they forget I’m an adult who has a lot of fear of falling and getting hurt- and when I communicate that I’m scared or not comfortable with adding speed to a jump or something the response is usually “I just need you to go for it” 😅 and it’s been that way for over a year now lol to be fair I have made a lot of progress but as I’m continuing to progress and compete, I just really don’t know if that style of coaching is helpful to me. I’m pretty timid and not super confident so “just do it” cues really don’t help me much 😂 I get the coach being frustrated with a student who hesitates a lot, but I’m starting to wonder if maybe we were never a good match to begin with. But I’ve been with this coach since basic 1 so it feels like I’m in too deep 😅

Have you tried to discuss your concerns with your coach?

[@givemerodeo]

Funny you bring up the FTC. I was joking with my coaches that the FTC would come after them for all fixing their prices.

That too!

[@Thepinkarcher0]

Hey Coach! I'm a beginner figure skater and am learning my forward crossovers, however, I find myself falling a lot and landing on my knees (which causes lots of painful bruises, Ouch!) Is there anything I can do to stop my falls? I'm looking into getting some knee pads but I don't wanna use those forever. Any advice would be great! Thanks!

Did your coach tell you to touch your knees when you feel like you’re going to fall? That’s typically the first thing we teach is how to fall! It sounds like you may be using your toe pick instead of properly using the blade to push. We don’t usually suggest knee pads, rather coaches prefer you learn correctly. Discuss this with your coach.

[@Thepinkarcher0]

@ I start lessons on the 11th so I haven't had a chance to talk with a coach, I've watched a bunch of videos on how to fall but as I start to go faster I get tripped up and fall on my knees, I'll try touching my knees the next time I feel like I'm gonna fall!

It sounds like you are toe pushing. Ask your coach for more instruction on how to push from the inside edge of the blade instead of rocking to the toe.

[@Thepinkarcher0]

@ okay thank you!!

[@somedude23]

Just in time, I have been wanting to switch coaches , I have been with this coach for years now but I feel that this coach is like what you said , he has always had perfect technique , my current coach kind of believed that his techniques work for everyone , and I feel isolated, I can’t really give many opinions since he thinks he’s right all the time since it works for him , this coach keeps pressuring me into staying with him and not switching coaches , and he talks bad about his former students that transferred from him ,I don’t want to get yelled at if I talk to him about switching coaches and don’t want to bare the shame from him after switching how do I address this situation?

Like I said, the video is not intended to encourage anyone to switch coaches. From what you said, it sounds like you have expressed your concerns to your coach. Is that correct? Is there a skating director at your rink that you could discuss the situation with? Are you an adult, or do you have a parent that can speak with the coach?

[@MarieJesne]

If you do decide to switch and he yells at you or talks bad about you behind your back, that will only confirm that you made the right choice. Badmouthing former students is unprofessional, and on top of that it's a waste of your time! You're there to learn, not to gossip.

Absolutely! However, unfortunately this does sometimes happen. Fortunately, most people know that it says more about the coach then it does about the skater. I would hope that anyone on the receiving end of the message would understand that.

[@aidasarikhani]

Do you think Edea concerto with mk perfessional Is good mach??

Ir depends on many factors. It's best to speak with your coach and your skate tech as they know you and your skating best.