Parent Info

What to Wear:

Form fitted clothing that allows for movement enables the coach to better observe the skater’s body alignment. Yoga (or skating) pants with a fitted jacket or sweatshirt, or a skating dress are preferred. Stay away from bulky coats and sweatpants
Thin, knee high stockings or tights should be worn with skates; never thick socks
Stretchy gloves are a good idea. Keep an extra pair in your skater’s bag
Skaters with long hair should keep it pulled back neatly and kept out of the face. Hair is often a distraction, taking away valuable lesson time. Keep extra hair ties in your skater’s bag

Skates:

It is best to speak with your coach before purchasing skates. Riedell, Jackson, Edea, & Risport are trusted brands recommended for any skater. They offer a variety of models at reasonable prices
Skates should support the skater without creasing in the ankles
Sizing differs throughout skate brands and it is important to have a good fit. Skates should fit snugly, without excess room in the heel or toe
Blades need to be sharpened on a regular basis. Ask your coach for recommendations on skate sharpening professionals
Skates & blades should be dried with a towel or microfiber cloth after skating and stored in soft guards (“soakers”). Skates should never be stored in hard guards, as they cause the blades to rust

Private lessons vs. group lessons:

Group lessons through Learn to Skate USA are a great way to get started in figure skating. The lower price point makes it more accessible, and allows the skater to determine how much they would like to commit. Many skaters enjoy the social aspects of the group lessons, and will continue with the program even after starting private lessons.

While private lessons may be more expensive, they offer many benefits. In a private lesson, the coach can focus directly on the skater’s unique needs and work on skills beyond the Learn to Skate USA curriculum. In private lessons, coaches often start to introduce Moves in the Field, and this is because to advance as a competitive or testing skater, you’re required to pass certain tests. If your skater would like to explore competitions, it’s necessary to have a private coach.

Practice makes progress and is vital to every skater. Public skating sessions or freestyle sessions are available several times a week. It is imperative that skaters practice as much as possible, especially if they are taking private lessons.

Hiring a private coach

There are many reasons why your family might want to hire a private coach: to excel at a faster pace than in group lessons, to supplement your group lessons with an occasional private one, to get assistance on a difficult skill or to begin competing more seriously.

Ask the skating director for a list or brochure of local coaching staff for the rink and figure skating club. Some things to consider when selecting a coach are personality, learning and teaching styles, experience and technical knowhow.

A few questions to ask include::

How long have you been coaching?
What are your greatest coaching accomplishments?
What is your skating background?
Do you specialize in coaching certain disciplines (singles, pairs, ice dancing, synchronized skating)?
What levels have you passed?
Did you skate competitively?
Are you a member of US Figure Skating?
How do you stay current with the sport and the profession of coaching?
What are your rates for lessons, competitions, cutting program music, etc.?
How often do you bill for charges?
When do you expect to be paid?
What is your policy if we have to cancel a planned lesson?

A good coach has more than just winning in sight. Long-term goals of helping young people develop physically, psychologically, and socially should take precedence over winning.

A good coach…

Knows the sport – and kids
Understands the physical development of boys and girls – what children are and are not capable of doing
Knows about differences in personality – what is right for one child is not necessarily right for another
Understands each child’s motivation for skating
Is sensitive to children from various social, economic and racial backgrounds

Teaches and models behavior that reflects desirable basic values

Is skilled at teaching the fundamentals of skating

Teaches young athletes to enjoy success and respond to failure with new determination

Emphasizes improvement, competence and striving for excellence