Figure Skating Tips
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Coach Kate Charbonneau explains and demonstrates how to learn to hydroplane. Sometimes a hydroplane is referred to as a hydroblade, and this skill is a “fun show trick” that isn’t particularly difficult but requires practice. Kate begins by explaining how… Continue reading
World and Olympic coach Audrey Weisiger works with a skater who is struggling with achieving the correct edge on a double and triple flip jump take-off. The primary solutions that Audrey is using here include a back inside edge skid… Continue reading
Spin specialist Kim Ryan continues her presentation on opposite direction spins. In Part 1 she explained the concept of spin gateways in IJS and worked with the class on basic spinning technique, and in Part 2 she taught an exercise… Continue reading
International coach and jump specialist Chris Conte continues an off-ice jump class for skaters at a seminar. In Part 1 Chris taught some basic walking and skipping drills which served both as a warm-up and as an introduction to… Continue reading
World and Olympic coach Tom Zakrajsek begins a series of videos discussing some of the drills and exercises he uses when developing a double or triple axel. There are a ton of insights about the axel (and double and triple)… Continue reading
International coach and jump specialist Jeremy Allen discusses cheated jump landings, including causes and solutions as well as thoughts about the “benefits” of initially learning jumps with cheated landings. He begins with the attention grabbing statement, “Special news flash! Cheating… Continue reading
International coach and jump specialist Nick Perna continues a series of videos covering new insights and exercises for the lutz jump. In Part 1, Nick shared the Pigeon Toe Walk exercise to maintain the body in the correct position to… Continue reading
In this short video, figure skating spin specialist Charyl Brusch begins a spin lesson with an advanced skater. All of the spins in this video are relatively basic spins which this skater has already mastered so we don’t get too… Continue reading
World and Olympic coach Doug Leigh shares thoughts and exercises about the loop jump. He begins by discussing jump landings in general, showing an exercise at the wall that simulates air position and checking the rotation at landing. He begins… Continue reading
Coach Kate Charbonneau continues her presentation on the Euler or “half loop.” In Part 1 she introduced the topic and offered a number of exercises she uses to teach the skill. She begins Part 2 by emphasizing the need to… Continue reading
In this fascinating video from a few years ago we get some insights into how an elite skater trains. World and Olympic coach Audrey Weisiger leads an off-ice seminar class, but this video is mostly Olympian and World Competitor Danny… Continue reading
Spin specialist Kim Ryan continues her presentation on opposite direction spins. In Part 1 she explained the concept of spin gateways in IJS and worked with the class on basic spinning technique. In this video, Kim teaches an exercise that… Continue reading
World and Olympic coach Robert Tebby discusses the position and movement of the head in jumps and jump development. Robert says, “Everyone has come to the conclusion that keeping your head straight (on take-offs) is a good thing, and something… Continue reading
International coach and jump specialist Chris Conte continues an off-ice jump class for skaters at a seminar. In Part 1 Chris taught some basic walking and skipping drills which served both as a warm-up and as an introduction to… Continue reading
Trevor Laak analyzes a double lutz, discussing details related to jump timing and rhythm, the active take-off edge, toe pick placement, arm and shoulder timing, and more. The repeating power pull entrance for the lutz can be very helpful for… Continue reading
International coach and jump specialist Jeremy Allen continues a multi-part series on the axel, with an emphasis on the importance of edge pressure and how to generate it. In Part 1 he discussed the take-off and the need for edge… Continue reading
International coach and jump specialist Nick Perna continues a series of videos covering new insights and exercises for the lutz jump. In Part 1, Nick shared the Pigeon Toe Walk exercise to maintain the body in the correct position to… Continue reading
World and Olympic coach Tom Zakrajsek shares thoughts on the most fundamental or foundational jump in skating, the double loop. Tom begins by by saying, “It is an important jump, number one to learn properly, and number two to learn… Continue reading
Figure skating spin specialist Charyl Brusch continues a lesson with a skater, focusing on the camel sit position change. Prior to this, Charyl worked on this skater’s camel spin and sit spin independently. On the first attempt for the camel… Continue reading
World and Olympic coach Doug Leigh talks about a variety of concepts that combine to create great skating (and coaching). He begins by saying, “The foundation of skating period is how well can you skate – edge quality, the power,… Continue reading
Coach Kate Charbonneau begins a presentation on the Euler. Historically, the Euler has been called a “half loop” in the USA and elsewhere, but with it’s renewed significance as a result of it’s value in jump combinations in competitive IJS… Continue reading
In this very short video, World and Olympic coach Audrey Weisiger covers a few different off-ice exercise options. Many skaters jump rope as a way to warm up the body for skating, but they rarely focus on anything specific or… Continue reading
Spin specialist Kim Ryan teaches a class opposite direction spins. She begins by explaining the new concept of spin gateways in IJS and notes that opposite direction is a gateway. [Editor’s note: We do not in general have videos detailing… Continue reading
World and Olympic coach Robert Tebby continues his presentation (see Part 1 here and Part 2 here) on the toe loop as a second jump (toe loop in combination). He begins here by explaining that even if the first jump… Continue reading
International coach and jump specialist Chris Conte continues an off-ice jump class for skaters at a seminar. In Part 1 Chris taught some basic walking and skipping drills which served both as a warm-up and as an introduction to… Continue reading
National level coach Debbie Warne-Jacobsen continues a series of videos covering a lesson for an adult skater who is working on her USFS Senior Free Skating test. In the first part of this lesson, the focus was on the double… Continue reading
International coach and jump specialist Nick Perna begins a series of videos covering new insights and exercises for the lutz jump. He begins by acknowledging the added importance today of having the correct take-off edge on lutz in IJS competitions,… Continue reading
World and Olympic coach Tom Zakrajsek discusses the important of head anchoring on jumps, as well as a great way to describe it to skaters. He begins by saying, “If your head is not anchored over your jumping side it’s… Continue reading
International coach and jump specialist Jeremy Allen continues a multi-part series on the axel, with an emphasis on the importance of edge pressure and how to generate it. In Part 1 he discussed the take-off and the need for edge… Continue reading
World and Olympic coach Robert Tebby continues his presentation (see Part 1 here) on the toe loop as a second jump (toe loop in combination), both with clarifications on ideas in the previous video as well as helpful information for… Continue reading
Figure skating spin specialist Charyl Brusch gives a basic camel spin lesson. The skater already has some experience with the camel spin, and the issues covered are very common for skaters trying to master this foundational spin. This skater drags… Continue reading
Figure skating specialist coach Sheila Thelen explains the results and benefits of the off-ice harness work in the previous video, Part 1. Because Sheila took ‘before and after’ measurements on a balance mat, she is able to show empirically how… Continue reading
Coach Kate Charbonneau continues her presentation and demonstration of how to perform and teach an A-frame or upright forward spin (see Part 1 here). She begins this video by explaining that the A-frame spin “feels very different than the three… Continue reading
World and Olympic coach Doug Leigh continues his discussion from the previous video covering insights of the seatbelt air position. He begins this video by analyzing a video of the take-off movements of a double axel of one of his… Continue reading
Spin specialist Kim Ryan teaches the flying reverse sit spin to a class of advanced skaters. She begins by having the skaters perform the basic movements at the wall. These movements start with a jump and a straight kick through… Continue reading
World and Olympic coach Audrey Weisiger shares an inspirational behind-the-scenes story from the 1998 Winter Olympic Games in Nagano. Audrey’s skater Michael Weiss was injured prior to the Games, and the combination of the long flight from the USA to… Continue reading
International coach and jump specialist Chris Conte continues an off-ice jump class for skaters at a seminar. In Part 1 Chris taught some basic walking and skipping drills which served both as a warm-up and as an introduction to… Continue reading
National level coach Debbie Warne-Jacobsen continues a series of videos covering a lesson for an adult skater who is working on her USFS Senior Free Skating test. In the first part of this lesson, the focus was on the double… Continue reading
World and Olympic coach Tom Zakrajsek shares an exercise he uses for developing the necessary tightness in the feet on double loop, triple loop, and even quad loop. Tom calls this exercise “cha cha cha” as this is a memorable… Continue reading
In this video, International coach and jump specialist Nick Perna continues giving a lesson on double toe loop where the skater has a mental block in terms of crossing the feet in the air. In the first part of this… Continue reading
Figure skating specialist coach Sheila Thelen works with a skater using an off-ice stationary harness and an electric spinner. Prior to the harness lesson, Sheila takes baseline balance mat measurements in order to compare balance after the harness session. She… Continue reading
Figure skating spin specialist Charyl Brusch works through some basic spins with a skater. After the first forward upright spin Charyl tells the skater, “You’re sticking your booty out just a little bit.” This is a fairly common error, where… Continue reading
International coach and jump specialist Jeremy Allen continues a multi-part series on the axel, with an emphasis on the importance of edge pressure and how to generate it. In Part 1 he discussed the take-off and the need for edge… Continue reading
Coach Kate Charbonneau explains how she teaches the A-frame or upright forward spin. She begins by noting that she uses a wide variety of entrances, and the primary goal is to choose an entrance where the skater will hold the… Continue reading
World and Olympic coach Audrey Weisiger supervises a class of advanced skaters who are running through a number of off-ice warm-up exercises. The class is student-led with one of the skaters in the class are sharing the exercises she uses… Continue reading
Spin specialist Kim Ryan continues working with an advanced class of skaters on the death drop. In Part 1 Kim taught the class a basic exercise at the wall to learn the necessary movements, as well as an illusion exercise… Continue reading
World and Olympic coach Doug Leigh shares insights and benefits of using the “seatbelt” air position for jumping. He begins with a short discussion of philosophy on continuing education, with passion, details, finesse, and purpose. As an introduction to air… Continue reading
World and Olympic coach Robert Tebby teaches toe loop as a second jump (toe loop in combination). He begins by drawing a circle on the ice near the boards, and then dividing the circle into thirds. One radial line points… Continue reading
International coach and jump specialist Chris Conte continues an off-ice jump class for skaters at a seminar. In Part 1 Chris taught some basic walking and skipping drills which served both as a warm-up and as an introduction to… Continue reading
National level coach Debbie Warne-Jacobsen continues a series of videos covering a lesson for an adult skater who is working on her USFS Senior Free Skating test. In the first part of this lesson, the focus was on the double… Continue reading
International coach and jump specialist Nick Perna gives a lesson on double toe loop. He begins by asking for a double toe, but the skater never crosses the feet and lands the jump on two feet facing forward. Nick is… Continue reading
World and Olympic coach Tom Zakrajsek continues his explanation of the “barrier step up exercise.” In Part 1 Tom taught the first phase of the exercise, and in this video he teaches the second phase which he calls the “merry-go-round.”… Continue reading
Figure skating specialist coach Sheila Thelen teaches a class of beginner skaters to improve their jump landings. She begins by describing the arm positions, with the axis side arm pointing into the circle and the non-axis side arm pointing outside… Continue reading
International coach and jump specialist Chris Conte teaches and off-ice jump class for skaters at a seminar. He begins with a series of moving exercises to warm up the skaters, and this process also allows him to see their natural… Continue reading
In this very short video, figure skating spin specialist Charyl Brusch has a very young male skater demonstrate some spins for the camera. This video is valuable from a coaching perspective, as Charyl shows an honesty that many coaches shy… Continue reading
Coach Kate Charbonneau continues her discussion and demonstration of the technique and unwritten rules of performing a cursy or bow at the end of a skating performance. In Part 1 Kate discussed the basic differences for high and low level… Continue reading
International coach and jump specialist Jeremy Allen continues a multi-part series on the axel, with an emphasis on the importance of edge pressure and how to generate it. In Part 1 he discussed the take-off and the need for edge… Continue reading
World and Olympic coach Audrey Weisiger continues her axel lesson with a young male skater. In Part 1 of the lesson, the focus was on the take-off itself and the quickness needed to transfer the weight in the air. In… Continue reading
Coach Kate Charbonneau begins a short series on the technique and unwritten rules of performing a cursy or bow at the end of a skating performance. A curtsy or bow at the end of a performance is a gesture of… Continue reading
Spin specialist Kim Ryan teaches an advanced class of skaters her approach to the death drop. Even though this a class of advanced skaters, Kim teaches the skill “from the beginning,” initially focusing on fundamentals and exercises. She explains… Continue reading
Coach and former French competitive skater Vincent Restencourt continues a small “group” lesson for two male skaters who are both working on triple axel (see earlier part of lesson here). One of the skaters essentially pops every attempt in this… Continue reading
National level coach Debbie Warne-Jacobsen continues a series of videos covering a lesson for an adult skater who is working on her USFS Senior Free Skating test. In the first part of this lesson, the focus was on the double… Continue reading
International coach and jump specialist Nick Perna gives a lesson on triple salchow. He begins with single salchow, single loop, single toe loop in combo, and then a double salchow, single loop, single toe in combo. After that Nick asks… Continue reading
Figure skating specialist coach Sheila Thelen teaches a class of beginner skaters to improve their upright backspins. This video is part 2 of a Champion Cords class Sheila gave at a seminar, but the focus here is strictly the backspin… Continue reading
World and Olympic coach Tom Zakrajsek teaches what he calls the “barrier step up exercise” which is important for learning proper jump air position and landing movements. This kind of exercise is important because it helps skaters learn these positions… Continue reading
International coach and jump specialist Chris Conte continues a presentation on the fundamentals of good jumping and good jump technique. In Part 1 he discussed the idea of less complicated movements and he introduced the “sideways moment” concept. In this… Continue reading
In this very short video, figure skating spin specialist Charyl Brusch continues a lesson with tips on the bullet sit spin (also called cannonball or Fratianne) and overhead arms in upright spins. (See Part 1 of this lesson here.) To… Continue reading
International coach and jump specialist Jeremy Allen begins a multi-part series on the axel, with an emphasis on the importance of edge pressure and how to generate it. He begins by comparing the axel take-off to jumping on a trampoline,… Continue reading
World and Olympic coach Audrey Weisiger is giving a young male skater a lesson on single axel. This skater’s axel is not yet fully rotated, and Audrey shares helpful drills for this stage of development. After watching an axel attempt,… Continue reading
Spin specialist Kim Ryan continues her seminar class on flying camels (see Part 1 here and see Part 2 here). In this video, Kim troubleshoots some specific issues and offers some very helpful tips. After watching some attempts, Kim focuses… Continue reading
International coach and jump specialist Chris Conte begins a presentation on the fundamentals of good jumping and good jump technique. He starts by explaining what he will focus on, which is the part of the 5 primary backward jumps (toe… Continue reading
Coach Kate Charbonneau continues her lesson on spirals (see tips on basic spirals in Part 1 and Part 2). She begins this video by offering insights about a Biellmann spiral. For this spiral Kate recommends pulling up strongly with the… Continue reading
Coach and former French competitive skater Vincent Restencourt gives a small “group” lesson to two male skaters who are both working on triple axel. In some parts of the world, this kind of group lesson is very common, while in… Continue reading
National level coach Debbie Warne-Jacobsen begins a series of videos covering a lesson for an adult skater who is working on her USFS Senior Free Skating test. The focus in this video is on the double salchow-Euler-double salchow combination jump.… Continue reading
Figure skating specialist coach and inventor Sheila Thelen teaches a class of beginner skaters to use her Champion Cords. She begins by explaining and demonstrating how to attach a cord to a skate and then how to hold the cord… Continue reading
International coach and jump specialist Nick Perna continues working with a class of beginner skaters on the lutz jump. In the first part of this class, Nick focused on helping the skaters understand and see what a proper lutz is.… Continue reading
Figure skating spin specialist Charyl Brusch gives a lesson on forward and backward upright spins. On the forward upright scratch spin, this skater has unusual arm positions and movement so Charyl makes her aware of it. Some skaters use their… Continue reading
International coach and jump specialist Jeremy Allen discusses the potential edge change issue with the flip jump, and how to fix it. Historically, edge change has been more concerning with the lutz jump (and it continues to be), but as… Continue reading
World and Olympic coach Tom Zakrajsek explains what he means by the terms “first up,” “second up,” and “third up” as these terms continue to be used more and more commonly among coaches and skaters. Tom says, “When I’m coaching… Continue reading
Spin specialist Kim Ryan continues her seminar class on flying camels (see Part 1 here). She continues with the walk-through at the wall that she introduced briefly in Part 1. This is one of the best ways to learn to… Continue reading
World and Olympic coach Audrey Weisiger works with skater Ryan Dunk on his triple lutz combination jump at a seminar a number of years ago. (See the previous part of this lesson on triple axel here.) The initial comments in… Continue reading
Coach and former French competitive skater Vincent Restencourt gives a quad toe loop lesson to International skater Jordan Moeller (2nd place, 2017 Challenge Cup) a number of years ago. At the time this video was taken, Jordan had not yet… Continue reading
Coach Kate Charbonneau continues her lesson on basic spirals (see Part 1 here). The focus of this part of the lesson is on the pattern of the Consecutive Outside and Inside Spirals on the Preliminary USFS Moves in the Field… Continue reading
National level coach Debbie Warne-Jacobsen continues a short series of videos where she shares ideas for a well-balanced warm-up intended to be skated to begin the first on-ice session of the day. See Part 1 here. See Part 2 here.… Continue reading
International coach and jump specialist Nick Perna is working with a class of beginner skaters on the lutz jump. The focus of this video is making sure the class understands what a proper lutz is and how to see it.… Continue reading
Figure skating specialist coach and inventor Sheila Thelen discusses ongoing research regarding the body’s vestibular system, and how figure skating training methods offer benefits not only to figure skaters but others as well. In Part 1, she discussed such benefits… Continue reading
Coach and choreographer Rohene Ward (with insights from coach Kori Ade) gives an advanced skater a spin lesson, focusing on the spins in the skater’s program. Rohene makes some comments during the spins, and there are technical details to be… Continue reading
World and Olympic coach Tom Zakrajsek discusses the importance of a “big muscle backspin” as a tool for improving jump air position. This is essentially a regular backspin with details that make it more valuable as a jump training tool.… Continue reading
International coach and jump specialist Chris Conte continues his lesson with a skater who wants to learn a triple toe loop. In Part 1 Chris analyzed the double and decided to work on improving the double rather than trying triples.… Continue reading
Figure skating spin specialist Charyl Brusch continues her lesson working with a skater on a relatively new camel spin. See the initial part of this camel spin lesson here. In this video, the initial focus is on the camel catch… Continue reading
International coach and jump specialist Jeremy Allen compares split lutz and h-position lutz take-offs and offers opinions on which to teach. This is a continuation of his presentations on beginning lutz, 3 helpful lutz drills, different lutz entrances and reach… Continue reading
World and Olympic coach Audrey Weisiger works with skater Ryan Dunk on his triple axel at a seminar a number of years ago. After a warm-up single axel, Audrey reminds Ryan to include the “quick” acceleration to finish the take-off… Continue reading
Spin specialist Kim Ryan teaches flying camel spin in a class at a seminar. She begins by explaining that a skater really needs to have a good camel spin and a good back camel spin before they’ll create a good… Continue reading
Coach Kate Charbonneau works with a skater on basic spirals. This lesson is in the context of the Pre-Preliminary and Preliminary USFS Moves in the Field tests, although the tips for control and presentation apply to all spirals. For the… Continue reading
Coach and former French competitive skater Vincent Restencourt gives a quad salchow lesson to 2015 US National Champion Jason Brown. (The previous part of this lesson focused on the quad toe here.) It is uncommon for skaters and coaches at… Continue reading
World and Olympic ice dance medalist Madison Hubbell continues her lesson on basic skating skills and patterns for the USFS Preliminary Moves in the Field tests. (See the previous video here.) In this video, the focus is on alternating forward… Continue reading
National level coach Debbie Warne-Jacobsen offers insights and drills for improving double loop in combination. She begins by having the students do single loop double loop combinations, which is one of the most common ways of training a double loop… Continue reading
International coach and jump specialist Nick Perna teaches a double/triple lutz class to advanced skaters at a seminar. Rather than starting immediately with the lutz, Nick begins by discussing the edge for the flip jump. For those struggling with the… Continue reading
International coach and jump specialist Jeremy Allen discusses considerations for selecting the best lutz technique for a given skater. This is a continuation of his presentations on beginning lutz, 3 helpful lutz drills and different lutz entrances and reach details.… Continue reading
Figure skating specialist coach and inventor Sheila Thelen discusses research she has been involved with regarding the body’s vestibular system, and how figure skating training methods offer benefits not only to figure skaters but others as well. Sheila begins by… Continue reading
Coach and choreographer Rohene Ward shares insights and ideas for landing positions. For this presentation he has 4 advanced skaters as demonstrators, all having slightly different body types and jump landing technique. Rohene begins by noting that he chooses a… Continue reading
International coach and jump specialist Chris Conte continues his lesson with a skater who wants to learn a triple toe loop. In Part 1 Chris analyzed the double and decided to work on improving the double rather than trying triples.… Continue reading
2011 US Men’s Champion Ryan Bradley works with a skater on the initial stages of double loop development. They are working on the jump from a forward inside three-turn entry, which can be a great way for skaters to feel… Continue reading
International coach Lorie Charbonneau finishes her presentation on using a simple air-filled balloon as a jump training aid. In Part 1 she introduced the concept and had her skaters demonstrate single jumps as well as axel and double salchow with… Continue reading
World and Olympic coach Audrey Weisiger continues with a double axel lesson. In the previous video, Audrey focused on the single axel, the pivot on take-off, and stand-still double axel attempts. In this lesson, the focus shifts to moving double… Continue reading
Fred Bartick, a Minnesota-based (Bloomington, MN) skate technician with over 35 years of experience, continues his discussion of boots and blades with a short discussion of toe picks. (See Part 1 of the series here and Part 2 of the… Continue reading
Figure skating spin specialist Charyl Brusch works with a skater on a relatively new camel spin. After watching an initial camel attempt, Charyl has this skater do a forward spiral down the ice to work the camel position. She mentions… Continue reading
Skating skills and moves in the field specialist Karen Olson continues a discussion of power pulls. In Part 1, she discussed ways to make power pull practice more interesting, ankle and knee bend timing, and vocabulary misunderstandings. In this video,… Continue reading
World and Olympic ice dance medalist Madison Hubbell works with a young skater on basic pushes and crossovers. The pattern this skater uses is the first pattern of the Preliminary US Figure Skating Moves in the Field Test, but the… Continue reading
National level coach Debbie Warne-Jacobsen shares two important exercises for developing the double loop. These exercises are also valuable for learning double loop double loop combinations. The first exercise is performed at the wall, starting facing the wall with b0th… Continue reading
International coach and jump specialist Nick Perna continues a jump lesson. In the first part of this lesson Nick taught axel and double salchow drills. In the second part of the lesson he worked on double toe loop, double loop,… Continue reading
Figure skating specialist coach and inventor Sheila Thelen discusses how an electric spinner is helpful as a training aid for figure skaters. She explains she was initially skeptical of the electric spinner, but she changed her mind after trying one.… Continue reading
Coach and choreographer Rohene Ward gives a jump lesson to eventual 2022 US Ladies Champion Mariah Bell (this video was taken several years before she won her national title). This lesson focuses entirely on the triple flip triple toe combination… Continue reading
International coach and jump specialist Chris Conte works with a skater who wants to learn a triple toe loop. This entire portion of the lesson is a discussion of what it takes to create a triple, and all skaters need… Continue reading
International coach and jump specialist Jeremy Allen offers additional insights regarding the lutz jump. This is a continuation of his presentations on beginning lutz and 3 helpful lutz drills. Jeremy begins this video by discussing options for the lutz entrance… Continue reading
Spin specialist Kim Ryan explains how to practice spinning, including how much to practice. Kim recommends training spins 15 minutes during every 45 minute to 1 hour on-ice practice. The 15 minutes should be focused and continuous, and not just… Continue reading
2011 US Men’s Champion Ryan Bradley gives a skater a double axel lesson. The lesson begins with a double axel attempt, and after that Ryan immediately observes that the skater needs to get more energy from the legs (more jump… Continue reading
International coach Lorie Charbonneau continues her presentation on using a simple air-filled balloon as a jump training aid. In Part 1 she introduced the concept and had her skaters demonstrate single jumps as well as axel and double salchow with… Continue reading
World and Olympic coach Audrey Weisiger gives a double axel lesson to a skater she hasn’t worked with before. She begins with a double loop exercise as a way to challenge the skater and see the quality of the skater’s… Continue reading
Skating skills and moves in the field specialist Karen Olson shares exercises and insights to improve power pulls. She begins by noting that many skaters don’t find working on power pulls interesting or enjoyable. One way to make them more… Continue reading
Fred Bartick, a Minnesota-based (Bloomington, MN) skate technician with over 35 years of experience, continues his discussion of boots and blades with tips for proper blade care. (See Part 1 of the series here and Part 2 of the series… Continue reading
National level coach Debbie Warne-Jacobsen offers exercises for working on two jump combinations where the second jump is a double toe loop. A great way to improve double double combos is to work on single double combinations. Debbie has the… Continue reading
World and Olympic coach Michelle Leigh gives a double axel lesson. She begins the lesson by having the skater watch a successful double axel example by an elite skater (Carolina Kostner). This provides an opportunity to review characteristics of a… Continue reading
World and Olympic ice dance medalist Madison Hubbell continues a skating skills lesson at a seminar/camp. Part 1 focused on skating skills associated with generating power from edges. This part focuses on the fundamentals of pushing for power. Madison describes… Continue reading
Figure skating specialist coach and inventor Sheila Thelen continues her demonstration of off-ice jump training using an electric spinner and stationary off-ice harness system. This is a continuation of the previous videos here and here and here. In this video,… Continue reading
Coach Kate Charbonneau continues a general lesson with a beginner level skater, using program elements as a roadmap for the lesson. Part 1 focused on footwork and spins, and Part 2 focused on some jumps. Part 3 focused on spin… Continue reading
International coach and jump specialist Jeremy Allen shares 3 different drills for helping skaters feel the proper outside edge lutz take-off. This is a continuation of Jeremy’s discussion of the beginning lutz here. Many skaters struggle with the outside edge,… Continue reading
International coach and jump specialist Nick Perna continues a jump lesson. In the first part of this lesson Nick taught axel and double salchow drills. In this video, they work on double toe loop, double loop, and double flip. On… Continue reading
International coach and jump specialist Chris Conte works with a skater on double flip development. This skater suffers from common issues, and Chris offers some helpful insights and drills. When initially learning the double flip, many skaters lack air time… Continue reading
Spin specialist Kim Ryan continues a group class on layback spins. In Part 1 the focus was on proper upright spin entrance and spin centering. In Part 2 Kim started teaching the straight leg layback, and she continues with that… Continue reading
Coach and choreographer Rohene Ward skates along with Olympic medalist Jason Brown (a number of years ago) during a program run-through, reminding him throughout of important performance details. The purpose of this kind of exercise is the choreographer can repeatedly… Continue reading
2011 US Men’s Champion Ryan Bradley gives a skater a lesson on double toe loop using the forward inside three turn entrance. The forward inside three turn entrance has lost popularity over time, mostly because the forward inside three turn… Continue reading
World and Olympic ice dance medalist Madison Hubbell gives a skater a lesson at a seminar/camp. This lesson focuses on skating skills, and in particular, how to generate power on the ice. Madison begins with a simple two-foot weight transfer… Continue reading
International coach Lorie Charbonneau continues her presentation on using a simple air-filled balloon as a jump training aid. In Part 1 she introduced the concept and had her skaters demonstrate single jumps as well as axel and double salchow with… Continue reading
World and Olympic coach Audrey Weisiger teaches a jump class at a seminar. This is a continuation of this video. In this video, Audrey begins by discussing the idea of using difficult and challenging drills in skating. Most skaters thrive… Continue reading
Figure skating spin specialist Charyl Brusch continues a spin lesson, covering camel spin, introduction to layback, and combination spins with camel and layback (and sit spin). This is a continuation of this lesson. Starting with camel, Charyl focuses on keeping… Continue reading
Coach and former French competitive skater Vincent Restencourt gives a quad toe loop lesson to 2015 US National Champion Jason Brown. It is uncommon for skaters and coaches at this level to share such an intimate look at a typical… Continue reading
Skating skills and moves in the field specialist Karen Olson discusses the ‘alternating backward crossovers to backward outside edges’ pattern of the US Figure Skating Preliminary Moves in the Field test. When teaching this pattern, Karen often refers to it… Continue reading
Below is a revised and updated version (2022) of an article originally published in 2007 by Trevor Laak on his SkateCoach/wordpress.com blog which details jump height estimates based on jump air times. That article can be found at this link.… Continue reading
Fred Bartick, a Minnesota-based (Bloomington, MN) skate technician with over 35 years of experience, continues his discussion of boots and blades with tips for proper blade care. (See Part 1 of the series here and Part 2 of the series… Continue reading
National level coach Debbie Warne-Jacobsen shares exercises and insights for toe loop development, including toe loops in combination. She begins with a “toe drill from the wall” which is a drill to work the pivot of the take-off for the… Continue reading
Figure skating specialist coach and inventor Sheila Thelen continues her demonstration of off-ice jump training using an electric spinner and stationary off-ice harness system. This is a continuation of the previous videos here and here. In this video, the demonstrator… Continue reading
Coach Kate Charbonneau continues a general lesson with a beginner level skater, using program elements as a roadmap for the lesson. Part 1 focused on footwork and spins, and Part 2 focused on some jumps. Part 3 focused on spin… Continue reading
World and Olympic coach Michelle Leigh works with a skater to improve the flip jump take-off with improved ankle flex in the air. (In previous videos, Michelle worked with this skater to get ankle flex on double loop jump and… Continue reading
International coach and jump specialist Nick Perna gives a jump lesson, beginning with waltz jump drills. The first drill is a waltz jump, “land forward” on one foot, then snap into twizzle rotation prior to a strong landing position. For… Continue reading
Coach and choreographer Rohene Ward works with a variety of advanced skaters who are doing program run-throughs without jumps. Rohene calls these performances “makettes” (SP) which he explains is a Russian ice dance word for “mark through” of an ice… Continue reading
International coach and jump specialist Chris Conte gives a lesson at a seminar, and this portion of the lesson focuses on the waltz jump and the axel. Chris begins by asking for three waltz jumps in a row with nice… Continue reading
Spin specialist Kim Ryan continues a group class on layback spins. In Part 1 the focus was on proper upright spin entrance and spin centering. This video starts there and discusses the place on the blade we need to balance… Continue reading
International coach and jump specialist Jeremy Allen shares insights related to initially teaching skaters a single lutz. It’s common for coaches to simply share a basic entry and get rotation and initially overlook the details of the edge itself, instead… Continue reading
In a presentation to skaters and coaches at a local seminar a number of years ago, World and Olympic coach Frank Carroll addresses the question, “How do you make a champion?” In the first part of this presentation, Frank focused… Continue reading
2011 US Men’s Champion Ryan Bradley gives a skater a lesson on double loop double loop combinations. After watching a double loop single loop combo, Ryan notes, “You really have to be aggressive on the way out on these loop… Continue reading
International coach Lorie Charbonneau shares an inexpensive and safe training aid on the ice for jump development. A simple air-filled balloon can help skaters improve jump technique and challenge their precision and consistency. Lorie says that balloons are helpful to… Continue reading
World and Olympic coach Audrey Weisiger teaches a toe loop class of advanced skaters. All of these skaters have consistent double toe loops, and some can do triple toe. But Audrey challenges this class with a difficult entry for the… Continue reading
Figure skating spin specialist Charyl Brusch gives a sit spin lesson covering the pancake, bullet (or shotgun), basic sit, and back sit (from sit change sit). They begin with the pancake and Charyl wants the skater to maintain a… Continue reading
Skating skills and moves in the field specialist Karen Olson discusses and demonstrates important insights related to forward outside and inside consecutive spirals. As she notes, this pattern is part of the US Figure Skating Preliminary Moves in the Field… Continue reading
Coach Kate Charbonneau continues a general lesson with a beginner level skater, using program elements as a roadmap for the lesson. Part 1 focused on footwork and spins, and Part 2 focused on some jumps. In this video, Kate has… Continue reading
Fred Bartick, a Minnesota-based (Bloomington, MN) skate technician with over 35 years of experience, continues his discussion of boots and blades with tips for proper blade care. (See Part 1 of the series here and Part 2 of the series… Continue reading
Figure skating specialist coach and inventor Sheila Thelen continues her demonstration of off-ice jump training using an electric spinner and stationary off-ice harness system. This is a continuation of the previous video here. Sheila begins by noting that skaters can… Continue reading
World and Olympic coach Michelle Leigh works with a skater to improve the toe loop take-off and get ankle flex in the air on the double toe loop. (In the previous video, Michelle worked with this skater to get ankle… Continue reading
International coach and jump specialist Nick Perna teaches a skater a basic axel development drill, referred to as the “axel pivot drill.” As you can see in the previous video, this skater is just starting the axel journey and the… Continue reading
National level coach Debbie Warne-Jacobsen shares an exercise that she calls The Waltz Jump Game. The purpose of this game is to help skaters who are working on axel or double axel to jump higher and create more jump distance… Continue reading
In this short video, International coach and jump specialist Chris Conte helps a young skater understand and perform proper head anchoring on single flip jump. He initially describes it as, “Everything comes under the chin before the head turns.” In… Continue reading
Coach and choreographer Rohene Ward finishes his warm-up edge class for advanced skaters. This class is performed to a variety of music and the emphasis is on warming up, mastering skating skills, and improving performance skills. Check out the entire… Continue reading
Spin specialist Kim Ryan begins a group class on layback spins. Not surprisingly, the focus in this video is entirely on proper entrance and spin centering, so Kim only teaches details of the forward upright spin here. She begins with… Continue reading
In a presentation to skaters and coaches as a local seminar a number of years ago, World and Olympic coach Frank Carroll addresses the question, “How do you make a champion?” Frank begins by noting that it’s important to first… Continue reading
2011 US Men’s Champion Ryan Bradley gives a skater a lesson on double loop. This skater already has a consistent double loop, but she needs to improve it for combination jumps as well as for preparing to triple. Ryan begins… Continue reading
International coach Lorie Charbonneau continues an exercise/game she uses for encouraging skaters to efficiently work through all of their combination jumps. In Part 1 the game focused on double toe loop combinations while Part 2 focused on double loop combinations.… Continue reading
World and Olympic coach Denise Myers shares more jump exercises. She begins with a jump air position exercise intended to teach “the flex” or the locking of the axis leg and flexing the axis foot upward. She places her mitten… Continue reading
World and Olympic coach Audrey Weisiger continues her lesson with 3 skaters on double axel drills and attempts. See Part 1 here. Audrey begins this video by letting the skaters attempt some double axels so she can assess what to… Continue reading
Figure skating spin specialist Charyl Brusch continues a lesson with a young skater. In the previous part of this lesson, the focus was on the forward upright scratch spin, while this video focuses on the forward sit spin. As discussed… Continue reading
Skating skills and moves in the field specialist Karen Olson demonstrates and discusses the details of the Waltz Eight pattern from the US Figure Skating Pre-Preliminary Moves in the Field test. Karen begins by drawing the figure eight pattern on… Continue reading
Fred Bartick, a Minnesota-based (Bloomington, MN) skate technician with over 35 years of experience, continues his discussion of boots and blades with details about blade chrome and rust issues. (See Part 1 of the series here and Part 2 of… Continue reading
Coach Kate Charbonneau continues a general lesson with a beginner level skater, using program elements as a roadmap for the lesson. Part 1 focused on footwork and spins, while this video focuses on jumps. After observing a waltz jump and… Continue reading
Figure skating specialist coach and inventor Sheila Thelen demonstrates off-ice jump training using an electric spinner and stationary off-ice harness system. She begins by spinning an experienced skater on the spinner, who then jumps into the air into an efficient… Continue reading
World and Olympic coach Michelle Leigh shares some exercises to help develop ankle flex in jump air positions. Ankle flex in the axis or landing side is valuable since it usually helps skaters lock out the axis knee, connect and… Continue reading
International coach and jump specialist Nick Perna begins a lesson with a young skater and works through the single jumps. Every coach in the world who works with skaters at this level regularly sees these errors. Nick starts with a… Continue reading
National level coach Debbie Warne-Jacobsen continues a short series of videos where she shares ideas for a well-balanced warm-up intended to be skated to begin the first on-ice session of the day. See Part 1 here. See Part 2 here.… Continue reading
Coach and choreographer Rohene Ward continues his warm-up edge class for advanced skaters. This class is performed to a variety of music and the emphasis is on warming up, mastering skating skills, and improving performance skills. Check out the entire… Continue reading
International coach and jump specialist Chris Conte takes some time during a jump lesson to work on the forward pivot jump drill. He begins by simply having the skater do a forward pivot and then spin in a “forward” h-position.… Continue reading
Spin specialist Kim Ryan continues her detailed explanation of how she teaches camel spins. In Part 1, Kim discussed details of the setup and initial entry edge, with emphasis on hand positions intended to properly open the shoulders and generate… Continue reading
World and Olympic coach Denise Myers shares a number of valuable jump exercises and other insights related to jumping. She begins with one-foot axels as a way to “snap the thighs together” on double axel. Similarly, the one-foot salchow can… Continue reading
Figure skating spin specialist Charyl Brusch works with a skater on improving a forward upright scratch spin. Charyl addresses several important points throughout the video, including entrance step direction, head position during the spin, free foot movement, and overall alignment… Continue reading
World and Olympic coach Audrey Weisiger works with 3 skaters on double axel drills. She begins by asking the skaters for a single axel in frame with a landing in alignment. All of the skaters struggle with this exercise and… Continue reading
International coach and jump specialist Jeremy Allen finishes his series of videos discussing in detail all aspects of toe loop combination jumps. In Part 1 he discussed what happens on a good jump landing and how the reset works between… Continue reading
Choreographer Garrett Kling continues off-ice choreography with a higher level class for an on-ice group performance at a camp. The previous 3 videos of the series were the off-ice choreography for one of the lower level groups (see Part 1… Continue reading
Skating skills and moves in the field specialist Karen Olson continues her discussion of forward spirals, both as a solo skill and as part of the US Figure Skating Pre-Preliminary Moves in the Field test. In the previous part of… Continue reading
Fred Bartick, a Minnesota-based (Bloomington, MN) skate technician with over 35 years of experience, continues his discussion of boots and blades with details about how to properly mount blades on the boot. (See Part 1 of the series here and… Continue reading
Coach Kate Charbonneau begins a general lesson with a beginner level skater, using program elements as a roadmap for the lesson. Kate has the skater do some of the footwork and skating skills from her program, and not surprisingly Kate… Continue reading
International coach and jump specialist Nick Perna continues a lesson with a skater who is working to improve her single jumps. In Part 1 of the lesson, Nick worked on backspin, h-position, d-position, and landing position. In Part 2 the… Continue reading
World and Olympic coach Michelle Leigh discusses how to increase jump air time, which is the same as jumping higher. Sufficient jump height is critical in order to have enough air time to finish the desired rotation prior to landing.… Continue reading
National level coach Debbie Warne-Jacobsen continues a short series of videos where she shares ideas for a well-balanced warm-up intended to be skated to begin the first on-ice session of the day. See Part 1 here. In this video, the… Continue reading
Coach and choreographer Rohene Ward continues his warm-up edge class for advanced skaters. This class is performed to a variety of music and the emphasis is on warming up, mastering skating skills, and improving performance skills. Check out the entire… Continue reading
International coach and jump specialist Chris Conte works with a skater to improve a single flip jump. (See previous part of this lesson focusing on loop jump here and Part 1 of the flip portion of the lesson here.) A… Continue reading
Spin specialist Kim Ryan continues her detailed explanation of how she teaches camel spins. In Part 1, Kim discussed details of the setup and initial entry edge, with emphasis on hand positions intended to properly open the shoulders and generate… Continue reading
International coach Lorie Charbonneau continues an exercise/game she uses for encouraging skaters to efficiently work through all of their combination jumps. In Part 1, the game focused on double toe loop combinations. In this video, the game remains the same… Continue reading
World and Olympic coach Denise Myers continues her multi-part series sharing a variety of exercises and drills intended to improve overall skating skills. These exercises would be excellent as part of an on-ice warm-up or at the end of a… Continue reading
Figure skating spin specialist Charyl Brusch works with a young skater on the beginner backspin. This short video is a continuation of a beginner spin video focused on basic forward upright scratch spin, sit spin, and camel spin (see Part… Continue reading
International coach Lorie Charbonneau shares an exercise/game she uses for encouraging skaters to efficiently work through all of their double toe loop combinations. The game consists of performing a jump such as axel with a double toe loop in combination.… Continue reading
World and Olympic coach Audrey Weisiger continues a jump lesson at a seminar. As noted in Part 1, the skater in this lesson had a double axel at one time in the past and lost it (after an injury), and… Continue reading
Skating skills and moves in the field specialist Karen Olson discusses and demonstrates important insights related to forward spirals. As she notes, a forward spiral pattern is part of the US Figure Skating Pre-Preliminary Moves in the Field test, although… Continue reading
Coach Kate Charbonneau continues a lesson for a skater working on her US Figure Skating Novice Moves in the Field test. The skater already knows the patterns, so this is an opportunity for Kate to help the skater improve them… Continue reading
Choreographer Garrett Kling continues the off-ice choreography class for an on-ice group performance to skaters at a camp. He begins this video with choreography that precedes the movements learned previously in Part 1 and Part 2. Garrett first organizes the… Continue reading
International coach and jump specialist Nick Perna continues a lesson with a skater who is working to improve her single jumps. In Part 1 of the lesson, Nick worked on backspin, h-position, d-position, and landing position. In this short video,… Continue reading
National level coach Debbie Warne-Jacobsen begins a short series of videos where she shares ideas for a well-balanced warm-up intended to be skated to begin the first on-ice session of the day. The purpose of this kind of warm-up is… Continue reading
World and Olympic coach Michelle Leigh continues a video series discussing the tracings left on the ice by the 6 major jumps. By understanding what the tracings should look like, it helps get a clearer picture of proper technique and… Continue reading
International coach and jump specialist Chris Conte works with a skater to improve a single flip jump. (See previous part of this lesson focusing on loop jump here.) Chris begins by noting that a flip is basically a “loop jump… Continue reading
Spin specialist Kim Ryan shares her method of teaching camel spins. She begins by acknowledging there are many ways to do a camel spin entry, such as leading with the skating side arm or leading the non-skating side arm. Neither… Continue reading
World and Olympic coach Denise Myers continues her multi-part series sharing a variety of exercises and drills intended to improve overall skating skills. These exercises would be excellent as part of an on-ice warm-up or at the end of a… Continue reading
Fred Bartick, a Minnesota-based (Bloomington, MN) skate technician with over 35 years of experience, continues his discussion of boots and blades with details about how to properly mount blades on the boot. (See Part 1 of the series here and… Continue reading
Figure skating spin specialist Charyl Brusch works with a young skater on basic spins, including the basic forward upright scratch spin, sit spin, and camel spin. Charyl notes that, “It took forever to get this one to spin, but… Continue reading
World and Olympic coach Audrey Weisiger gives a jump lesson at a seminar. The skater had a double axel at one time in the past and lost it, and the goal of this lesson is to try to get it… Continue reading
Figure skating specialist coach and inventor Sheila Thelen demonstrates balance improvements in an adult subject (Trevor Laak from iCoachSkating) using vestibular training. Vestibular training is any training that stimulates the body’s vestibular system which is the sensory system within the… Continue reading
Skating skills and moves in the field specialist Karen Olson discusses and demonstrates important insights related to the Forward Perimeter Stroking pattern of the US Figure Skating Pre-Preliminary Moves in the Field test. This is the very first pattern of… Continue reading
Coach Kate Charbonneau continues a lesson for a skater working on her US Figure Skating Novice Moves in the Field test. The skater already knows the patterns, so this is an opportunity for Kate to help the skater improve them… Continue reading
International coach and jump specialist Nick Perna gives a lesson to a skater who is working to improve her single jumps. Nick begins the lesson by asking for a backspin, and based on the weakness of the spin he focuses… Continue reading
World and Olympic coach Michelle Leigh continues a video series discussing the tracings left on the ice by the 6 major jumps. By understanding what the tracings should look like, it helps get a clearer picture of proper technique and… Continue reading
International coach and jump specialist Chris Conte works with a skater to improve a single loop jump. Once a skater learns the basics of the jump, it is necessary to reduce scratching, increase entry speed and jump flow, and improve… Continue reading
International coach and jump specialist Jeremy Allen continues his series of videos where he discusses in detail all aspects of toe loop combination jumps. In Part 1 he discussed what happens on a good jump landing and how the reset… Continue reading
Spin specialist Kim Ryan gives a class a lecture and demonstration on centering spins, focusing on the basics of performing an upright front scratch spin. Kim uses a step-by-step process to help skaters learn and center spins, and there are… Continue reading
Coach and choreographer Rohene Ward continues his warm-up edge class for advanced skaters. This class is performed to a variety of music and the emphasis is on warming up, mastering skating skills, and improving performance skills. Check out the entire… Continue reading
World and Olympic coach Denise Myers continues her multi-part series sharing a variety of exercises and drills intended to improve overall skating skills. These exercises would be excellent as part of an on-ice warm-up or at the end of a… Continue reading
Figure skating spin specialist Charyl Brusch continues a spin lesson (see Part 1 here and Part 2 here) and Part 3 here) by introducing a back camel and back sit spin. In the previous parts of the lesson, this skater… Continue reading
Coach Kate Charbonneau continues a lesson for a skater working on her US Figure Skating Novice Moves in the Field test. The skater already knows the patterns, so this is an opportunity for Kate to help the skater improve them… Continue reading
International coach and jump specialist Nick Perna continues a lesson with a skater who is starting to work on double axel. In Part 1 of this lesson, Nick focused on determining the readiness for this skater to try double axels… Continue reading
World and Olympic coach Michelle Leigh begins a video series discussing the tracings left on the ice by the 6 major jumps. By understanding what the tracings should look like, it helps get a clearer picture of proper technique and… Continue reading
International coach Chris Conte continues his description of the physical processes of jumping, especially for toe jumps (although the concepts also apply to edge jumps). In the previous videos, Chris discussed the theory of how skaters create lift and how… Continue reading
International coach and jump specialist Jeremy Allen begins a series of videos where he discusses in detail all aspects of toe loop combination jumps. This series is an update to a good introductory video by Jeremy on combination jumps in… Continue reading
Coach and choreographer Rohene Ward continues his warm-up edge class for advanced skaters. This class is performed to very slow, bluesy music and the emphasis is on warming up, mastering skating skills, and improving performance skills. Check out the entire… Continue reading
World and Olympic coach Denise Myers continues her multi-part series sharing a variety of exercises and drills intended to improve overall skating skills. These exercises would be excellent as part of an on-ice warm-up or at the end of a… Continue reading
Figure skating spin specialist Charyl Brusch continues a spin lesson (see Part 1 here and Part 2 here) with emphasis on an upright attitude position as well as the hair cutter position. In the previous parts of the lesson, this… Continue reading
World and Olympic coach Audrey Weisiger teaches a seminar class on toe loops. She begins class by asking the skaters if they worked on something they should have and if they did something better than before. These concepts are part… Continue reading
Coach Kate Charbonneau continues a lesson for a skater working on her US Figure Skating Novice Moves in the Field test. The skater already knows the patterns, so this is an opportunity for Kate to help the skater improve them… Continue reading
Skating skills and moves in the field specialist Karen Olson shares insights to improve the two Power Double Three Turns to Double Rocker patterns on the USFS Senior Moves Test. The ideas presented apply to both patterns. Karen begins by… Continue reading
World and Olympic coach Denise Myers begins a multi-part series sharing a variety of exercises and drills intended to improve overall skating skills. These exercises would be excellent as part of an on-ice warm-up or at the end of a… Continue reading
International coach and jump specialist Nick Perna gives a lesson to a skater who is starting to work on double axel. In the first part of this lesson, Nick is focused on determining the readiness for this skater to try… Continue reading
Coach and choreographer Rohene Ward leads a warm-up edge class for advanced skaters. The class is warming up with very slow music using 3/4 timing. The exercises are meant to warm up the skaters’ bodies and provide an opportunity to… Continue reading
World and Olympic coach Michelle Leigh continues a “double axel” class for more advanced skaters who are consistently landing single axels and most if not all of the other double jumps. In the Part 1 Michelle taught take-off details, proper… Continue reading
International coach Chris Conte continues his description of the physical processes of jumping, especially for toe jumps (although the concepts also apply to edge jumps). In the previous videos, Chris discussed the theory of how skaters create lift and how… Continue reading
International coach and jump specialist Jeremy Allen offers insights and drills for combination jumps. He begins with a discussion of toe loop combinations and the all-important “reset” between the first jump and the toe loop. Jeremy defines the reset as… Continue reading
Choreographer Garrett Kling continues the off-ice choreography class for an on-ice group performance to skaters at a camp. He begins this video where Part 1 left off, adding new movements and steps. Skaters often struggle with steps and footwork while… Continue reading
Figure skating spin specialist Charyl Brusch continues a spin lesson (see Part 1 here) with emphasis on a sit back position or mushroom and the basic camel spin. In the previous part of the lesson, this skater worked on the… Continue reading
World and Olympic coach Audrey Weisiger gives a group lesson to 3 skaters at a camp. Audrey has the skaters do 2 classic jump drills. The first drill is an axel drill and starts with the skater in a forward… Continue reading
Coach Kate Charbonneau gives a lesson to a skater working on her US Figure Skating Novice Moves in the Field test. The skater already knows the patterns, so this is an opportunity for Kate to help the skater improve them… Continue reading
Figure skating specialist coach Sheila Thelen discusses the lutz entry and offers some alternatives to the classic “lutz corner” entry. The old-school “lutz corner” entry remains popular but causes massive problems with session flow, safety, and even proper lutz execution.… Continue reading
In this video, Karen Olson discusses the importance of the entire kinetic chain of joint and muscle usage for powerful jumping. As she notes, it is common, especially for lower level skaters, to struggle with properly engaging the glutes and… Continue reading
International coach and jump specialist Nick Perna offers a number of helpful jumping insights based on the concepts associated with throwing a frisbee. As he notes, many skaters benefit from seeing and using physical objects for understanding important ideas. Nick… Continue reading
World and Olympic coach Michelle Leigh begins a “double axel” class for more advanced skaters who are consistently landing axels and most if not all of the other double jumps. She starts by asking for super fast backspins as a… Continue reading
International coach Chris Conte continues his description of the physical processes of jumping, especially for toe jumps (although the concepts also apply to edge jumps). In the previous videos, Chris discussed the theory of how skaters create lift and how… Continue reading
Choreographer Garrett Kling teaches choreography for an on-ice group performance to a class of skaters at a camp. He begins by telling the class about the music choice, including some deeper meaning. Next he explains that he will teach the… Continue reading
International coach and jump specialist Jeremy Allen discusses the double axel, including common errors and drills for creating a proper take-off. The first mistake he mentions is “going out too much” or extending the arms and free leg (and sometimes… Continue reading
Figure skating spin specialist Charyl Brusch gives a spin lesson, focusing on upright scratch spin and sit spin. For very calm and gentle skaters, coaches often struggle to get strong pushes and aggressive edges. The primary solution is to keep… Continue reading
World and Olympic coach Audrey Weisiger is working with a young skater who is struggling with properly moving the non-picking foot through the take-off of the double toe loop. This problem is often referred to as a “toe axel” as… Continue reading
Coach Kate Charbonneau explains and demonstrates the process she uses for creating original edge classes and step sequences. The process begins with finding out which turns and elements her skaters can do, and trying to include at least one of… Continue reading
Moves in the field expert Karen Olson discusses and demonstrates key issues for the Waltz Eight pattern of the US Figure Skating Pre-Preliminary Moves in the Field test. For simplicity and as a way to set reasonable circle sizes for… Continue reading
In this short video, figure skating specialist coach and Champion Cords inventor Sheila Thelen explains and demonstrates how to use the cords to improve forward and backward crossovers. Young skaters in particular struggle with shoulder turn as well as arm… Continue reading
International coach and jump specialist Nick Perna shares his updated process for developing the lutz jump. Nick briefly references his earlier iCoachSkating lutz videos which can be seen here: Introduction and Basics, Correcting the Edge, and Setups. These videos focus… Continue reading
World and Olympic coach Michelle Leigh finishes with her seminar beginner axel class (Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4). In this video, Michelle gives the class a “test” which is a summary of the important concepts discussed throughout… Continue reading
International coach Chris Conte continues his description of the physical processes of jumping, especially for toe jumps (although the concepts also apply to edge jumps). In the previous video, Chris discussed the theory of how skaters create lift. In this… Continue reading
Spin specialist Kim Ryan teaches a sit spin class at a seminar. The skaters in the class can all do a sit spin, but many need help getting the position lower so it’s a “real” sit spin. After watching the… Continue reading
Figure skating spin specialist Charyl Brusch works with a skater who has learned the basics of a sit spin and a camel spin but is working on improving them. (The previous part of this lesson focused on the backspin.)… Continue reading
International coach and jump specialist Jeremy Allen discusses the lutz jump, and how to get a consistent outside edge take-off. He begins by acknowledging that it “really depends on the skater.” But then Jeremy notes that most of the top… Continue reading
World and Olympic coach Audrey Weisiger gives a single axel lesson to a skater at a camp. This skater can already do an axel, so the focus is on making the jump bigger. Unfortunately, after making the jump bigger, the… Continue reading
Figure skating coach Kate Charbonneau teaches an exercise that simulates the situation where a skater lands a jump or finishes a spin and then needs to gain speed quickly and control that speed with another element or skill. To start… Continue reading
Figure skating specialist coach and Champion Cords inventor Sheila Thelen explains and demonstrates how to use the cords to improve arm awareness, resulting in better lines and overall upper body carriage. She begins by showing how to create a second… Continue reading
Fred Bartick, a Minnesota-based (Bloomington, MN) skate technician with over 35 years of experience, continues his discussion of boots and blades with more details about sharpening. (See Part 1 of the series here.) The focus in this video is the… Continue reading
Coach Karen Olson continues a series of videos talking about how to approach IJS footwork sequences (choreographed sequences or step sequences) in order to prepare skaters for higher levels and to maximize points in competition. See Part 1 here and… Continue reading
International coach Nick Perna shares an edge drill intended to help skaters feel how to properly use their feet and ankles, as well as their legs and hips when creating edges. Historically, edges have typically been taught as sideways leans… Continue reading
World and Olympic coach Michelle Leigh continues with her seminar axel class (Part 1, Part 2, Part 3). In this video, Michelle again returns to her “one focus” concept for practicing with one primary focus. The idea is to prevent… Continue reading
In this important video, International coach Chris Conte describes the physical process of jumping, especially for toe jumps (although the concepts also apply to edge jumps). Chris uses imagery of a car hitting a speed bump as a way to… Continue reading
Spin specialist Kim Ryan works with a skater to improve a camel spin. (Previous parts of this lesson focused on the sit spin, Part 1 and Part 2.) This skater, who can rotate the camel a few revolutions and has… Continue reading
International coach Page Lipe explains how she handles the critical waiting time between a competition warm-up and competition skate. This wait time can be significant, especially for IJS events and high level events with longer performance times. Page takes a… Continue reading
Figure skating spin specialist Charyl Brusch works with a skater who has learned the basics of a backspin but is focusing on improving it. The errors seen at this level are nearly universal, with common struggles being rocking on the… Continue reading
International coach and jump specialist Jeremy Allen addresses shoulder turn on jump take-offs. First, he notes that for all jumps the shoulders are checked and twisted to the axis side on the setup. This jump preparation helps control rotation and… Continue reading
World and Olympic coach Audrey Weisiger teaches a class on double loop combination jumps at a seminar. The purpose of the class is to develop jump combinations with the single, double, or triple loop as the second or third jump… Continue reading
Figure skating coach Kate Charbonneau teaches a crossover exercise that is performed on a single circle. It is a sequence consisting of 3 forward crossovers followed by an inside mohawk with an overhead arm extension and then 3 backward crossovers… Continue reading
Figure skating specialist coach and Champion Cords inventor Sheila Thelen explains and demonstrates how to use the cords to create improved landing positions. By connecting the cord to same-side hand and foot, a nice stretch can be created on landings… Continue reading
Coach Karen Olson continues a series of videos talking about how to approach IJS footwork sequences (choreographed sequences or step sequences) in order to prepare skaters for higher levels and to maximize points in competition. See Part 1 here. NOTE:… Continue reading
International coach Nick Perna shares a fun and effective exercise to help skaters learn to jump higher and farther. Initially used primarily with waltz jump, this exercise is also good for salchow (and even axel). First Nick draws the take-off… Continue reading
In this very short video, World and Olympic coach Michelle Leigh begins an axel class with skaters who are either landing the jump or are very close. The main point of this video is the free leg kick through position.… Continue reading
In a class setting at a seminar, International coach Chris Conte offers helpful insights about the flip jump. He begins by addressing the position after the 3-turn or mohawk and just before the reach and pick. Chris wants the “toe… Continue reading
As in the previous part of this lesson, spin specialist Kim Ryan works with a skater to improve a basic sit spin. In the previous part, the focus was on getting the balance and tension correct to get all the… Continue reading
International coach Page Lipe shares important insights about the critical training time in the days and possibly weeks leading up to an important competition. Like most elite coaches, Page wants her skaters prepared for competition well in advance. But as… Continue reading
Figure skating spin specialist Charyl Brusch gives a spin lesson, covering one sit forward variation she calls the bullet and one sit back variation she calls the mushroom. This video is the final part of this lesson, and the previous… Continue reading
World and Olympic coach Audrey Weisiger teaches a class on double toe loop combination jumps at a seminar. The purpose of the class is to develop jump combinations with the single, double, or triple toe loop as the second or… Continue reading
Figure skating coach Kate Charbonneau teaches a crossover exercise she calls “The Snowman” where skaters perform crossovers in 3 large circles down the ice. The skaters go around the circle one and half times each for the base and body… Continue reading
International coach and jump specialist Jeremy Allen discusses the flip jump. As Jeremy notes, entry edge issues are more common with the lutz jump, but many skaters struggle with performing a flip jump off of a clear inside edge. Unfortunately,… Continue reading
Figure skating specialist coach and Champion Cords inventor Sheila Thelen demonstrates the benefits and uses of Champion Cords for 4 different camel spins: the regular forward camel, the back camel, the flying camel, and an inside camel. The Champion Cord… Continue reading
Coach Karen Olson begins a series of videos talking about how to approach IJS footwork sequences (choreographed sequences or step sequences) in order to prepare skaters for higher levels and to maximize points in competition. NOTE: The rules of the… Continue reading
International coach Nick Perna shares insights about the air position used in jumps by elite skaters. As a critical observer of everything in skating, Nick has found that jumping air position of the upper body has just two critical parts.… Continue reading
World and Olympic coach Michelle Leigh continues her seminar class for skaters just learning the axel. In Part 1, she introduced the jump with an emphasis on head anchoring and proper take-off mechanics with flow. In this video, Michelle explains… Continue reading
In this short video, International coach Chris Conte quizzes a class of skaters on jump names. All of the skaters in this class can do all of the jumps discussed, but notice how challenging it is for the skaters to… Continue reading
In this lesson, spin specialist Kim Ryan works with a lower level skater who is struggling to get down all the way on a sit spin. This is a very common problem at this level, and Kim addresses it first… Continue reading
Figure skating spin specialist Charyl Brusch gives a spin lesson, covering a combination spin and the pancake. The combo spin is a camel sit change sit, and the focus is on improving the sit and back sit positions. For sit… Continue reading
International coach Page Lipe shares an effective way to use small amounts of money to help motivate skaters. In this example, Page lays out quarters for each element in a program and may use small bills (such as $1 or… Continue reading
World and Olympic coach Audrey Weisiger continues her series discussing motivational games for skaters. The process of learning new skating skills can be brutally slow. The grind of training can take a toll, especially on skaters who are “results-oriented” rather… Continue reading
Figure skating coach Kate Charbonneau offers insights and exercises for forward crossover development. She starts with how she teaches beginners. The classic “step over” non-gliding sideways walk is very helpful for beginner skaters to learn balance and the basic… Continue reading
International coach and jump specialist Jeremy Allen discusses the loop jump. Jeremy cautions against “setting up too straight” where the upper body is very upright on the loop jump setup. Instead, the body should be leaning forward over the axis/skating… Continue reading
Figure skating specialist coach Sheila Thelen discusses the process of learning a cantilever. The cantilever is a well-known balance skill made famous by Mr. Frick (Werner Groebli) in the old days of Ice Follies, as Sheila notes. The cantilever has… Continue reading
Coach Karen Olson gives a double toe loop lesson to a skater, with the emphasis on developing good combination jumps. In Part 1, Karen shared two valuable toe loop exercises, and in Part 2 she offered additional insights and exercises.… Continue reading
International coach Nick Perna discusses and demonstrates proper skating alignment, including a way for coaches and skaters to test for it. Historically, proper alignment was taught in detail on test figures or school figures, meaning that each new generation of… Continue reading
Figure skating coach Kate Charbonneau demonstrates a fun and challenging exercise for improving strength and balance. The exercise consists of a continuous glide with a spiral, a shoot the duck, and an upright victory position (y-spin). Kate says, “This is… Continue reading
World and Olympic coach Michelle Leigh teaches a seminar class for skaters just learning the axel. She begins the class by focusing on head positioning and anchoring. Many skaters really struggle with turning the head strongly in the direction of… Continue reading
In a class setting, International coach Chris Conte offers insights about common flip jump errors and how to fix them. He begins by demonstrating a single flip with a massive head turn problem. This is often caused by skaters attempting… Continue reading
In this lesson, spin specialist Kim Ryan works with a flexible and talented skater on an advanced upright layback type spin combination. The skater is starting this spin combo with a side layback, but Kim notes that it is still… Continue reading
In this short video, figure skating coach and strength and conditioning expert Kristina Anderson discusses important considerations coaches and trainers need to keep in mind when laying out a specific athlete’s off-ice and on-ice training regimen. Ultimately, training should attempt… Continue reading
International coach Page Lipe explains how to write out an LRP Chart on the ice and use it for more focused program practice and tracking. LRP stands for Landed, Rotated, or Popped and this is a concept often discussed by… Continue reading
Figure skating spin specialist Charyl Brusch gives a skater a lesson on the layback spin. Charyl shares a lot of information in this video, and coaches can see how she explains it to a skater and what exercises she uses… Continue reading
World and Olympic coach Audrey Weisiger continues her series discussing motivational games for skaters. The process of learning new skating skills can be brutally slow. The grind of training can take a toll, especially on skaters who are “results-oriented” rather… Continue reading
Coach Karen Olson gives a double toe loop lesson to a skater, with the emphasis on developing good combination jumps. In Part 1, Karen shared two valuable toe loop exercises. In this video, Karen offers additional insights and exercises. A… Continue reading
Figure skating specialist coach Sheila Thelen shares helpful tips for learning and teaching I-spins. Sheila notes that skaters need a very strong upright backspin before working on I-spins. Next she discusses the preferred foot grab, which automatically creates the desired… Continue reading
Figure skating coach Kate Charbonneau demonstrates a series of on-ice flexibility exercises. These are all front catch foot positions with different hand grabs. These have obvious application to the I-spin (also called the needle) but also enhance overall flexibility for… Continue reading
International coach Nick Perna continues his presentation on his “grapevine” exercise. In the first video he demonstrated how to perform the grapevine and how to teach it in sections. In this video, he explains how to create useful variations by… Continue reading
In this short video, International coach Chris Conte has a class do a simple but effective on-ice jump warm up. Most coaches call these swizzle jumps and they consist of a backward basic swizzle preparation followed by a press up… Continue reading
World and Olympic coach Michelle Leigh talks about head control on jump take-offs. As she notes, it seems that head anchoring is ideal, where the head remains fixed with respect to the rink and the whole body turns under it… Continue reading
Figure skating spin specialist Kim Ryan teaches sit spins in a class setting at a recent seminar. Kim begins by explaining the value of spinning in terms of points in competition programs. Not surprisingly for a spin coach, Kim would… Continue reading
International coach and jump specialist Jeremy Allen shares many insights and teaching tips for the toe loop jump. He begins by acknowledging that the toe loop is one of the hardest jumps to teach properly today, as there are wide… Continue reading
Figure skating coach and certified strength and conditioning expert Kristina Anderson demonstrates 3 important exercises for strengthening the hips and glutes. The first exercise focuses on hip strength and stability, and starts in a sitting position with one leg forward… Continue reading
International figure skating coach Page Lipe talks about using inexpensive video tools for motivating skaters. Page uses video for “breaking skills down so that skaters can have little successes and little goals.” She continues, “If you don’t have some sort… Continue reading
Spin specialist Charyl Brusch shares some helpful tips for skaters working on sit-change sit combo spins. She begins by focusing on free leg positions and movement of the arms during the entry to maximize rotational energy for the initial… Continue reading
World and Olympic coach Audrey Weisiger begins a series discussing motivational games for skaters. Audrey acknowledges that progress when learning new skating skills can be brutally slow. The grind of training can take a toll, especially on skaters who are… Continue reading
Figure skating coach Kate Charbonneau finishes a multi-part series where she shows a complete 20 minute warm-up edge class. Kate has her skaters start slow and then she picks up the pace, both with the skating and the music for… Continue reading
Coach Karen Olson gives a double toe loop lesson to a skater, with the emphasis on developing good combination jumps. In the first part of this lesson, Karen shares two valuable toe loop exercises. The first exercise is similar to… Continue reading
Figure skating specialist coach Sheila Thelen shares her insights on how to teach and master the hydroblade. Hydroblading is a relatively easy move for advanced skaters, and even skaters at relatively low levels with good edge and body control can… Continue reading
International coach Nick Perna shares a skating drill he calls “The Grapevine.” The exercise gets it’s name from the off-ice grapevine agility exercise, which includes twisting and alternating foot positions. Nick explains that this is a fun exercise that all… Continue reading
International coach Chris Conte continues his lesson on lutz technique and lutz development drills. In Part 1, he discussed details of the picking and foot timing and shared a useful exercise at the wall to teach the outside edge (“game… Continue reading
International figure skating coach Page Lipe offers some insights about when a skater is ready to begin working on the axel jump. As a minimum, Page recommends having a strong loop jump and ideally, a backspin or at least the… Continue reading
Figure skating spin specialist Kim Ryan teaches a fun exercise that is helpful during the development of spinning fundamentals. The goal is to center a basic upright spin, then move the arms up and down such that both arms make… Continue reading
Figure skating jump specialist Nick Perna compares 2 common but very different types of take-offs we see for the salchow jump. In the video he is comparing a triple salchow by Olympic Champion Yuna Kim and one by US Ladies… Continue reading
International coach and jump specialist Jeremy Allen shares many insights related to the salchow jump and how to teach it effectively. He notes right from the beginning that there are several ways to do a salchow, and coaches will naturally… Continue reading
World and Olympic coach Michelle Leigh discusses the importance and need for setting aside time in a skater’s schedule for a proper off-ice warm-up prior to practice sessions and proper cool downs after practice sessions. Warming up the body and… Continue reading
Figure skating coach and certified strength and conditioning expert Kristina Anderson discusses the concept of “butt wink” as it relates to figure skating. Butt wink is the term for when the tailbone tucks underneath the body on a squat. This… Continue reading
Spin specialist Charyl Brusch shares some helpful upright spin tips during a spin lesson. The lesson starts with a forward upright spin, and the skater is not waiting long enough on the entrance edge so the spin is traveling. Charyl… Continue reading
World and Olympic coach Audrey Weisiger continues her series of videos on the topic of competition preparation. In the first video of the series, Audrey addressed the competition planning process. In the second video, she focused on determining “the purpose… Continue reading
Moves in the field and skating skills expert Karen Olson discusses and demonstrates specific details of the Straight Line Step Sequence from the USFS Junior Moves in the Field test. Karen walks through much of the pattern and discusses what… Continue reading
Fred Bartick, a Minnesota-based (Bloomington, MN) skate technician with over 35 years of experience, talks about some basics regarding blades and blade sharpening. After a brief introduction, Fred begins by talking about the hollow he uses for most sharpenings. The… Continue reading
Figure skating specialist coach Sheila Thelen explains “The Treat Box” and how she uses it. Because the box is filled with interesting and constantly changing goodies, skaters will often work extra hard for a chance to pick something from the… Continue reading
World and Olympic coach Kori Ade continues her advanced salchow concepts class for high level skaters during a seminar/workshop. In Part 1, Kori focused almost entirely on the idea of using a “guiding foot” for salchow. In Part 2, the… Continue reading
Figure skating coach Kate Charbonneau continues a multi-part series where she shows a complete 20 minute warm-up edge class. Kate has her skaters start slow and then she picks up the pace, both with the skating and the music for… Continue reading
International coach and jump specialist Nick Perna continues his series of videos discussing and explaining the prints left on the ice for various jumps. In this video he discusses the double and triple lutz print. Other videos in this series:… Continue reading
International coach Chris Conte discusses and demonstrates lutz technique and lutz development drills to create proper timing and edge usage. Chris encourages skaters to keep the arms narrow on lutz, or as he says, “think soldiery thoughts.” He does a… Continue reading
World and Olympic coach Michelle Leigh talks about the various aspects of off-ice training, sharing her insights and preferences. Michelle begins by noting, “First of all, I think it’s very, very important that you start off-ice training at a very… Continue reading
Figure skating specialist coach Sheila Thelen works briefly with a 4 year old skater in the off-ice stationary harness. For skaters this age, the harness is mostly about “fun” which can translate into more enthusiasm for skating in general. … Continue reading
Figure skating spin specialist Kim Ryan teaches a spin class at a recent seminar. In Part 1, Kim summarized the basics of her teaching methods. The focus in that video was the basic forward upright spin, and she continues with… Continue reading
International coach and jump specialist Jeremy Allen continues his multi-part discussion of the axel jump. In Part 1 he discussed some important basics as well as how he teaches a waltz jump. In this video he goes into more detail… Continue reading
Figure skating coach and certified strength and conditioning expert Kristina Anderson continues where she left off with her previous discussion of strengthening the feet. In this video, she focuses on foot and ankle mobility. Improving this mobility is important for… Continue reading
International figure skating coach Page Lipe discusses some foundational concepts for the axel jump. To start, Page notes that the take-off foot does not simply point in the direction of the jump, but rather creates additional edge pressure just prior… Continue reading
Spin specialist Charyl Brusch continues a spin lesson with a young skater. In the first video from this lesson, Charyl covered upright spins and sit spins and in the second video she focused on the forward camel spin and a… Continue reading
Coaches Stephanie Bass and Tiffany McNeil of The Strategic Method offer some timely information regarding difficult spin entrances and exits. This video addresses spin entrances and exits as covered in the July 20, 2020 publication/update of the ISU Technical Panel… Continue reading
World and Olympic coach Audrey Weisiger continues her lesson with a young (about 8 years old) male skater. The first part of this lesson focused mostly on the backspin, and this part focuses on forward and backward crossovers. Skaters at… Continue reading
World and Olympic coach Kori Ade continues her advanced salchow concepts class for high level skaters during a seminar/workshop. In Part 1, Kori focused almost entirely on the idea of using a “guiding foot” for salchow. In this video, the… Continue reading
Figure skating coach Kate Charbonneau continues a multi-part series where she shows a complete 20 minute warm-up edge class. Kate has her skaters start slow and then she picks up the pace, both with the skating and the music for… Continue reading
International coach and jump specialist Nick Perna continues his series of videos discussing and explaining the prints left on the ice for various jumps. In this video he discusses the double and triple flip jump print. Other videos in this… Continue reading
International coach Chris Conte works with a young male skater on exercises meant to improve jump air position and rotational control for improved landings. This video is a continuation of a double salchow lesson. To start, Chris teaches a version… Continue reading
In this short video, World and Olympic coach Michelle Leigh discusses the importance of skaters training in a way that gets them out of their comfort zone. This discussion is primarily in the context of competition preparation, but the concepts… Continue reading
Figure skating coach and certified strength and conditioning expert Kristina Anderson offers two methods for strengthening the feet. Many skaters suffer from weak foot muscles, sometimes as a result of the extra support provided by the skating boot itself. Kristina… Continue reading
Figure skating spin specialist Kim Ryan teaches a spin class at a recent seminar. This is a chance for us to learn or review Kim’s main teaching concepts related to spins. The first video focuses on preparing for the forward… Continue reading
International coach and jump specialist Jeremy Allen begins a multi-part discussion of the axel jump, including waltz jump as well as double and triple axel. Jeremy begins by discussing the most common entrance using a back outside edge preparation. From… Continue reading
International figure skating coach Page Lipe offers 3 on-ice drills that are particularly helpful for developing core strength and stability, as well as leg strength. The first exercise is a spiral, shoot-the-duck, spiral sequence down the ice in a straight… Continue reading
Spin specialist Charyl Brusch continues a spin lesson with a young skater. In the previous videos from this lesson, Charyl covered upright spins and sit spins. In this video, the focus is on the basic forward camel spin and a… Continue reading
Figure skating strength and conditioning expert Matthew Blair Davis continues his presentation on the fundamentals of creating an off-ice training program for skaters. In Part 1, Matthew shared his background and talked at length about strengthening a skater’s core… Continue reading
Coach Amy Brolsma explains how she teaches split jumps. This includes the standard split jump, the Russian split jump, the stag jump, the double stag jump, and the tuck jump. Amy notes that skaters can begin learning split jumps as… Continue reading
Figure skating strength and conditioning expert Matthew Blair Davis continues his presentation on the fundamentals of creating an off-ice training program for skaters. In Part 1, Matthew shared his background and talked at length about strengthening a skater’s core… Continue reading
Moves in the field and skating skills expert Karen Olson begins a discussion of rockers, and especially how she teaches rockers leading up to and including the USFS Junior Rocker moves in the field tests (Forward and Backward Outside Rockers,… Continue reading
Figure skating strength and conditioning expert Matthew Blair Davis continues his presentation on the fundamentals of creating an off-ice training program for skaters. In Part 1, Matthew shared his background and talked at length about strengthening a skater’s core… Continue reading
World and Olympic coach Audrey Weisiger gives a young (about 8 years old) male skater a lesson, and this part of the lesson focuses mostly on the backspin. The lesson begins with introductions and the skater running his program. Audrey… Continue reading
International figure skating coach Page Lipe shares a trick for getting beginner skaters to create more “reach” on backward crossovers. The concept is simple, and involves the coach gliding along inside the skater’s circle, and asking the skater to reach… Continue reading
Figure skating strength and conditioning expert Matthew Blair Davis continues his presentation on the fundamentals of creating an off-ice training program for skaters. In Part 1, Matthew shared his background and talked at length about strengthening a skater’s core… Continue reading
Figure skating strength and conditioning expert Matthew Blair Davis begins a presentation on the fundamentals of creating an off-ice training program for skaters. Much of the strength training done by skaters lacks skating-specific training concepts. Matthew has not only… Continue reading
Figure skating specialist coach Sheila Thelen offers insights about training with a stationary off-ice harness. Sheila has the skater demonstrate rotation in d-position, starfish position, and some “fast axels.” Notice the level of mastery this skater demonstrates regarding axis and… Continue reading
World and Olympic coach Kori Ade teaches advanced salchow concepts to a class of high level skaters during a seminar/workshop. Kori begins by discussing the concept of using a “guiding foot into salchow.” This is when the skater sets the… Continue reading
World and Olympic coach Audrey Weisiger gives a jump lesson. To start the lesson, Audrey wants a backspin and she follows this with a backspin in multiple free foot positions: h-position, d-position, and “2-toes.” The 2-toes position has the skater… Continue reading
Coaches Stephanie Bass and Tiffany McNeil of The Strategic Method continue their discussion of the IJS protocol sheet. In Part 1 of this series, they offered an overview of the IJS protocol sheet. In Part 2, they talked at length… Continue reading
This is the final of three videos from Kate Charbonneau on her personal experience with off-ice spinning during the worldwide pandemic. In the first video in this series Kate focused on some general concepts an then on upright off-ice spins.… Continue reading
International coach and jump specialist Nick Perna shares an off-ice drill whose purpose is to improve balance and control of the 4 main skating positions. The demonstrating skater has a large asterisk on the floor to help with visualizing… Continue reading
World and Olympic coach Robert Tebby finishes his discussion and demonstration of off-ice lutz training exercises. In Part 1 he noted the importance of mastering the “left” outside edge (lutz and axel take-offs) and shared 2 foundational off-ice jump exercises.… Continue reading
This is the second of three videos from Kate Charbonneau on her personal experience with off-ice spinning during the worldwide pandemic. In the first video in this series Kate focuses on some general concepts an then on upright off-ice spins.… Continue reading
In this 2-part series, World and Olympic coach Robert Tebby shares some excellent off-ice lutz exercises. He begins by noting that the two most valuable jumps take off from the left outside edge (for CCW jumpers), the axel (forward, edge)… Continue reading
International coach Chris Conte continues his discussion of his “infamous golf swing video” and describes how the golf swing is similar to figure skating jumps. In Part 1, Chris gave the history of the video and concept, and compared a… Continue reading
International coach Chris Conte walks us through the history of the “infamous golf swing video” and describes how the golf swing is similar to figure skating jumps. Obviously both sports rely on rotational energy and power, and Chris discovered some… Continue reading
Figure skating strength and conditioning expert Matthew Blair Davis finishes his presentation specifically for iCoachSkating subscribers highlighting issues that skaters and coaches may face after this long period of time off the ice, particularly for those skaters who have… Continue reading
This is the first of three videos from Kate Charbonneau on her personal experience with off-ice spinning during the worldwide pandemic. Kate is using a Spinergy Spinboard and she emphasizes proper foot placement on the spinboard as critical to success,… Continue reading
Figure skating strength and conditioning expert Matthew Blair Davis gives a presentation specifically for iCoachSkating subscribers highlighting issues that skaters and coaches may face after this long period of time off the ice, particularly for those skaters who have… Continue reading
World and Olympic coach Michelle Leigh talks about a very common problem for both skaters and coaches in figure skating. Some skaters really struggle with effective practice and self-analysis, and this typically causes slow progress due to wasted efforts and… Continue reading
Figure skating spin specialist Kim Ryan shares a process for developing and mastering the off-ice forward camel spin on a spinboard. You can learn more about spinboards here and purchase a spinboard directly from Kim. Kim recommends a standard spinboard… Continue reading
International coach and jump specialist Nick Perna walks us through a remote off-ice video jump lesson. We can’t hear what Nick is saying to his skater, but he talks over the entire lesson with detailed information about what is going… Continue reading
Figure skating spin specialist Kim Ryan shares a process to developing and mastering the off-ice forward sit spin on a spinboard. You can learn more about spinboards here and purchase a spinboard directly from Kim. Kim recommends a standard spinboard… Continue reading
World and Olympic coach Robert Tebby tells a short story about Steven Cousins, a British figure skater in the 1990’s who trained at Mariposa in Barrie, ON (Canada). Steven was an 8-time British national champion, and a 3-time Olympian, earning… Continue reading
Figure skating spin specialist Kim Ryan goes through a thorough spinboard warm-up that she recommends to all skaters at the beginning of each spinboard practice session. You can learn more about spinboards here and purchase a spinboard directly from Kim.… Continue reading
International coach Chris Conte continues a comprehensive discussion and demonstration of his approach to remote off-ice teaching during the coronavirus lockdown. This series is a continuation of the previous 3 part discussion with Chris and International head coach Lorie Charbonneau… Continue reading
International coach and jump specialist Nick Perna walks us through a remote off-ice video jump lesson. We can’t hear what Nick is saying to his skater, but he talks over the entire lesson with detailed information about what is going… Continue reading
Figure skating spin specialist Kim Ryan shares a tutorial on how to use her off-ice spinboards. You can learn more about spinboards here and purchase a spinboard directly from Kim. This presentation is taken from a Zoom call between Kim… Continue reading
International coach Chris Conte continues a comprehensive discussion and demonstration of his approach to remote off-ice teaching during the coronavirus lockdown. This series is a continuation of the previous 3 part discussion with Chris and International head coach Lorie Charbonneau… Continue reading
Figure skating spin specialist Kim Ryan shares a tutorial on how to use her off-ice spinboards. You can learn more about spinboards here and purchase a spinboard directly from Kim. This presentation is taken from a Zoom call between Kim… Continue reading
International coach and jump specialist Nick Perna walks us through a remote off-ice video jump lesson. We can’t hear what Nick is saying to his skater, but he talks over the entire lesson with detailed information about what is going… Continue reading
Figure skating spin specialist Kim Ryan shares a tutorial on how to use her off-ice spinboards. You can learn more about spinboards here and purchase a spinboard directly from Kim. This presentation is taken from a Zoom call between Kim… Continue reading
International coach Chris Conte continues a comprehensive discussion and demonstration of his approach to remote off-ice teaching during the coronavirus lockdown. This series is a continuation of the previous 3 part discussion with Chris and International head coach Lorie Charbonneau… Continue reading
International coach and jump specialist Nick Perna walks us through a remote off-ice video jump lesson. We can’t hear what Nick is saying to his skater, but he talks over the entire lesson with detailed information about what is going… Continue reading
Figure skating strength and conditioning expert Matthew Blair Davis shares an at-home off-ice mobility and flexibility workout that everyone can do in their homes during the coronavirus lockdown. He is joined in the video by his daughter who demonstrates… Continue reading
This is the second in a series of videos by coach Kate Charbonneau that are intended to provide a way for skaters to develop or maintain musicality and musical movements during this period without ice. The focus for this series… Continue reading
International coach Chris Conte continues a comprehensive discussion of his approach to remote off-ice teaching during the coronavirus lockdown. This series is a continuation of the previous 3 part discussion with Chris and International head coach Lorie Charbonneau regarding ramping… Continue reading
International coach and jump specialist Nick Perna walks us through a remote off-ice video jump lesson. We can’t hear what Nick is saying to his skater, but he talks over the entire lesson with detailed information about what is going… Continue reading
Guest International coach Tugba Karademir shares a great rope jumping routine to be used as part of a warm-up or cardio workout. Tugba coaches at the Mariposa School of Skating in Barrie, ON Canada and is a former International medalist… Continue reading
Figure skating strength and conditioning expert Matthew Blair Davis shares an at-home off-ice mobility and flexibility workout that everyone can do in their homes during the coronavirus lockdown. He is joined in the video by his daughter who demonstrates… Continue reading
This is the second in a series of videos by coach Kate Charbonneau that are intended to provide a way for skaters to develop or maintain musicality and musical movements during this period without ice. The focus for this series… Continue reading
International coach Chris Conte begins a comprehensive discussion of his approach to remote off-ice teaching during the coronavirus lockdown. This is a continuation of the previous 3 part discussion with Chris and International head coach Lorie Charbonneau regarding ramping up… Continue reading
International coach and jump specialist Nick Perna walks us through a remote off-ice video jump lesson. We can’t hear what Nick is saying to his skater, but he talks over the entire lesson with detailed information about what is going… Continue reading
Figure skating strength and conditioning expert Matthew Blair Davis shares an at-home off-ice mobility and flexibility workout that everyone can do in their homes during the coronavirus lockdown. He is joined in the video by his daughter who demonstrates… Continue reading
In this video series, iCoachSkating founder Trevor Laak interviews World and Olympic coach Michelle Leigh regarding her thoughts and recommendations during the coronavirus lockdown. Michelle works with competitive skaters at many levels, and her ideas and approaches to a variety… Continue reading
World and Olympic coach Robert Tebby explains how to correctly perform off-ice axels and off-ice double axels. This video was provided by Robert during the coronavirus pandemic, and it offers lots of examples and insights about this important skill. The… Continue reading
International coach and jump specialist Nick Perna walks us through a remote off-ice video jump lesson. We can’t hear what Nick is saying to his skater, but he talks over the entire lesson with detailed information about what is going… Continue reading
In this video series, iCoachSkating founder Trevor Laak interviews World and Olympic coach Michelle Leigh regarding her thoughts and recommendations during the coronavirus lockdown. Michelle works with competitive skaters at many levels, and her ideas and approaches to a variety… Continue reading
This is the first in a series of videos by coach Kate Charbonneau that are intended to provide a way for skaters to develop or maintain musicality and musical movements during this period without ice. The focus for this series… Continue reading
In this video series, iCoachSkating founder Trevor Laak interviews World and Olympic coach Michelle Leigh regarding her thoughts and recommendations during the coronavirus lockdown. Michelle works with competitive skaters at many levels, and her ideas and approaches to a variety… Continue reading
Figure skating strength and conditioning expert Matthew Blair Davis shares an at-home off-ice mobility and flexibility workout that everyone can do in their homes during the coronavirus lockdown. He is joined in the video by his daughter who demonstrates… Continue reading
International coach and jump specialist Nick Perna walks us through a remote off-ice video jump lesson. We can’t hear what Nick is saying to his skater, but he talks over the entire lesson with detailed information about what is going… Continue reading
This is Part 3 of iCoachSkating founder Trevor Laak’s interview with International coach Lorie Charbonneau about the remote off-ice program she has set up for her skaters and coaches during the coronavirus lockdown. International coach Chris Conte who is part… Continue reading
Figure skating coach Kate Charbonneau provides an off-ice warmup intended to move different parts of the body through a range of motion. The idea is to get the skater ready for more intense off-ice exercises, or it can be used… Continue reading
This is Part 2 of iCoachSkating founder Trevor Laak’s interview with International coach Lorie Charbonneau about the remote off-ice program she has set up for her skaters and coaches during the coronavirus lockdown. International coach Chris Conte who is part… Continue reading
iCoachSkating founder Trevor Laak encourages all skaters to buy a spinboard from spin specialist Kim Ryan. Kim has pioneered the use of spinboards for off-ice spin training, and she has been using these tools regularly with skaters from all over… Continue reading
In this video, iCoachSkating founder Trevor Laak interviews International coach Lorie Charbonneau about the remote off-ice program she has set up for her skaters and coaches during the coronavirus lockdown. International coach Chris Conte who is part of Lorie’s team… Continue reading
International coach and jump specialist Nick Perna walks us through a remote off-ice video jump lesson. We can’t hear what Nick is saying to his skater, but he talks over the entire lesson with detailed information about what is going… Continue reading
Figure skating specialist coach Sheila Thelen reminds us that Champion Cords are a great addition to an off-ice workout. A large number of coaches and skaters have Champion Cords (or you can order then here) so it makes sense to… Continue reading
International coach and jump specialist Nick Perna walks us through a remote off-ice video jump lesson. We can’t hear what Nick is saying to his skater, but he talks over the entire lesson with detailed information about what is going… Continue reading
Figure skating strength and conditioning expert Matthew Blair Davis shares an at-home off-ice balance and core workout that everyone can do in their homes during the coronavirus lockdown. He is joined in the video by his daughter who demonstrates… Continue reading
Figure skating strength and conditioning expert Matthew Blair Davis shares an at-home off-ice strength workout that everyone can do in their homes during the coronavirus lockdown. He is joined in the video by his daughter who demonstrates the exercises.… Continue reading
For more information about iCoachSkating’s plan to address the lack of ice and issues associated with social distancing and community-wide and nation-wide lockdowns resulting from the coronavirus, please click on the appropriate link below. COACHES: Coaches, Please Click Here… Continue reading
Figure skating coach and certified strength and conditioning expert Kristina Anderson explains the importance of massaging the feet. Skaters (and coaches!) spend a significant amount of time in their skates, which are very restrictive in terms of foot movement. Normal… Continue reading
International coach and jump specialist Jeremy Allen continues his discussion of head anchoring for jump take-offs (see Part 1 here). In particular, he offers more insights about the head with respect to the jump direction, or the momentum of the… Continue reading
Moves in the field and skating skills expert Karen Olson continues her presentation on choctaws and in particular, the Junior USFS Moves in the Field Choctaw Sequence. Some of the information in this video is independent of the moves pattern… Continue reading
Figure skating coach Kate Charbonneau continues a multi-part series where she shows a complete 20 minute warm-up edge class. Kate has her skaters start slow and then she picks up the pace, both with the skating and the music for… Continue reading
International coach and jump specialist Nick Perna continues his series of videos discussing and explaining the prints left on the ice for various jumps. In this video he discusses the double and triple loop jump print. Other videos in this… Continue reading
Figure skating specialist coach Sheila Thelen continues her series on using a stationary off-ice harness for air position and rotation training for figure skating jumps. In Part 1, Sheila discussed basic setup and safety issues. In Part 2, Sheila explained… Continue reading
Coach Amy Brolsma shares a valuable tip for skaters working on advanced turns and twizzles. Many skaters struggle with core stability when learning advanced turns like rockers and counters as well as twizzles. Having objects or toys to hold with… Continue reading
Coaches Stephanie Bass and Tiffany McNeil of The Strategic Method continue their discussion of the IJS protocol sheet. In Part 1 of this series, they offered an overview of the IJS protocol sheet. In this video, they talk at length… Continue reading
Spin specialist Charyl Brusch continues a spin lesson with a young skater. In the previous part of the lesson, Charyl focused on the upright forward and back spins. In this part of the lesson, Charyl starts with the sit spin.… Continue reading
World and Olympic coach Michelle Leigh offers insights and suggestions for how coaches can help skaters more quickly process bad skating experiences, from bad practices (or even parts of a practice) to poor competition performances. She notes right at the… Continue reading
Coaches Stephanie Bass and Tiffany McNeil of The Strategic Method offer an overview of the IJS protocol sheet that is generated for every performance in an International Judging System (IJS) event. NOTE: IJS information is always changing. This information… Continue reading
International figure skating coach Page Lipe offers insights about what to say and do with a skater in the final moments before they take the ice to compete. This is a follow up to the presentation Page made on choreographing… Continue reading
Figure skating coach and certified strength and conditioning expert Kristina Anderson continues her discussion of self-massage techniques and tools for addressing muscle tightness and soreness. In Part 1, she shared a short routine or flow pattern for using a foam… Continue reading
World and Olympic coach Kori Ade shares some coaching tips that can really help skaters who continue to make the same mistakes or are unwilling for whatever reason to “take a chance” on creating new physical movement patterns. This information… Continue reading
Figure skating spin specialist Kim Ryan continues a flying sit spin lesson with a skater who is familiar with the element but not proficient. In Part 1, Kim covered the entrance and initial fly, including arms and the leg tuck.… Continue reading
International coach Chris Conte continues a double salchow lesson. In Part 1 of this lesson, Chris focused on control of the entry and then the timing and rhythm of the take-off movements. In this video, Chris discusses the arms in… Continue reading
International coach and jump specialist Jeremy Allen offers detailed insights about head position and movement during the final moments of a jump take-off. Like most elite coaches, Jeremy advocates head anchoring where the head remains still with respect to the… Continue reading
Moves in the field and skating skills expert Karen Olson continues her presentation on choctaws and in particular, the Junior USFS Moves in the Field Choctaw Sequence. The information in this video is independent of the moves pattern and is… Continue reading
Figure skating coach Kate Charbonneau shares a helpful exercise to develop stopping skills (on both feet), knee action and rhythm, and upper body control. As Kate notes, this exercise is fun and skaters will enjoy learning it and performing it… Continue reading
World and Olympic coach Audrey Weisiger gives a beginning axel lesson to a young skater. This video is a continuation of a previous video where Audrey and this skater worked on air position issues and back spins (which are also… Continue reading
International coach Nick Perna continues his series of videos discussing and explaining the prints left on the ice for various jumps. In this video he discusses the double and triple toe loop from a forward inside three turn entrance. Nick… Continue reading
Coach Amy Brolsma shares a valuable tip for helping skaters at every level improve their skating skills and their turns. By using objects or toys that the skater can hold with both hands, the coach can reduce the uncontrolled arm… Continue reading
Two-time World Ice Dance Medalists Madison Hubbell and Zach Donohue teach a backward crossover drill in high Kilian. The purpose of this drill is to develop the correct up and down timing of the knees and match partner movements, as… Continue reading
Figure skating specialist coach Sheila Thelen continues her series on using a stationary off-ice harness for air position and rotation training for figure skating jumps. In Part 1, Sheila discussed basic setup and safety issues. In Part 2, Sheila explained… Continue reading
Spin specialist Charyl Brusch gives one of her skaters a lesson on improving a forward upright scratch spin as well as a backspin. This kind of lesson is important because once a skater develops some competence with these spins, the… Continue reading
World and Olympic coach Michelle Leigh discusses 3 distinct issues that coaches face when working on jumps with their skaters. The first issue is when skaters simply don’t seem willing to set aside any time off the ice to watch… Continue reading
Figure skating coach and certified strength and conditioning expert Kristina Anderson talks about foam rolling as a way for skaters to speed recovery and avoid injuries or chronic tightness. This is the first video in a series on myofascial release… Continue reading
In this short video, World and Olympic coach Kori Ade reviews her skater’s program spins and offers insights and suggestions. This is a continuation of a previous video on program improvement. The first spin is a spin in one position.… Continue reading
International coach Chris Conte gives a double salchow lesson. To start the lesson, he focuses on the forward outside three turn entry, and in particular, getting the free foot either on or even outside the tracing (but not inside) to… Continue reading
Figure skating spin specialist Kim Ryan gives a flying sit spin lesson to a skater who is familiar with the element but not proficient. After having the skater attempt one as a baseline for the lesson, Kim has the skater… Continue reading
Moves in the field and skating skills expert Karen Olson begins a presentation on choctaws and in particular, the Junior USFS Moves in the Field Choctaw Sequence. As we’ve come to expect from Karen, she begins by breaking down more… Continue reading
International coach and jump specialist Jeremy Allen continues his description and demonstration of what actually happens on a jump landing. In Part 1 he provided a detailed analysis of double, triple, and quad jump landings. In Part 2 he provided… Continue reading
Figure skating coach Kate Charbonneau begins a multi-part series where she shows a complete 20 minute warm-up edge class. Kate has her skaters start slow and then she picks up the pace, both with the skating and the music for… Continue reading
Coach Amy Brolsma continues her presentation on a sequence of warm-up drills that she uses as an on-ice warmup with her skaters. The primary goal is to get the skaters moving and fully warmed up, but coaches can also monitor… Continue reading
International coach Nick Perna continues a presentation on the print left on the ice by a good double or triple salchow. In Part 1 of this presentation, Nick talked at length about the print and the salchow technique needed to… Continue reading
World and Olympic coach Audrey Weisiger is giving a lesson to a young skater who is struggling with straightening the legs. We spend so much time in figure skating telling skaters to bend the knees that we sometimes forget to… Continue reading
International figure skating coach Page Lipe explains how she typically choreographs the “skating” between when a skater’s name is called and when the skater takes the starting pose prior to a competition program. As Page notes, there is a maximum… Continue reading
Two-time World Ice Dance Medalists Madison Hubbell and Zach Donohue teach the very common ice show partner spin which is sometimes referred to as the eagle spin or spread eagle spin. And although this is not a serious figure skating… Continue reading
Figure skating specialist coach Sheila Thelen continues her series on using a stationary off-ice harness for air position and rotation training for figure skating jumps. In Part 1, Sheila discussed basic setup and safety issues. In Part 2, Sheila explained… Continue reading
Spin specialist Charyl Brusch continues her thorough discussion of the sit spin. In Part 1 she talked at length about important fundamentals of the sit spin. In this video she shares tons of tips and insights and problem solutions. Charyl… Continue reading
World and Olympic coach Michelle Leigh talks about the challenges and decision process she uses when skaters need to make a major technique change for their jumps. As she notes, sometimes major changes are necessary when coaches get a new… Continue reading
Figure skating coach and certified strength and conditioning expert Kristina Anderson continues her discussion of hip mobility. In the previous videos (Part 1 and Part 2) she covered warm up, testing, and activation exercises for the hips. Many skaters, however,… Continue reading
World and Olympic coach Kori Ade is working with one of her skaters. She begins the lesson by analyzing the skater’s daily skating diary to identify problems with the program that might need to be fixed. For this kind of… Continue reading
During a camel spin lesson with spin specialist Kim Ryan, the skater complained of a tight or painful low back. As Kim demonstrates, this is often a result of tight hamstring muscles. Kim shares several stretches that can improve back… Continue reading
International coach Chris Conte shares a system he uses when developing a new double jump. He begins with a Baby Bear which is a walk-through of the double jump. [Editor’s note: Chris demonstrates a Mama Bear at the beginning of… Continue reading
Moves in the field and skating skills expert Karen Olson offers insights and tips for the Backward Rocker Choctaw Sequence pattern from the USFS Novice Moves in the Field test. She begins acknowledging that many skaters struggle on this move… Continue reading
International coach and jump specialist Jeremy Allen continues his description and demonstration of what actually happens on a jump landing. In Part 1 he provided a detailed analysis of double, triple, and quad jump landings. In this video, he provides… Continue reading
Coach Amy Brolsma continues her presentation on a sequence of warm-up drills that she uses as an on-ice warmup with her skaters. The primary goal is to get the skaters moving and fully warmed up, but coaches can also monitor… Continue reading
World and Olympic coach Audrey Weisiger gives a lesson where she focuses primarily on fixing one bad jump habit. The bad habit for this skater is dropping the body or wiggling with the upper body on landing. This is a… Continue reading
International coach Nick Perna discusses the print left on the ice by a good double or triple salchow. This video is related to Nick’s other presentations on jump prints such as axel prints and landing prints. In this video, he… Continue reading
Two-time World Ice Dance Medalists Madison Hubbell and Zach Donohue share a fun and helpful partner exercise intended to build partner connection and control while also demonstrating how speed and power can be achieved with and without push with a… Continue reading
Figure skating coach Kate Charbonneau begins a multi-part series where she shows a complete 20 minute warm-up edge class. Kate has her skaters start slow and then she picks up the pace, both with the skating and the music for… Continue reading
Figure skating specialist coach Sheila Thelen continues her series on using a stationary off-ice harness for air position and rotation training for figure skating jumps. In Part 1, Sheila discussed basic setup and safety issues. In Part 2, Sheila explains… Continue reading
Spin specialist Charyl Brusch shares important details and tips for the sit spin. This is a great summary of common teaching errors, and how Charyl thinks about this spin. The sit spin is still often taught to skaters with the… Continue reading
World and Olympic coach Michelle Leigh discusses the challenges of helping skaters work through fear issues associated with certain aspects of skating. She mentions the common fears of skating fast, jumping high, falling, and the fear of not succeeding. As… Continue reading
Figure skating coach and certified strength and conditioning expert Kristina Anderson continues her discussion of hip mobility. In the previous video, she explained the importance of hip mobility and offered a series of exercises to warm up and engage the… Continue reading
International figure skating coach Page Lipe continues her discussion of the salchow. In the previous video, she discussed free leg and skating leg movements, as well as where the skater’s center of mass needs to be relative to the skating… Continue reading
World and Olympic coach Kori Ade continues a double axel lesson. The first part of this lesson is here. In this video, Kori uses a wide variety of coaching techniques and teaching methods to help this skater. She begins… Continue reading
Spin specialist Kim Ryan continues a camel spin lesson with a young male skater. In the previous videos of this lesson, Kim worked on a forward upright scratch spin and the basics of the camel spin. There is not a… Continue reading
In this video, International coach Chris Conte gives a power lesson to a skater at a seminar. Chris begins this lesson having the skater press away from the barrier with just the hands and arms, first with lots of bending… Continue reading
Moves in the field and skating skills expert Karen Olson talks at length about blade usage in turns, and she demonstrates drills to help skaters master the necessary rocking on the blade. Few skaters have complete mastery of their blades,… Continue reading
International coach and jump specialist Jeremy Allen describes in detail what happens during a jump landing and shares drills to help skaters land correctly. He starts by explaining that skaters need to have forward body lean when landing their jumps… Continue reading
Coach Amy Brolsma shares a sequence of warm-up drills that she uses as an on-ice warmup with her skaters. The primary goal is to get the skaters moving and fully warmed up, but coaches can also monitor the warm-up to… Continue reading
World and Olympic coach Audrey Weisiger gives a fast-paced double flip lesson to a skater who can land the jump but is having problems with consistency and air position. Audrey covers a lot of ground and touches on jump direction,… Continue reading
International coach Nick Perna talks about jump landing prints and what they mean. This video is related to Nick’s other presentations on jump prints such as axel prints. Nick begins this discussion with typical landing prints for under-rotated and down-graded… Continue reading
Two-time World Ice Dance Medalists Madison Hubbell and Zach Donohue share a valuable exercise for improving power and stability. This exercise is simple and well-known, but Zach and Madison offer insights on how to do it well. The idea is… Continue reading
Figure skating coach Kate Charbonneau continues her discussion of an on-ice warm-up routine and additional warm-up exercises that she covered in Part 1. In this video, she discusses the importance of pressing the shoulders against the hips (twisting). Skaters that… Continue reading
Figure skating specialist coach Sheila Thelen continues her series on using a stationary off-ice harness for air position and rotation training for figure skating jumps. In Part 1, Sheila discussed basic setup and safety issues. [NOTE: Sheila is the President… Continue reading
In this short video, spin specialist Charyl Brusch talks about a variety of toe concepts for spins. She begins the video by addressing where to step into a backspin from a forward spin and noting that she does not typically… Continue reading
World and Olympic coach Michelle Leigh talks about the very common problem of skaters who avoid working on certain skills that they really need to work on for overall success in their skating. Michelle notes that coaches can really help… Continue reading
Figure skating coach and certified strength and conditioning expert Kristina Anderson offers exercises and insights regarding hip mobility for figure skaters. She begins by explaining why hip mobility (strength and range of motion) is so important. It helps prevent injury… Continue reading
International figure skating coach Page Lipe offers some tips and insights for salchow jump development. One very common problem with the salchow is when skaters balance on the backward entry/take-off edge with their head outside the circle or tracing the… Continue reading
World and Olympic coach Kori Ade gives a skater a double axel lesson and begins by having the skater draw the entry and take-off pattern on the ice. Here Kori is using a forward edge where the skater steps directly… Continue reading
Figure skating spin specialist Kim Ryan gives a camel spin lesson to a young male skater. In a previous video, Kim worked with this same skater on upright forward scratch spin. We begin this video with a camel spin attempt… Continue reading
Moves in the field and skating skills expert Karen Olson discusses the backward outside three turn. This is a continuation of Karen’s series of videos focused on issues faced by adult skaters, but the information in this video is applicable… Continue reading
Coach Amy Brolsma continues her discussion of the butterfly. In the first part of this discussion, Amy shared a detailed step by step approach to learning/teaching the butterfly. In this video, she offers more insights, covering a wide range of… Continue reading
International coach and jump specialist Jeremy Allen offers more insights about jump air position as used by elite skaters. In two previous videos Jeremy talked about jumping with arms above the head and core positioning and head anchoring. In… Continue reading
World and Olympic coach Audrey Weisiger continues her series of videos on the topic of competition preparation. In the first video of the series, Audrey addressed the competition planning process. In the second video, she focused on determining “the purpose… Continue reading
Figure skating coach Kate Charbonneau shares an on-ice warm-up routine and additional warm-up exercises. Skaters can use this to warm-up the body and joints and build edge control, deeper knee bend, and range of motion prior to jumping and spinning.… Continue reading
International coach Nick Perna continues his discussion of the axel jump. In a related video, Nick described in detail an axel setup he uses and the print left on the ice from a good axel take-off. In this video,… Continue reading
Two-time World Ice Dance Medalists Madison Hubbell and Zach Donohue teach a class on the foundational details of partner skating, and in particular, basic stroking with a partner. For those interested in partner skating (pairs or ice dance), there is… Continue reading
Figure skating specialist coach Sheila Thelen begins a series of videos on using a stationary off-ice harness for air position and rotation training for figure skating jumps. Sheila is the President of Champion Skating Harness which offers some of the… Continue reading
Spin specialist Charyl Brusch offers a short discussion on dizziness and spinning. As Charyl notes, basically EVERYONE gets dizzy while spinning. So the goal isn’t to try not to get dizzy, but figure out ways to deal with it after… Continue reading
This follow-up video on the walley jump is presented by International figure skating coach Page Lipe. In Part 1 she explained how she introduces and teaches the walley, with important insights and demonstrations. In this video, she continues with additional… Continue reading
World and Olympic coach Michelle Leigh offers valuable insights for coaches on how to handle the last moments before a skater takes their starting pose at a competition. She explains that this is one of her favorite coaching moments in… Continue reading
During a triple toe loop lesson, World and Olympic coach Kori Ade offers insights that will help coaches and skaters with some of the mental aspects of landing difficult jumps. The skater in the video is not yet consistent with… Continue reading
World and Olympic coach Robert Tebby gives a young skater a lesson on the single lutz jump. This is a continuation of the lesson where Robert worked with this same skater on the single flip jump. Go back and watch… Continue reading
Figure skating spin specialist Kim Ryan gives a lesson on the upright forward scratch spin. The young male skater is just learning to control the basics of this spin, and it gives Kim a chance to explain in some detail… Continue reading
Moves in the field and skating skills expert Karen Olson continues her explanation of some important details about learning the backward inside three turn, with special emphasis on the challenges faced by adult skaters with this skill. As Karen notes,… Continue reading
International coach and choreographer Chris Conte continues his series of videos where he shares a process of off-ice training techniques for developing the double axel. In the first video of this series, he shared drills and concepts to develop the… Continue reading
International coach and choreographer Chris Conte begins a series of videos where he shares a process of off-ice training techniques for developing the double axel. Obviously these methods also work for single axel development (as well as the triple axel).… Continue reading
Coach Amy Brolsma shares a process for teaching and learning the butterfly flying spin entrance. This step-by-step guide starts assuming the skater has no knowledge or experience with the butterfly, and by the end a skater should be able to… Continue reading
International coach and jump specialist Jeremy Allen talks about important jumping principles. He begins by addressing the concept of anchoring the head during a jump take-off. As Jeremy notes, a high percentage of elite skaters anchor the head (to the… Continue reading
World and Olympic coach Audrey Weisiger continues her series of videos on the topic of competition preparation. In the first video of the series, Audrey addressed the competition planning process. In this video, she turns her attention to determining “the… Continue reading
International coach Nick Perna explains in detail what the print or tracing looks like for an axel based on how he teaches the jump. A good axel needs to have flow on the jump entry and flow on the landing… Continue reading
Figure skating strength and conditioning expert Matthew Blair Davis continues his series on off-ice jump power training. (All of Matthew’s videos on this topic can be found on his biography page here.) In this video, Matthew shares a lunge… Continue reading
Two-time World Ice Dance Medalists Madison Hubbell and Zach Donohue work with a class of skaters on a single exercise for learning to generate power. In this video, Madison and Zach explore this exercise in detail, and explain the concepts… Continue reading
Spin specialist Sheila Thelen offers some feedback to a young skater who is working on a combination spin on one foot. The combination spin starts with a bounce spin (technically not an illusion), then transitions into a shotgun sit position,… Continue reading
Spin specialist Charyl Brusch continues a short series of videos discussing adult skaters and their specific issues in terms of spinning. This is a continuation of the previous video in the series on the camel spin (Part 4). In the… Continue reading
International figure skating coach Page Lipe explains how she teaches a walley. She starts by drawing a tracing on the ice and describing what a walley is. Then she explains the first step of the learning process as simply… Continue reading
World and Olympic coach Michelle Leigh shares her thoughts on how to help skaters excel under pressure. First and foremost, Michelle recommends having specific, realistic, and achievable goals that are within the skater’s control (winning a competition is almost never… Continue reading
Strength and conditioning specialist and figure skating coach Kristina Anderson shares a complete off-ice warm-up sequence that anyone can do, even with little space and no equipment. Kristina uses “painters tape” to create an “agility ladder” as well as a… Continue reading
World and Olympic coach Robert Tebby gives a young skater a lesson on the single flip jump. For most of the lesson, Robert is focused on helping the skater avoid the toe pick scratching she is doing as she picks… Continue reading
Professional choreographer Douglas Webster teaches a class of skaters a warm-up sequence. He begins with some breathing exercises, followed by a simple relaxation exercise that includes an exhale and bending of the ankles, knees, and hips. Next he does a… Continue reading
Moves in the field and skating skills expert Karen Olson explains important details about learning the backward inside three turn, with special emphasis on the challenges faced by adult skaters with this skill. As Karen notes, this is a challenging… Continue reading
Figure skating coach Amy Brolsma shares a process for teaching and learning the walley jump. A walley is a jump from a backward inside edge, with rotation in the non-natural direction, to a standard landing position on the outside edge… Continue reading
International coach Jeremy Allen discusses the benefits of jumping with one arm up and both arms up, and he also provides details on how to do it effectively. Jeremy states that jumping with one or both arms over the head… Continue reading
World and Olympic coach Audrey Weisiger begins a series of videos on the topic of competition preparation. This series covers a lot of ideas and a wide time frame leading up to the competition under consideration. Audrey recommends starting “at… Continue reading
Trevor Laak analyzes an excellent single axel, sharing insights about what makes this jump so good. This axel was performed by Madison Xaphakdy and was entered in the iCoachSkating Axel Contest held in November of 2018. Madison’s axel won the… Continue reading
2018 World Ice Dance Silver Medalists Madison Hubbell and Zach Donohue work on acceleration with a class of skaters at a seminar. Zach initially shows an exercise intended to allow skaters to feel acceleration and deceleration while on a flat… Continue reading
International coach Nick Perna talks about speed and power and offers some tips for developing more speed and power. To begin the video, he stresses the need to encourage skaters to “crunch” the ice on every push. He says, “If… Continue reading
In this video, International coach Chris Conte continues a lesson with a male skater who he had worked with earlier on skating skills. You can watch those videos here Part 1 – Tips on Forward Stroking and here Part 2… Continue reading
Spin specialist Sheila Thelen continues a layback lesson with a skater. In the first part of the lesson, Sheila worked on improving this skater’s standard haircutter (forward spin). In this video, Sheila helps the skater learn a haircutter from a… Continue reading
Spin specialist Charyl Brusch continues a short series of videos discussing adult skaters and their specific issues in terms of spinning. In the previous 3 videos of the series (Part 1, Part 2, Part 3) Charyl covered general helpful tips… Continue reading
World and Olympic coach Kori Ade gives a double axel lesson to one of her skaters. Kori begins by noting that for skaters who have roughly the same technical skills in their programs, details are what separate the competitors in… Continue reading
World and Olympic coach Michelle Leigh offers insights and advice to skating parents. Many coaches wish that skating parents would have minimal involvement in the development of a skater, but as you’ll learn in this video, Michelle wants knowledgeable parents… Continue reading
Professional choreographer Douglas Webster works with a class on ways to generate more power from basic pushes. Many of these concepts are similar to those Doug has already shared here at iCoachSkating. To begin this class, Doug explains that skaters… Continue reading
Spin specialist Kim Ryan gives a young skater a lesson on some sit spin variations. The first variation is a sit forward which is known as the pancake. After the skater attempts one, Kim takes the skater to sit in… Continue reading
World and Olympic coach Robert Tebby gives a young skater a lesson on the single loop jump and the loop-loop combination. After having the skater perform a single, Robert suggests getting more h-position (knee up) and more arm drive to… Continue reading
In this video from a few years ago, World and Olympic figure skating coach Audrey Weisiger talks about walleys during an on-ice lutz class at one of her acclaimed Grassroots to Champions seminars. (The earlier parts of this class are… Continue reading
Figure skating strength and conditioning expert Matthew Blair Davis continues his series on off-ice jump power training. (All of Matthew’s videos on this topic can be found on his biography page here.) This video is a follow up to… Continue reading
2018 World Ice Dance Silver Medalists Madison Hubbell and Zach Donohue teach a class of skaters a couple more partner skating drills. This video builds on the earlier videos in the series: Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4.… Continue reading
International coach and jump specialist Nick Perna shares a simple drill or jump concept for properly “turning over” the axel jump. The drill is done at the wall to provide something for the skater to hang on to. Nick explains… Continue reading
National coach Chris Conte continues a lesson with a male skater that is focused on skating skills. In the previous video, Chris helped him develop long and powerful forward strokes or pushes. In this video, Chris focuses on forward crossovers… Continue reading
In this video, coach Sheila Thelen is working with a skater on the haircutter layback variation position. The skater has a good start on the position, but Sheila offers some helpful tips regarding where to position the arms and head,… Continue reading
This video is the final installment in this series of an off-ice training class for figure skaters at an indoor trampoline park. The skaters shown are at varying levels, and they were training at the time with World and Olympic… Continue reading
This video is a continuation of an off-ice training class for figure skaters at an indoor trampoline park. The skaters shown are at varying levels, and they were training at the time with World and Olympic coach Kori Ade. Some… Continue reading
Spin specialist Charyl Brusch continues a short series of videos discussing adult skaters and their specific issues in terms of spinning. She offers many tips for working with adult skaters to help them improve their spins. See Part 1 here… Continue reading
World and Olympic coach Michelle Leigh talks about the process of determining whether a skater is ready to move on and learn a new jump. This discussion is similar to that of Audrey Weisiger here, and coaches who struggle with… Continue reading
Spin specialist Kim Ryan gives a young skater a lesson on her broken leg sit spin. Kim starts the lesson by analyzing and improving the skater’s forward sit spin before working on the broken leg transition and position. To improve… Continue reading
World and Olympic coach Robert Tebby offers sage advice regarding learning to skate and perform under pressure. In the video, Robert is teaching a class on the double toe loop at a local seminar. One of the skaters was asked… Continue reading
In this video from a few years ago, World and Olympic figure skating coach Audrey Weisiger continues with an on-ice lutz class at one of her acclaimed Grassroots to Champions seminars. In part 1 of the lutz class, Audrey shared… Continue reading
In this video from a few years ago, World and Olympic figure skating coach Audrey Weisiger teaches an on-ice class at one of her acclaimed Grassroots to Champions seminars. The topic in the class is the lutz jump, and as… Continue reading
Figure skating strength and conditioning expert Matthew Blair Davis continues his series on off-ice jump power training. In the first video of the series, he demonstrated a fancy setup for gathering detailed data for monitoring a skater’s progress and… Continue reading
2018 World Ice Dance Silver Medalists Madison Hubbell and Zach Donohue teach a class of skaters backward crossovers with a partner. The video builds on a repeating series of back inside edges in the previous video and another video discussing… Continue reading
International coach Nick Perna shares a drill he calls the “knuckle drill” to help skaters work on their jump air position for multi-rotation jumps. The drill can also be effective as a training tool for the backspin. To do the… Continue reading
National coach (and entertainment expert) Chris Conte does a nice analysis of a waltz jump performed by a Tyrannosaurus Rex. This is fun stuff, but the information in the video is actually technically outstanding, so please take this video seriously.… Continue reading
Professional choreographer Douglas Webster teaches a class of young skaters some basic skills concepts and drills. He starts by stating “always bend before you push” and he makes it clear that skaters need to bend from their ankles, knees and… Continue reading
Spin specialist Charyl Brusch continues a short series of videos discussing adult skaters and their specific issues in terms of spinning. She offers many tips for working with adult skaters to help them improve their spins. See Part 1 here.… Continue reading
World and Olympic coach Michelle Leigh shows a simple but very effective off-ice drill for helping with weak air positions. Many skaters suffer from a “pike” air position where the body is forward and the hips are pressed back in… Continue reading
Figure skating spin specialist Kim Ryan gives a young skater a lesson on the beginner backspin. The real value in this video is not only the process that Kim uses, but the coaching along the way. This skater is struggling… Continue reading
World and Olympic coach Robert Tebby talks about the triple salchow and offers helpful tips that apply to all skaters, as well as individual feedback for each of the skaters in the class he’s teaching. This video is a continuation… Continue reading
World and Olympic figure skating coach Audrey Weisiger discusses at length the issues associated with determining when a skater is ready to try new elements, particularly new jumps. One factor to take into account is jump air time. If a… Continue reading
Figure skating strength and conditioning expert Matthew Blair Davis continues his series on jump power training. In the first video of the series, he demonstrated a fancy setup for gathering detailed data for monitoring a skater’s progress and providing… Continue reading
Spin specialist Sheila Thelen works with a skater on the upright forward I-spin. In particular, Sheila offers some tips for the foot grab and second arm assist. Also, the discussion about rising up to straighten the skating knee is very… Continue reading
This video is a continuation of an off-ice training class for figure skaters at an indoor trampoline park. The skaters shown are at varying levels, and they were training at the time with World and Olympic coach Kori Ade. Some… Continue reading
International coach Nick Perna continues his explanation of the “3 Statues Drill” that he uses to help skaters develop the proper timing necessary for stepping up strongly into a waltz jump or axel. One of the most common errors with… Continue reading
National coach Chris Conte begins a lesson with a skater that is focused on skating skills. In this video, Chris is helping a skater develop long and powerful forward strokes or pushes. He describes what he wants as a “push… Continue reading
2018 World Ice Dance Silver Medalists Madison Hubbell and Zach Donohue teach a class of skaters backward crossovers, and particularly, how to do them with power. The video builds on a repeating series of back inside edges in the previous… Continue reading
Spin specialist Charyl Brusch begins a short series of videos discussing adult skaters and their specific issues in terms of spinning. She offers many tips for working with adult skaters to help them improve their spins. Charyl notes that in… Continue reading
Professional choreographer Douglas Webster continues his step sequence lesson with a skater. In the first part of the lesson, Doug focused on the mechanics of the step sequence itself, and in this part, he shares insights about performing and improving… Continue reading
In this short video, World and Olympic coach Michelle Leigh talks about one of the most important but commonly-ignored topics for good jumping. Good jumps simply cannot happen if the skater has excessive body tension during the execution of the… Continue reading
Spin specialist Kim Ryan continues her lesson with a skater just learning a layback spin (see part 1 here). In this part of the lesson, Kim challenges the skater to learn the haircutter variation. As you’ll see, Kim uses a… Continue reading
World and Olympic coach Robert Tebby shares some ideas regarding position and timing for the salchow jump. He begins on two feet with the axis arm up and to the side and the non-axis arm in front. The movement begins… Continue reading
In this very short video, World and Olympic coach Audrey Weisiger shares a very simple but powerful method for motivating skaters and for addressing one of the most common issues facing skaters who train regularly. Day-to-day progress can be brutally… Continue reading
Figure skating strength and conditioning expert Matthew Blair Davis continues his series on jump power training. In the first video of the series, he demonstrated a fancy setup for gathering detailed data for monitoring a skater’s progress and providing… Continue reading
International coach Nick Perna explains the “3 Statues Drill” he uses to help skaters develop the proper timing necessary for stepping up strongly into a waltz jump or axel. One of the most common errors with the waltz jump or… Continue reading
Figure skating spin specialist Bobbe Shire shares insights about how to fix a flying sit spin that spins too much at take-off so the skater cannot get proper lift. It is very common for skaters to either create too much… Continue reading
Figure skating jump specialist Sheila Thelen works with a skater on her axel take-off. In this short video, Sheila uses Champion Cords in what she calls “handcuffs” to constrain the potential movement of the arms and hands. By using the… Continue reading
National coach Chris Conte continues his triple loop lesson with a skater who is building a triple loop from the double. In the first part, he observed that this skater’s jump lacks quickness, particularly in the hook. In the second… Continue reading
This video is a continuation of an off-ice training class for figure skaters at an indoor trampoline park. The skaters shown are at varying levels, and they were training at the time with World and Olympic coach Kori Ade. Some… Continue reading
2018 World Ice Dance Silver Medalists Madison Hubbell and Zach Donohue teach a class of skaters a repeating series of back inside edges. This exercise is performed on two feet, although the skater’s weight is nearly 100% on the inside… Continue reading
Spin specialist Charyl Brusch discusses the strategy and processes she uses to help her skaters develop spins to maximize IJS points in competition. This process focuses on quality over quantity, and Charyl builds upon the inherent strengths the skater already… Continue reading
International coach Nick Perna talks about the importance of learning to balance at a standstill on one foot. To help skaters master the control of the exit edges of turns, Nick uses a drill he calls the hitchy coo which… Continue reading
Professional choreographer Douglas Webster works with a skater to improve the step sequence in her program. The focus is on deepening her edges, generating more power, moving smoothly from one movement to the next, improving the look of turns, and… Continue reading
World and Olympic coach Michelle Leigh explains how to fix a 2-foot toe loop take-off. First, she draws a tracing for the toe loop on the ice and explains what’s supposed to happen on a correct toe loop. As she… Continue reading
Spin specialist Kim Ryan works with a skater on the basics of the layback spin. She says, “The number one most important thing about a layback spin is you have to find your balance, and you have to find the… Continue reading
World and Olympic coach Robert Tebby offers a skating or footwork drill intended to help improve the setup for axel. When you watch the video, you’ll notice that the exercise is not a rigid set of turns and steps, but… Continue reading
Figure skating spin specialist Bobbe Shire continues her discussion of the layback spin. During the first part of this video, Bobbe talks at length about how to make a layback spin faster or spin longer. She talks about arm and… Continue reading
National coach Chris Conte continues his triple loop lesson with a skater who is building a triple loop from the double. In the first part, he observed that this skater’s jump lacks quickness, particularly in the hook. In this video,… Continue reading
Figure skating jump specialist Nick Perna compares the 2 different types of take-offs we see for the lutz jump. In the video he is comparing a triple lutz take-off by 1998 Olympic Champion Ilia Kulik and a triple lutz take-off… Continue reading
This video is a continuation of an off-ice training class for figure skaters at an indoor trampoline park. The skaters shown are at varying levels, and they were training at the time with World and Olympic coach Kori Ade. Coach… Continue reading
Professional choreographer Douglas Webster gives a lesson where he explains exactly how to generate power during a turn in skating. In this case, the turn is a 3-turn, but the concept applies to any turn (3-turns, brackets, rockers, and counters).… Continue reading
Figure skating jump specialist Sheila Thelen works with a skater having a solid single axel on building a double axel. To begin the session, she tries to understand the skater’s level of confidence with the double. Early in the lesson,… Continue reading
2018 World Ice Dance Silver Medalists Madison Hubbell and Zach Donohue teach a fun exercise for generating momentum with a partner. This exercise is a simplification of the always-fun “slingshot” pass-by and it teaches important partnering skills in a very… Continue reading
Figure skating spin specialist Charyl Brusch explains how she teaches the upright spin variation called the Y-spin (sometimes also called the “heel stretch spin”). This video contains tons of important observations and insights to help anyone working on this upright… Continue reading
Jump specialist Trevor Laak continues his lesson with a skater who is working on the triple salchow. The skater has a solid double but lacks consistently high enough air times to land the triple. In the first part of this… Continue reading
Jump specialist Trevor Laak gives a lesson to a skater who is working on the triple salchow. The skater has a solid double but lacks consistently high enough air times to land the triple. This video is closely related to… Continue reading
World and Olympic coach Michelle Leigh explains one of the most important concepts related to doing good salchows. To create the rotational energy and jump height necessary to do triples and quads, skaters must generate large rotational and vertical forces… Continue reading
Spin specialist Kim Ryan continues with a layback spin lesson. You can view part 1 of this lesson here. In this part, Kim works with the skater to integrate a haircutter position into the spin and a stronger exit.… Continue reading
World and Olympic coach Audrey Weisiger shares some of her tried and true motivational methods she uses to constantly push her skaters to train harder and to break through training plateaus.
2011 US Men’s Champion Ryan Bradley gives a skater a lesson on axel and double salchow. The value in sharing this video is in seeing how a coach like Ryan patiently demands more control from the skater. There are many… Continue reading
Figure skating strength and conditioning expert Matthew Blair Davis continues his series on jump power training. In the first video of the series, he demonstrated a fancy setup for gathering detailed data for monitoring a skater’s progress and providing… Continue reading
World and Olympic coach Robert Tebby explains how he teaches a lutz jump. This presentation is very similar to Robert’s previous presentation on the lutz, but those who use this technique will find even more helpful information in this video.… Continue reading
International coach Nick Perna offers important insights regarding jump walk-throughs. Nick begins by explaining the importance of doing walkthroughs, and cites examples of elite skaters repeatedly doing walkthroughs just before competing. But just doing walkthroughs is not enough. They need… Continue reading
Figure skating spin specialist Bobbe Shire shares some thoughts about spin training. To start the video, she finishes up a discussion of the backspin layback she covered here. She suggests using a running 3-turn sequence to get into the spin.… Continue reading
This video is a continuation of a lesson Sheila Thelen is giving a skater on the double loop. In Part 1 Sheila focused on proper air position and quick landings. In this part of the lesson, she focuses on head… Continue reading
National coach Chris Conte works on the triple loop with a skater who has a solid and consistent double loop. To begin the lesson, Chris immediately observes that the “hook” and rotation is slow on both the double loop and… Continue reading
In the very short video below, National coach Chris Conte explains that skaters in pain almost always lack the ability to train through the pain successfully when they are attempting skills they have never mastered or had success with. The… Continue reading
In this video, we get to see some off-ice training exercises for figure skaters at an indoor trampoline park. This video shows skaters of varying levels who were training at the time with World and Olympic coach Kori Ade. Coach… Continue reading
2018 World Ice Dance Silver Medalists Madison Hubbell and Zach Donohue offer two exercises for generating power and flow in the context of skating with a partner. The first exercise is just a repeating series of dance swing rolls. The… Continue reading
Figure skating spin specialist Charyl Brusch explains and demonstrates how she would teach a front layover camel to a proficient spinner. Obviously, skaters need a consistent front camel spin before they can really work on this. Charyl describes an initial… Continue reading
Professional choreographer Douglas Webster continues his lesson on cross strokes. In the earlier part of the lesson, Doug focused on leg and hip position. In this video, he focuses more on the actual push and movements to create power. As… Continue reading
World and Olympic coach Michelle Leigh shares some important insights regarding how to properly create edge pressure for a loop jump. As Michelle notes, elite skaters typically do not bend their axis (take-off) leg very much when performing a triple… Continue reading
Spin specialist Kim Ryan works with a skater to improve a layback spin. Kim starts the lesson by discussing the details of centering the upright spin before entering the layback position. This provides a great summary of Kim’s basic spin… Continue reading
World and Olympic coach Audrey Weisiger offers insights and discussion regarding distractions during competition, and how to train and prepare for them. The simple fact is, most distractions at competition are impossible to predict in advance, so coaches and skaters… Continue reading
2011 US Men’s Champion Ryan Bradley shares a series of drills for developing the toe loop. In the video, Ryan is working with a class that already has double toe, so the emphasis is on technique and quickness for the… Continue reading
Figure skating strength and conditioning expert Matthew Blair Davis talks about one of the methods he uses to train his skaters for jump power. In the video, Matthew has his skater standing on a jump mat and she is… Continue reading
International coach Nick Perna begins a jump lesson with some h-position and d-position drills. The skater in the lesson is a relatively high level skater, and she makes the drills look easy. But for younger and less advanced skaters, there… Continue reading
Figure skating coach Sheila Thelen works with a skater on the landing details of the double loop. This skater still has a slightly inconsistent take-off with varying air times, and some attempts are clearly a bit short of rotation.… Continue reading
Olympians and 2018 US National Ice Dance Champions Madison Hubbell and Zach Donohue share partnering wisdom with a class of non-elite skaters. There is only one skating exercise in this video, but there’s a large volume of teaching by Madison… Continue reading
Figure skating spin specialist Bobbe Shire offers insights about the layback spin and also explains the tricks for learning a layback backspin. One important tip for a forward layback or a backspin layback is to stop the free leg from… Continue reading
World and Olympic coach Kori Ade continues with a lesson for two young skaters. Part 1 of the basic skills lesson focused on blade awareness and usage, and some introduction to jumping. In Part 2, Kori focused on fundamental… Continue reading
Jump specialist Trevor Laak continues his lesson with a skater to fix a change of edge problem on the lutz (or double lutz). In the first part of the lesson, Trevor focused on timing and pick placement, using a series… Continue reading
Jump specialist Trevor Laak works with a skater to fix a change of edge problem on the lutz (or double lutz). In the lesson, Trevor uses back power pulls and specific timing to try to help the skater get the… Continue reading
Figure skating spin specialist Charyl Brusch shares how she teaches a change edge camel spin. This is a forward camel spin (blade skating backward, technically on an inside edge) that switches edge and skating direction (blade skating forward, technically on… Continue reading
World and Olympic coach Robert Tebby talks about single, double, and triple toe as the second or third jump of a combination. Several concepts Robert explains will be surprising to many coaches and skaters, as there are many misunderstandings about… Continue reading
Professional choreographer Douglas Webster gives a skater a lesson on cross strokes. Doug focuses almost entirely on the free leg and hip position on the preparation of the entry edge of the cross stroke. This information is rarely discussed in… Continue reading
In this figure skating video, World and Olympic coach Michelle Leigh is giving a lesson to skater who is just starting to develop the double axel. This short video focuses on one exercise, the “cheated loop.” This exercise is… Continue reading
Spin specialist Kim Ryan teaches a skater how to do a layover camel spin. Going into this lesson, the skater had never attempted a layover, so we get to see how Kim introduces it and builds it up. We also… Continue reading
World and Olympic coach Audrey Weisiger talks about some of the uncertainties of competition and how coaches can help skaters prepare for it. In particular, the competition warm-up can be very stressful. Audrey says, “Competition is always semi-chaotic if not… Continue reading
2011 US Men’s Champion Ryan Bradley teaches a class on how to improve the quickness of jump landings. In the US this is usually talked about as “checking out” of jumps. The context of this video is: the class is… Continue reading
Figure skating strength and conditioning expert Matthew Blair Davis continues his discussion of core strength training for figure skaters. In Part 1 of the series, Matthew described how to properly use a TRX Rip Trainer. In Part 2, he… Continue reading
International coach Nick Perna continues a double axel lesson. In Part 1, Nick focused on quickness drills and used the double loop to work on quickness, alignment, and air position. In this video, Nick starts with a double axel attempt… Continue reading
Figure skating coach Sheila Thelen gives a skater a lesson the layback spin. As you’ll see, this skater’s base layback is actually more like a side layback. She has a very hard time going straight back. Sheila addresses this… Continue reading
National figure skating coach and choreographer Chris Conte is giving a triple toe loop lesson as a guest coach. This video is a continuation of the same lesson where Chris worked with this skater on the triple salchow. In this… Continue reading
2018 US National Ice Dance Champions Madison Hubbell and Zach Donohue teach a class of skaters some basics of partnering. Maddie and Zach are teaching the skaters basic shadow skating without holding on. This is also called side-by-side skating. This… Continue reading
World and Olympic coach Kori Ade continues with a lesson for two young skaters. Part 1 of the basic skills lesson focused on blade awareness and usage, and some introduction to jumping. In this part of the lesson, Kori… Continue reading
Figure skating spin specialist Bobbe Shire talks about using the layback spin to maximize IJS points and simply to have fun with. At the beginning, Bobbe discusses trying to get a level 4 call for a layback as a spin… Continue reading
Figure skating spin specialist Charyl Brusch explains and demonstrates the process of teaching a Hamill camel to a skater who can already spin well. The move was popularized by 1976 Olympic Champion Dorothy Hamill and it’s not so much a… Continue reading
World and Olympic coach Robert Tebby continues his presentation on how he teaches a butterfly flying spin entrance. In Part 1, Robert shared a detailed, step-by-step process to learn the butterfly. Here in Part 2, Robert addresses two of the… Continue reading
World and Olympic coach Robert Tebby shows how he teaches a butterfly flying spin entrance to a group of skaters. This is an excellent presentation that offers a large number of tips that allow a skater to learn this difficult… Continue reading
Professional choreographer Douglas Webster continues his work with a skater on her footwork. The first part of this lesson is here. In this part, the primary focus is on improving the illusion and getting the exit direction correct to improve… Continue reading
In this figure skating video, World and Olympic coach Michelle Leigh gives an advanced skater a lesson on the triple flip and triple loop. The skater is clearly an excellent athlete as can be seen from the air time on… Continue reading
Spin specialist Kim Ryan shares a drill she uses to help skaters with the basics of a “victory spin” which is also known as a Y-spin. This spin is an upright spin with the free leg held up to roughly… Continue reading
World and Olympic coach Audrey Weisiger continues with a discussion of how to motivate skaters. This video is a continuation of Audrey’s presentation on The LRP Game and you should watch that video prior to this one to fully understand… Continue reading
Figure skating strength and conditioning expert Matthew Blair Davis continues his discussion of core strength training for figure skaters. In Part 1 of the series, Matthew described how to properly use a TRX Rip Trainer. In Part 2, he… Continue reading
International coach Nick Perna gives a double axel lesson. To begin the lesson, he “learns about” the skater by observing a backspin, several waltz jumps, a single axel, and then some double loops. In this first part of the lesson,… Continue reading
National figure skating coach and choreographer Chris Conte is giving a triple salchow lesson as a guest coach. At the time this video was recorded, Chris had worked very little with this skater, if at all (maybe on double axel).… Continue reading
World and Olympic coach Kori Ade gives a lesson to two young skaters. This basic skills lesson focuses on blade awareness and usage, and some introduction to jumping. To start the lesson, Kori has the skaters do a series of… Continue reading
Figure skating spin specialist Charyl Brusch teaches an illusion. The illusion falls under the “windmill” type spin in IJS language and is performed as part of a backspin. (A similar-looking spin done using the forward spin is called “bounces.”) Charyl… Continue reading
In this short figure skating video, World and Olympic coach Robert Tebby shares an excellent warm-up drill for jumping. The drill is a series of 4 twizzles, performed in a “box” pattern. Each twizzle rotates in the skaters jump rotation… Continue reading
Figure skating coach Sheila Thelen works with a skater to improve the twist of the shoulders to get the core change on a back sit. The skater is not leveraging the arms and skating side elbow to help create… Continue reading
World and Olympic coach Michelle Leigh is working with a male skater on building a double flip from a solid single. This skater has not yet landed the double at the time this video was recorded, and Michelle covers some… Continue reading
Professional choreographer Douglas Webster works with a skater on a footwork sequence. This process of fine tuning is usually necessary to create a more advanced footwork sequence with better edge quality and overall presentation. Doug focuses on a wide range… Continue reading
Spin specialist Kim Ryan works with a skater on her side layback. In the desired position for this spin, the shoulders should be vertically stacked. But even many skaters who have good flexibility to the side may have problems getting… Continue reading
World and Olympic coach Laurent Depouilly offers some helpful coaching ideas related to beginner spins and using a trampoline for jump training. At the beginning of the video, Laurent has the skater do a sit spin and then a camel… Continue reading
National figure skating coach and choreographer Chris Conte continues with a double axel lesson for a skater at a camp. In Part 1, Chris analyzed the skater’s jump and talked about how he thinks about the jump, including the “how… Continue reading
Figure skating strength and conditioning expert Matthew Blair Davis continues his discussion of core strength training for figure skaters. In Part 1 of the series, Matthew described how to properly use a TRX Rip Trainer. In Part 2, he… Continue reading
World and Olympic coach Kori Ade uses the split jump as a teaching tool for developing flow and rotation and proper jump/pick timing on flip and lutz jumps. She uses the split flip and split lutz all the time with… Continue reading
Spin specialist Charyl Brusch continues her presentation on the butterfly spin entrance. This video clarifies some of the concepts covered in Part 1. Charyl discusses leg fanning, second leg timing (starts up before second leg drops), a strong back, the… Continue reading
World and Olympic coach Robert Tebby shares his approach to teaching the lutz jump. This is a relatively traditional approach to the lutz, and those that teach this jump from a shallow outside edge setup will find much to use… Continue reading
International coach Nick Perna is giving a skater a lesson on the double toe loop, and trying to get the skater to cross her feet in the air. This is a common problem, so seeing the process that Nick uses… Continue reading
Figure skating coach Sheila Thelen continues her lesson with a skater on an advanced spin that the skater wants to get Level 4, but it’s getting called as Level 3. In Part 1, Sheila focused on the spin entry… Continue reading
In this figure skating video, World and Olympic coach Michelle Leigh is working with a skater to improve a relatively new double salchow. The focus is on control and timing. The skater is using a forward inside three turn entrance… Continue reading
Spin specialist Kim Ryan works with a skater who is struggling to center a forward upright scratch spin. There are many reasons that skaters may struggle with centering, and throughout this lesson the skater exhibits a variety of problems. This… Continue reading
Professional choreographer Douglas Webster continues working with a skater on her footwork sequence. See Part 1 here. In this part of the lesson, Doug focuses again on edge quality and power generation. He gives very specific feedback to the skater… Continue reading
World and Olympic coach Laurent Depouilly shares one of his drills for developing jumping power and rhythm. The concept of the drill is simple, but skaters tend to struggle with the necessary power generation and edge quality prior to the… Continue reading
National figure skating coach and choreographer Chris Conte continues with a double axel lesson for a skater at a camp. In Part 1, Chris analyzed the skater’s jump and talked about how he thinks about the jump, including the “how… Continue reading
Spin specialist Charyl Brusch gives a step-by-step process for teaching and learning a butterfly. The butterfly is a relatively complicated skill to learn, so it’s hugely beneficial to see a presentation like this. The demonstrator in the video knows the… Continue reading
Figure skating strength and conditioning expert Matthew Blair Davis continues his discussion of core strength training for figure skaters. In Part 1 of the series, Matthew explains how to properly use a TRX Rip Trainer. In Part 2, he… Continue reading
World and Olympic coach Kori Ade continues a multi-part series on jump setup patterns and jump teaching tips. In Part 1, Kori discussed patterns and setups for the axel and in Part 2 she tackled the salchow. In… Continue reading
Figure skating coach Sheila Thelen works with a skater on an advanced spin that the skater wants to get Level 4, but it’s getting called as Level 3. In this first part of the lesson, Sheila talks about the… Continue reading
Figure skating spin specialist Bobbe Shire explains how she teaches a change edge camel. She begins by teaching the change edge using a forward upright spin. She explains that the hook on the original forward spin entry has a three… Continue reading
Figure skating spin specialist Bobbe Shire talks about spin speed, and she offers insights about why a spin might slow down. This is one of the most common issues in skating as many skaters can generate a fast spin, but… Continue reading
World and Olympic coach Robert Tebby continues his discussion of the flip jump. This video is a continuation of the class Robert is teaching in this video (Part 1) and this video (Part 2). Here he shares a drill at… Continue reading
International coach Nick Perna continues his discussion of the stomping drill. In Part 1, he introduced the drill and showed how to use it with a variety of skating elements. In this video, he focuses on the jumps and how… Continue reading
World and Olympic coach Michelle Leigh begins a lesson with a young male skater by reviewing his single jumps. This is a great chance to see what an elite coach like Michelle looks for on single jumps after a skater… Continue reading
Spin specialist Kim Ryan shares important tips for skaters who are working on change foot spins but have problems maintaining the same center for both spins. It is ideal to push into the second spin and spin in the same… Continue reading
Professional choreographer Douglas Webster works with a skater on her footwork sequence. This is not an advanced skater, but she is also not a beginner. Skaters at this skill level usually struggle with power generation, knee and ankle… Continue reading
Figure skating spin specialist Bobbe Shire discusses some aspects of the sit spin, both forward sit spin and back sit spin. At the beginning of the video, she notes that skaters that make progress quickly on the sit spin are… Continue reading
World and Olympic coach Laurent Depouilly offers a great jump setup drill for young skaters that allows for many repetitions in a short time and small space. The drill consists of a forward outside three turn with a back… Continue reading
National figure skating coach and choreographer Chris Conte gives a double axel lesson to a skater at a camp. In this first part, Chris shares insights about how he thinks about the jump. Sometimes this simple framework is the… Continue reading
Figure skating strength and conditioning expert Matthew Blair Davis continues his discussion of core strength training for figure skaters. In Part 1 of the series, Matthew explains how to properly use a TRX Rip Trainer. In this video, he… Continue reading
World and Olympic coach Kori Ade continues a multi-part series on jump setup patterns and jump teaching tips. In Part 1, Kori discussed patterns and setups for the axel and in Part 2 she tackled the salchow. The… Continue reading
Spin specialist Charyl Brusch offers insights regarding the side layback, and how to properly transition to the square or back layback position. She has the help of two talented advanced level skaters so we can observe how different skaters create… Continue reading
World and Olympic coach Robert Tebby continues his discussion of the flip jump. This video is a continuation of the class Robert is teaching in this video. Here he covers the same information in more detail and he also clarifies… Continue reading
International coach Nick Perna talks about “stomping” and how and why to use it in figure skating. He calls these exercises “The Stomping Drill.” Nick says, “If you can hit any edge at any time in a gliding position, whether… Continue reading
World and Olympic coach Michelle Leigh continues a multi-part series on off-ice jumping and training. In Part 1 she focused on some basics and the axel. In Part 2, she discussed the salchow and some drills to… Continue reading
Figure skating coach Sheila Thelen gives a lesson on the double loop, double loop combination jump. The progress this skater makes during this relatively short lesson is amazing. The first attempts have the skater spending too much time… Continue reading
Spin specialist Kim Ryan gives a layback spin lesson. At the beginning of the lesson, Kim focuses on improving the skater’s upright position before switching to the layback. This position is critical, especially during the learning process, because it… Continue reading
World and Olympic coach Audrey Weisiger teaches at one of her Grassroots to Champions seminars several years ago. The information in this series is as valid and useful today as it was when it was recorded. These… Continue reading
Figure skating spin specialist Bobbe Shire shares a valuable tip on how to help skaters who are struggling to learn a correct backspin (blade gliding backward in spin). This can be incredibly frustrating for the skater and the coach.… Continue reading
Professional choreographer Douglas Webster gives a skater a lesson on the concept of deepening edges. The concept is explained in the context of a three-turn and also in the context of back inside edges (salchow). When performing three turns, most… Continue reading
World and Olympic coach Laurent Depouilly shares a jump setup drill he calls the “dragon tail” that he uses for all the major jumps except waltz jump/axel (but it can be used for that too). He primarily uses the exercise… Continue reading
Figure skating strength and conditioning expert Matthew Blair Davis beings a discussion about core training for figure skaters. Matthew explains that he wants to train figure skaters to have a stronger core when their body is vertical, because… Continue reading
World and Olympic coach Kori Ade continues a multi-part series on jump setup patterns. In Part 1, Kori discussed patterns and setups for the axel. The demonstrator for this series is Jordan Moeller and his jumps are definitely… Continue reading
Figure skating coach and choreographer Chris Conte gives a skater a lesson on a variety of jumps. This video is a continuation of the lesson in which Chris talked about tying skates properly. In the lesson, Chris covers a… Continue reading
Spin specialist Charyl Brusch explains how she teaches the upright straight spin. This spin goes by many names including the heel stretch, Y-spin, and shotgun. This is an advanced spin requiring significant flexibility. As Charyl explains, the key… Continue reading
World and Olympic coach Robert Tebby teaches a flip jump drill and offers important insights about the flip jump. He references his earlier discussion of the toe loop here. The first critical aspect of the drill is… Continue reading
International coach Nick Perna shares a controversial “secret” used by top coaches and top skaters. Common wisdom in skating has skaters constantly trying to point their toes. But as Nick explains, there are times where straightening the… Continue reading
World and Olympic coach Michelle Leigh continues a multi-part series on off-ice jumping. In Part 1 she focused on some basics and the axel. In Part 2, she discussed the salchow and some drills to improve landings.… Continue reading
Figure skating coach Sheila Thelen teaches bounces to a skater who has never done them before. Sheila refers to bounces as “forward illusions,” and many coaches and skaters use this same terminology, even though it is not strictly correct.… Continue reading
Spin specialist Kim Ryan gives a flying camel lesson. She begins by sharing a standstill drill that helps a skater develop an understanding of the proper movement of the hips and legs. She starts by having the… Continue reading
World and Olympic coach Audrey Weisiger teaches at one of her Grassroots to Champions seminars several years ago. The information in this series is as valid and useful today as it was when it was recorded. These… Continue reading
Figure skating spin specialist Bobbe Shire talks about the push into a backspin from a forward spin during a change foot spin. She reminds us, “Anytime you change position on a spin or anytime you change feet, everything… Continue reading
Professional choreographer Douglas Webster works with a skater on cross strokes, particularly in terms of edge pressure and power generation. Doug begins the lessons by explaining and demonstrating what he wants for the forward cross strokes (gather,… Continue reading
World and Olympic coach Laurent Depouilly continues his presentation on exercises for proper lutz development. In Part 1 he discussed the idea of using a back outside pivot to train the alignment and edge pressure. In Part 2,… Continue reading
Figure skating strength and conditioning expert Matthew Blair Davis continues his discussion on techniques for improving a skater’s strength for the sit spin. In Part 1, he shared a progression of exercises that develop the necessary basic… Continue reading
World and Olympic coach Kori Ade begins a multi-part series on jump setup patterns. The demonstrator for this series is Jordan Moeller and his jumps are definitely worth modeling. This series will cover the six main jumps, and… Continue reading
Figure skating coach and choreographer Chris Conte gives a short presentation on how to tie figure skates for jumping (and hence all singles and pair skating!). Chris covered this on iCoachSkating before, but this updated version is a… Continue reading
Spin specialist Charyl Brusch gives a skater a lesson on death drops and flying camels. Although this skater is challenged by these skills, this video offers insights into some of the drills Charyl uses to correct these problems. … Continue reading
World and Olympic coach Robert Tebby continues his discussion of loop jump mechanics (see Part 1 here). In the video below, Robert addresses an extremely common problem with the loop jump. Many skaters actually lose proper alignment… Continue reading
International coach Nick Perna gives a double toe loop lesson at a skating camp. Overall, this video provides a progression of exercises and drills any coach and skater can use to build a double toe loop. On the… Continue reading
World and Olympic coach Michelle Leigh continues her explanation of the mechanics of a toe loop. In the first video of this series, she introduced the idea of the edge and the heel take-off with a straight leg,… Continue reading
World and Olympic coach Michelle Leigh continues her explanation of the mechanics of a toe loop. In the first video of this series, she introduced the idea of the edge and the heel take-off with a straight leg,… Continue reading
International figure skating coach Page Lipe explains how she often trains opposite-direction jumps with her skaters in an overhead harness. She uses opposite-direction jumps as a way to help skaters break the monotony of training. She… Continue reading
Figure skating coach Sheila Thelen teaches an illusion to a skater who has never done one before. An illusion is a windmill-type spin performed from a backspin or a back camel (unlike “bounces” which are performed from a… Continue reading
In this very short video, spin specialist Kim Ryan offers tips for exiting a hydroblade position. As she notes, if you can glide in a position, you should be able to get into that position and spin in it… Continue reading
Figure skating spin specialist Bobbe Shire continues her discussion of spin basics. In the first video of this series, she shared a repeatable spin setup and entrance to maximize rotational energy while giving the skater the greatest possible… Continue reading
Professional choreographer Douglas Webster works with a skater to improve a section of her program. The focus of this video is an unnamed turn or step that is sometimes called the Scott Hamilton turn, the Scotty turn, the… Continue reading
World and Olympic coach Laurent Depouilly continues his presentation on exercises for proper lutz development. In Part 1 he discussed the idea of using a back outside pivot to train the alignment and edge pressure. In this video,… Continue reading
World and Olympic coach Laurent Depouilly shares some exercises for proper lutz development. The first exercise is a back outside pivot drill. (NOTE: Laurent’s primary language is French so his pronunciation of the word pivot sounds more like… Continue reading
World and Olympic coach Audrey Weisiger teaches at one of her Grassroots to Champions seminars several years ago. The information in this series is as valid and useful today as it was when it was recorded. These… Continue reading
Figure skating strength and conditioning expert Matthew Blair Davis continues his discussion on techniques for improving a skater’s strength for the sit spin. In Part 1, he shared a progression of exercises that develop the necessary basic… Continue reading
Olympic coach Kori Ade continues her discussion of what she calls the “second up” as a way to think about jump take-offs and collecting into the air position. In the first part, she explained the basic concept and… Continue reading
This video by Chris Conte is actually a continuation of his multi-part series on air turns or the Russian Twist where he references this discussion about reach position. However, the bulk of this discussion is focused… Continue reading
Trevor Laak explains and shows how the loop jump CAN indeed be thought of as a vaulting jump. Historically, the toe jumps in skating (toe loop, flip, and lutz) have been compared to a pole vault, where the picking… Continue reading
Spin specialist Charyl Brusch works with a skater on her layback and layback variations (side layback spin, haircutter spin, and Biellmann spin). Notice how even with an advanced spinner, Charyl has the skater warm-up the back at the… Continue reading
World and Olympic coach Robert Tebby provides a relatively thorough discussion of proper loop jump mechanics. In the process, he builds a walk-through for the jump. The details covered here are applicable to single loop, double loop,… Continue reading
International coach Nick Perna works with a skater on her double loop. This is a short section of a much longer lesson, and this section offers a valuable tip for coaches and skaters. For skaters having trouble… Continue reading
World and Olympic coach Michelle Leigh continues a multi-part series on off-ice jumping. In Part 1 she focused on some basics and the axel. In Part 2, she discussed the salchow and some drills to improve landings.… Continue reading
International figure skating coach Page Lipe shares some great tips for developing and improving spread eagles and Ina Bauers. These elements can be very challenging to learn and require good drills and lots of persistence and patience. For… Continue reading
Spin specialist Kim Ryan shares a number of valuable tips for improving a back sit spin. Some of the tips will help improve any backspin entry. Kim says, “The trouble with most people’s back spins are their… Continue reading
Figure skating coach Sheila Thelen offers a series of tips to improve a combination spin. The combination spin in question is a back camel, back sit, twisted back sit, upright, change foot to haircutter. Sheila begins… Continue reading
Moves in the field expert Karen Olson explains how some aspects of Moves in the Field can be used to address issues when teaching free skating, including jumping. She begins by saying, “I like to take some of… Continue reading
Figure skating spin specialist Bobbe Shire continues her discussion of spin basics. In the previous video, she shared a repeatable spin setup and entrance to maximize rotational energy while giving the skater the greatest possible chance for centering… Continue reading
Figure skating strength and conditioning expert Matthew Blair Davis continues his discussion on techniques for improving a skater’s strength for the sit spin. In Part 1, he shared a progression of exercises that develop the necessary basic… Continue reading
Olympic coach Kori Ade continues her discussion of what she calls the “second up,” particularly as it relates to axel or double axel. In the first part, she explained the basic concept and why it’s important and began… Continue reading
Chris Conte continues his multi-part series on air turns or the Russian Twist. In Part 1, he introduced the overall concept. In Part 2 he explained the first turn and discussed how it relates to snizzles and… Continue reading
In this very short video, World and Olympic figure skating coach and choreographer Pasquale Camerlengo explains that he prefers to work as part of a team of coaches. Every coach has certain strengths, and skaters benefit from working with… Continue reading
In this short video, World and Olympic coach Robert Tebby offers a valuable drill for developing the feeling of using “big muscles” to pull in on jumps (and spins). One of the most common jump errors is when skaters… Continue reading
Spin specialist Charyl Brusch gives a spin lesson to a skater with advanced spinning skills. Notice how even with her advanced skaters, Charyl starts the lesson with a basic upright back spin and works toward improvements (in this case,… Continue reading
In this very short video, Nick Perna is working with a skater on his air position. One of the most common similarities among elite skaters in terms of air position is a locked axis leg and a flexed axis… Continue reading
World and Olympic coach Michelle Leigh continues a multi-part series on off-ice jumping. In Part 1 she focused on some basics and the axel. In Part 2, she discussed the salchow and some drills to improve landings.… Continue reading
International coach Page Lipe gives a skater a double loop lesson. As you’ll see in the video, the skater is rotating and landing the jump, but the jump lacks flow. Page wants the arms to be… Continue reading
Jump specialist Trevor Laak analyzes the following double lutz jump: This skater was in a couple previous videos on iCoachSkating about the double lutz. Those videos were part of a lesson that Page Lipe was giving the skater.… Continue reading
In this figure skating spin video, spin specialist Kim Ryan is working with a skater to improve her butterfly. If you are looking for information about the basics of a butterfly, check out these two videos: … Continue reading
Moves in the field expert Karen Olson offers tips, advice, and exercises to help skaters and coaches master the Backward Loop Pattern from the USFS Junior Moves in the Field test. At the beginning of the video, Karen… Continue reading
World and Olympic figure skating coach and choreographer Pasquale Camerlengo discusses the value of using video as an analysis and a teaching tool. Using step-by-step or slow-motion video to analyze jumps is an obvious use of video in… Continue reading
Professional choreographer Douglas Webster works with a skater to improve a circular step sequence in her program. In this video we see Doug teaching and offering insights about a program put together by a different choreographer. The… Continue reading
Figure skating spin specialist Bobbe Shire reviews her foundational spin concepts and explains the challenges of the forward scratch spin. After a brief introduction, Bobbe talks about how she uses a 5-step system to teach spins. She… Continue reading
Matthew Blair Davis shares tips and techniques for improving a skater’s strength for the sit spin. The sit spin requires significant strength in the legs and torso. A lack of strength is a common limitation for skaters… Continue reading
Jump specialist Trevor Laak continues a multiple part series on the loop jump. Please see Part 1 for a summary of when and how the survey was conducted. Responses from coaches and skaters were separated, and… Continue reading
This video is a continuation of a class on partner skating (see Part 1 here) by US National Pair Champion Jeremy Barrett and US World ice dancers Madison Hubbell and Zach Donohue. In this video, they cover a lot… Continue reading
The vast majority of the information at iCoachSkating is focused on singles skating and particularly, on how to figure skate singles or how to teach figure skating to a singles skater. This video represents a slight deviation from this… Continue reading
Olympic coach Kori Ade continues a discussion with her skaters about the mental and emotional side of skating. In the first part of this series Kori used the metaphor of the “shell-less turtle” to help build confidence and… Continue reading
Olympic coach Kori Ade has a discussion with her skaters about the mental and emotional side of skating. In this video, Kori uses a fun and humorous exercise she calls the “shell-less turtle” (or “naked turtle”) as a… Continue reading
Chris Conte continues his multi-part series on air turns or the Russian Twist. In Part 1, he introduced the overall concept. In Part 2 he explained the first turn and discussed how it relates to … Continue reading
World and Olympic coach Robert Tebby shares some simple but important concepts to help skaters and coaches address jump issues. He begins by explaining there are “3 big parts” which are pattern, position, and timing. Pattern is related… Continue reading
Spin specialist Charyl Brusch works with a skater on her attitude spin. The attitude spin is a foundational spin that provides some basics to be used later when a skater learns a layback. The attitude spin is… Continue reading
International and World figure skating coach Nick Perna shares a drill he calls the “disco dance” which he uses to help skaters understand the concept of flow or flight direction in a jump. In the last video by… Continue reading
Jump specialist Trevor Laak begins a multiple part series on the loop jump. A few months prior to posting this video, Trevor asked iCoachSkating subscribers to take a survey about the loop jump. The survey consisted of… Continue reading
World and Olympic coach Michelle Leigh continues a multi-part series on off-ice jumping. In Part 1 she focused on some basics and the axel. In this video, she discusses the salchow and some drills to improve landings.… Continue reading
World and Olympic coach Michelle Leigh begins a multi-part series on off-ice jumping. A large percentage of elite skaters use off-ice jumps as part of their regular training and warm-up. And top coaches like Michelle often have… Continue reading
International coach Page Lipe continues with a double lutz lesson and shares more valuable tips regarding the lutz. In the first part of this lesson, Page focused on the arms. In this video, the primary focus is… Continue reading
In this video, figure skating coach Sheila Thelen is giving a skater a lesson on the broken leg sit spin (sit side). Sheila explains one method of using the arms on this spin to make the… Continue reading
World and Olympic coach Audrey Weisiger shares a game she developed to help keep her highest level skaters motivated who were training in near isolation. The game is particularly effective for skaters who are the “best” skater in… Continue reading
This short video by figure skating spin specialist Kim Ryan is a follow-up to the lesson she gave a skater on a sit spin that transitions from a regular forward sit spin (sit front) to what the skater calls… Continue reading
Moves in the field expert Karen Olson continues a discussion of the Serpentine Step Sequence from the USFS Senior Moves in the Field test. Make sure to watch Part 1, Part 2, Part 3 and… Continue reading
Figure skating spin specialist Kim Ryan gives a lesson on a sit spin that transitions from a regular forward sit spin (sit front) to what the skater calls a turtle spin (also called a clam), which is a forward… Continue reading
Moves in the field expert Karen Olson continues a discussion of the Serpentine Step Sequence from the USFS Senior Moves in the Field test. Make sure to watch Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3 before… Continue reading
This figure skating video is a continuation of an advanced loop class by Ryan Bradley at the G2C Supercamp in the summer of 2015. In Part 1, Ryan offered a number of tips and some specific advice… Continue reading
World and Olympic figure skating coach and choreographer Pasquale Camerlengo continues his presentation on choreography (see Part 1 here and Part 2 here). In Part 3 he discussed the idea of “polishing” a program, and he continues… Continue reading
World and Olympic figure skating coach and choreographer Pasquale Camerlengo continues his presentation on choreography (see Part 1 here and Part 2 here) with a discussion of “polishing” or improving existing choreography. Pasquale wants every single moment of… Continue reading
Olympic coach Kori Ade continues her discussion with her competitive and elite skaters about how elite people approach the world as compared to how ordinary people and even successful people approach it. See the first part… Continue reading
Olympic coach Kori Ade has a discussion with her competitive and elite skaters about how elite people approach the world as compared to how ordinary people and even successful people approach it. Her goal is to… Continue reading
World and Olympic coach Robert Tebby explains how he teaches a toe loop jump. He begins by acknowledging there are lots of ways to set up the jump, but once backward and reaching, the position should be the… Continue reading
Spin specialist Charyl Brusch continues with a spin lesson for one of her skaters. In the first part of this lesson, Charyl covered the forward upright scratch spin, the back upright scratch spin, and the forward sit spin.… Continue reading
Chris Conte continues his multi-part series on air turns or the Russian Twist. In Part 1, he introduced the overall concept. In Part 2 he explained the first turn and discussed how it relates to snizzles… Continue reading
International and World figure skating coach Nick Perna talks about jump trajectory and flow in the context of throwing a frisbee. Nick notes, “A jump is supposed to be moving through space, turning, and in a straight line,… Continue reading
Olympic coach Kori Ade continues her discussion of what she calls the “second up.” In the first part, she explained the basic concept and why it’s important and began some exercises to improve the second up on an… Continue reading
Olympic coach Kori Ade shares her concept of a “second up” in a good figure skating jump. The “first up” is the actual movement of jumping up in the air, and Kori explains, the “second up” is the… Continue reading
Figure skating coach Sheila Thelen shares some great reminders and tips regarding figure skating jumps. Sheila does a large number of seminars and workshops throughout the US each year. And she has some observations regarding common… Continue reading
World and Olympic coach Michelle Leigh explains the mechanics of a toe loop jump as it relates to the non-picking foot. She draws a picture on the ice to explain the movements and she shows common errors. … Continue reading
International coach Page Lipe gives a double lutz lesson and shares some valuable tips regarding the lutz. This part of the lesson focuses on the arms, and this information is applicable to other jumps as well. Skaters… Continue reading
This is a short video follow-up to World and Olympic coach Audrey Weisiger‘s previous video on pivots and skids. Here Audrey recommends teaching a backward snowplow stop and skids in spirals. She highlights the need for figure skaters… Continue reading
World and Olympic coach Robert Tebby continues his presentation to a class on waltz jump and axel. In the first part he focused primarily on the setup and the landing. In second part, he shared a walk-through… Continue reading
Chris Conte continues his multi-part series on air turns or the Russian Twist. In Part 1, he introduced the overall concept. In this part, he explains the first turn and discusses how it relates to snizzles and… Continue reading
In this video, spin specialist Charyl Brusch gives a spin lesson to one of her skaters. The value in watching this video comes from seeing the errors (which are common) and the corrections and discussion. At the beginning… Continue reading
Figure skating spin specialist Kim Ryan continues her layback lesson with a skater during a spin seminar. In the first part of the lesson, Kim talked about all of the main problems with the spin. In this… Continue reading
Chris Conte begins a multi-part series on air turns or what he refers to as the Russian twist. This is a very common jump drill, but oftentimes the details are missing. In this series, Chris provides enough information… Continue reading
Figure skating spin specialist Kim Ryan gives a layback lesson to a skater as part of a spin seminar. The skater does a layback with many fundamental errors which Kim identifies and then offers solutions for. A layback… Continue reading
Specialty figures expert Kirsten Olson teaches another specialty figure that uses crosscuts, edge changes, and forward outside loops to create a clover pattern on the ice. You can see Kirsten’s other videos on specialty figures here: Fishtails/Crosscuts,… Continue reading
Figure skating coach Sheila Thelen talks about 2 common misconceptions related to spinning. A high percentage of skaters are unable to correctly answer the following questions: Where on the blade do you balance as you spin? Does… Continue reading
Olympic coach Michelle Leigh offers two valuable exercises for correcting the “pike position” or “broken arrow” jump air position where the body is forward and the skater’s body does not make a nice straight line. The first exercise… Continue reading
World and Olympic coach Audrey Weisiger talks about pivots and she provides motivation for learning pivots and skids/stops. She begins by showing the 4 backward pivots (right backward inside pivot, left backward inside pivot, right backward outside pivot,… Continue reading
International and World figure skating coach Nick Perna continues his explanation of how he teaches turns for complete mastery. In the first part of this video, Nick showed how he teaches a forward outside three-turn on a straight… Continue reading
Moves in the field expert Karen Olson continues a discussion of the Serpentine Step Sequence from the USFS Senior Moves in the Field test. To see Part 1 of this presentation, click here, and to see… Continue reading
In this short video, International coach Page Lipe explains the h-position clap drill. She uses this drill with skaters on loop, flip, and lutz jumps and she explains it doesn’t work very well on salchow (and toe loop… Continue reading
World and Olympic coach Robert Tebby continues his presentation to a class on waltz jump and axel. In the first part he focused primarily on the setup and the landing. In second part, he shared a walk-through… Continue reading
As an iCoachSkating subscriber, would you please take the following survey on the loop jump? Please select the correct button below to go to the survey. The survey itself should take about 5 to 10 minutes. If you do… Continue reading
This video is a continuation of an advanced loop class by Ryan Bradley the G2C Supercamp in the summer of 2015. In Part 1, Ryan offered a number of tips and some specific advice to help the… Continue reading
Moves in the field expert Karen Olson continues a discussion of the Serpentine Step Sequence from the USFS Senior Moves in the Field test. To see Part 1 of this presentation, click here. In this video,… Continue reading
Ryan Bradley teaches a loop jump class at the G2C Supercamp in the summer of 2015. These exercises are appropriate for all skaters who have basic mastery of a single loop, although the class in the video are… Continue reading
Moves in the field expert Karen Olson begins a discussion of the Serpentine Step Sequence from the USFS Senior Moves in the Field test. As with all complex moves, Karen breaks down the move into its component skills.… Continue reading
Jump specialist Trevor Laak offers 4 examples of double and triple axels showing how elite skaters use a pole-vaulting method to maximize jump height and create maximum rotational energy for the jump. This is a follow-up or clarification video… Continue reading
Figure skating coach and choreographer Chris Conte continues his presentation on how he teaches a skidded axel take-off. In the first part, Chris introduced the topic and demonstrated how he begins the process with the hockey glide. In… Continue reading
Figure skating coach and choreographer Chris Conte continues his presentation on how he teaches a skidded axel take-off. In the first part, Chris introduced the topic and demonstrated how he begins the process with the hockey glide. In… Continue reading
Figure skating spin specialist Kim Ryan works with a long-time student on her layback spins. There are some nice tips in this video, but one of the main benefits you’ll get from watching this video is to see… Continue reading
Spin specialist Charyl Brusch gives one of her skaters a spin lesson. Sometimes it can be helpful for coaches and skaters to see how other coaches give lessons. Some of the information in these kinds of lessons is… Continue reading
Figure skating coach Sheila Thelen gives a very concise presentation on some of the most important aspects of the toe loop jump. These ideas and tips apply to single and double toe loops as well as triples… Continue reading
Specialty figures expert Kirsten Olson offers more insights about the Maltese Cross specialty figure as she works with a group of skaters on the pattern. This video acts as a continuation of Kirsten’s presentation on Fishtails/Crosscuts and the… Continue reading
Figure skating spin specialist Bobbe Shire shares some helpful information related to testing for shoulder flexibility for Biellmann spins, haircutters, and donut spins. It’s a little hard to see in the video what Bobbe is talking about when… Continue reading
International and World figure skating coach Nick Perna shares a method for teaching complete mastery of all one foot turns in figure skating. He does not introduce this at the Learn-to-Skate level, but after a skater has developed… Continue reading
International coach Page Lipe explains and demonstrates a number of valuable exercises to help skaters develop body awareness as it relates to figure skating. These exercises not only build awareness, but also strength and muscle memory for correct positions… Continue reading
Olympic coach Michelle Leigh continues a lesson with a skater. The first part of the lesson focused on toe loop combination jumps (triple-triple but concepts also apply to double). In this video, Michelle and her student leave… Continue reading
Olympic coach Kori Ade continues a discussion with her competitive skaters regarding their thresholds for various stressors. In Part 1, she introduced the topic and covered the examples of thresholds for physical pain and thresholds for handling success.… Continue reading
Olympic coach Kori Ade leads a discussion with her skaters about understanding and dealing with our individual thresholds. For example, everyone has their own specific threshold for tolerating pain. But these thresholds are not fixed and unchangeable.… Continue reading
World and Olympic coach Audrey Weisiger covers a variety of topics related to blade control and usage, with an emphasis on toe hops and some discussion of the toe loop jump. This video is a continuation of Audrey’s… Continue reading
World and Olympic coach Robert Tebby continues his presentation to a class on waltz jump and axel. In the first part he focused primarily on the setup and the landing. In this part, he begins the axel… Continue reading
World and Olympic coach Robert Tebby teaches a class some important details about the waltz jump, particularly as it relates to axel and double axel. Robert starts with a discussion of the setup and he encourages getting… Continue reading
Figure skating spin specialist Kim Ryan works with a skater on her pancake spin. We join this lesson in progress after initial work on entry and the basic sit spin. The skater performs a pancake where she… Continue reading
Figure skating coach and choreographer Chris Conte continues his presentation on how he begins teaching a skidded axel take-off. In the first part, Chris introduced the topic and demonstrated how he begins the process with the hockey glide. … Continue reading
Figure skating coach and choreographer Chris Conte explains and demonstrates how he begins teaching a skidded axel take-off. This video follows naturally from the earlier series Chris did on skids and stops (Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part… Continue reading
Moves in the field expert Karen Olson continues her discussion and demonstration of how she teaches the Sustained Edge Step pattern of the USFS Senior Moves test. In the first part of this discussion, she broke the move down… Continue reading
Moves in the field expert Karen Olson explains how she teaches the Sustained Edge Step pattern of the USFS Senior Moves test. Much of this discussion is specifically about the pattern, but even those not teaching or skating this… Continue reading
Figure skating coach Amy Brolsma explains and demonstrates how she teaches lunges to beginner skaters. As she explains, the lunge provides a great way for young skaters to work on core control (hips) and get used to bending more… Continue reading
Spin specialist Charyl Brusch gives one of her skaters a layhback spin lesson, which includes the skater’s first attempts at a Beillmann spin. Throughout the video, Charyl shares tips and tricks for laybacks, side laybacks, the haircutter variation, and… Continue reading
Coach Sheila Thelen continues her short series showing how to properly use a stationary off-ice (or on-ice) harness for developing jump air position. In Part 1 she discussed the desired fundamental h- and d-positions, and it Part 2… Continue reading
In this video, figure skating spin specialist Bobbe Shire discusses teaching and learning methods in the context of skaters trying jumps within spins. In particular, Bobbe has her demonstrators attempt forward sit, jump into back sit. Notice that… Continue reading
Specialty figures expert Kirsten Olson teaches the specialty figure “angel wings.” (See Kirsten’s presentation on the Maltese Cross specialty figure here.) The turns used for angel wings are the bracket and the double three turn. Kirsten demonstrates… Continue reading
In this very short video, Chris Conte explains at what point in a skater’s development he focuses on the various skids and stops. This video is part of a series of videos on skids and stops. In Part 1… Continue reading
International and World figure skating coach Nick Perna explains and demonstrates a simple drill he uses to build edge control and complete mastery of turns. This video is a follow-up to his video on the Shut Up Drill. … Continue reading
International coach Page Lipe explains and demonstrates the take-offs for the weight transfer jumps, axel, salchow, and toe loop using drawings on the ice. These drawings help skaters (and coaches) understand how to create a take-off with flow and… Continue reading
World and Olympic coach Robert Tebby continues teaching a class the flying sit spin. In Part 1 he focused entirely on “the fly” or the jump. In this part he talks mostly about the tuck and the rest… Continue reading
World and Olympic coach Robert Tebby teaches a class the first part of a flying sit spin. He begins by explaining that the element happens just the like the name implies. He says, “You have to fly first,… Continue reading
Olympic coach Michelle Leigh works with a skater on developing triple-triple combinations with triple toe as the second jump. The lesson starts with 2 huge double axels which are used primarily as a warm-up for this skater but they… Continue reading
Figure skating coach Amy Brolsma explains and demonstrates how she teaches spirals to beginner skaters. She focuses initially on the upper body position while on 2 feet. To balance this position, skaters must allow the hips to move… Continue reading
World and Olympic coach Audrey Weisiger continues with a double axel lesson for a skater who has been working on the jump a while, yet has never landed it. In Part 1, Audrey shared the one-foot axel drill and… Continue reading
World and Olympic coach Audrey Weisiger gives a double axel lesson to a skater who has been working on the jump a while, yet has never landed it. We join the lesson already underway with Audrey asking for a… Continue reading
During a spin clinic, figure skating spin specialist Kim Ryan asks a low level class to create their own spins. So much of figure skating is dominated by coaches telling skaters what to do, leaving little or no room… Continue reading
Figure skating jump specialist Charlie Tickner discusses his approach to working with adult skaters. He acknowledges that adults may feel fear and many may admit to it, but he reminds everyone that young skaters also have fear (and coaches… Continue reading
Olympic coach Kori Ade continues her lesson on the double axel with a skater at the 2015 G2C Supercamp (see Part 1 here). Here Kori starts by addressing the free leg position and movement. She wants the free leg… Continue reading
Olympic coach Kori Ade works works with a skater on double axel at the 2015 G2C Supercamp. Kori begins by watching a single axel and then a double loop. Kori focuses a lot on the concept of a… Continue reading
Spin specialist Charyl Brusch shares her thoughts about common problems that adult skaters face when learning the sit spin. Because most adult skaters don’t want to fall, they often round their back, sit too far back, and have their… Continue reading
Chris Conte continues his multi-part series on skids and stops. In Part 1 he covered T-stops. In Part 2 he introduced the slideboard drill. In Part 3 he shared some drills for building skidding mastery and discussed… Continue reading
Figure skating spin specialist Bobbe Shire teaches 3 skaters the back camel, jump to forward sit spin. None of the skaters had attempted this before this lesson so you get to see the typical learning process. Bobbe calls… Continue reading
World and Olympic figure skating coach and choreographer Pasquale Camerlengo continues his presentation on choreography (see Part 1 here) with a discussion and demonstration of creating an interesting transition. Transitions by definition are the connecting movements between skating elements… Continue reading
World and Olympic figure skating coach and choreographer Pasquale Camerlengo begins a discussion about choreography. Pasquale is one of the most sought-after choreographers in the world and it is valuable to hear his insights. Right at the beginning, Pasquale… Continue reading
Specialty figures expert Kirsten Olson continues her presentation on specialty figures by demonstrating and explaining the Maltese Cross. The Maltese Cross uses the cross-cuts or fishtails learned in the previous video and is a pattern skated entirely on one… Continue reading
Specialty figures expert Kirsten Olson teaches the “crosscuts” used in the Maltese Cross specialty figure. Compulsory or school figures are making a resurgence and even historical specialty figures are growing in popularity. One such figure is the Maltese… Continue reading
Moves in the field expert Karen Olson continues her explanation of how she teaches the Power Double Three-Turns to Power Double Rocker patterns of the USFS Senior Moves test. You can see Part 1 of this discussion here. … Continue reading
Moves in the field expert Karen Olson explains how she teaches the Power Double Three-Turns to Power Double Rocker patterns of the USFS Senior Moves test. Much of this discussion is specifically about these patterns, but even those not… Continue reading
International and World figure skating coach Nick Perna explains a very simple drill he uses to build edge control. This is a drill every figure skating coach has used at one point or another, but probably not with all… Continue reading
In this short video, international coach Page Lipe shares a simple but very effective warm-up drill she calls the “basketball exercise.” The drill was adapted from a warm-up used by a basketball team many years ago. The drill consists… Continue reading
World and Olympic coach Robert Tebby teaches a class the death drop flying spin entrance. As Robert notes, a good death drop briefly gives the illusion that the skater is in danger of falling on her/his head. In… Continue reading
World and Olympic coach Robert Tebby teaches important on-ice warm-up exercises for preparing to jump. These exercises focus on core jumping principles such as head position and movements, proper alignment and timing for the air position, and head position… Continue reading
Coach Sheila Thelen continues her short series showing how to properly use a stationary off-ice (or on-ice) harness for developing jump air position. In Part 1 she discussed the desired fundamental h- and d-positions. In this video,… Continue reading
Professional choreographer Douglas Webster works with a class on power generation from edges. He notes that almost everything in figure skating relates to these kinds of edge pushes. He says, “You’re always in a push, unless you’re in… Continue reading
Coach Sheila Thelen begins a short series showing how to properly use a stationary off-ice (or on-ice) harness for developing jump air position. Most skaters simply learn this position as a backspin and then do their best when… Continue reading
Jump specialist Trevor Laak comments on a quad toe loop performed by US National Champion Jason Brown. Trevor discusses how much rotation actually occurs “in the air” and addresses the rarely understood aspect of different amounts of rotation for… Continue reading
Figure skating coach Amy Brolsma explains and demonstrates how she teaches backward crossovers which are also known as backward crosscuts depending on where you live in the world. This video is a continuation of Amy’s presentation on forward crossovers.… Continue reading
Olympic coach Michelle Leigh works with a skater on the triple toe loop jump. This video has a number of important concepts and drills that will benefit skaters working on doubles, triples, and quads. Michelle begins with a… Continue reading
Figure skating coach Amy Brolsma explains and demonstrates how she teaches forward crossovers which are also known as crosscuts depending on where you live in the world. Amy begins by noting that a good goal for proper crossovers is… Continue reading
During a spin clinic, figure skating spin specialist Kim Ryan works with a low level class on camel spins. Some of the information presented in this video is similar to her presentation to high level skaters here (Part 1)… Continue reading
Figure skating jump specialist Charlie Tickner explains how to do a double axel. This video is a continuation of Charlie’s presentation on the single axel (Part 1 and Part 2). In general, Charlie teaches a double axel using… Continue reading
World and Olympic coach Audrey Weisiger talks about the ballet jump. The ballet jump is sometimes mistaken for the mazurka, but the non-picking leg remains behind on the ballet jump. To start, Audrey does not focus on getting… Continue reading
Olympic coach Michelle Leigh discusses some key concepts associated with the triple salchow. She likes having skaters use a “crosscut” entrance. In the USA this is more commonly called a salchow from “back crossovers” or from an “undercut.”… Continue reading
In this short video, spin specialist Charyl Brusch offers some insights and tips for the sit spin variation commonly known as the mushroom or “sit back.” This video is basically a continuation of the Charyl’s pancake video. She… Continue reading
Olympic coach Kori Ade works with a visiting skater on the double axel. Kori starts the lesson by watching YouTube video of a triple axel. Sometimes skaters need visual feedback to help them understand what they are trying… Continue reading
Chris Conte continues his multi-part series on skids and stops. In Part 1 he covered T-stops. In Part 2 he introduced the slideboard drill. In this video, Chris discusses drills for building skidding mastery. He also… Continue reading
Figure skating spin specialist Bobbe Shire explains how she teaches the camel spin jump into flying sit spin combination. A jump within a spin can add an IJS level to a spin and Bobbe shares her favorite way of… Continue reading
World and Olympic figure skating coach and choreographer Pasquale Camerlengo talks about creating power and flow and he shares a “simple” circular drill. In the beginning of the video, he emphasizes the importance of working on edges and generating… Continue reading
Figure skating coach Nick Perna shares a drill related to the alignment drill on 2 feet with the feet crossed. This version of the drill is simple in concept, but it can be very challenging. It develops great… Continue reading
Figure skating coach Nick Perna offers a set of drills intended to improve a skater’s alignment and get them comfortable with their feet under them. These drills fall under the category of “skating skills.” Alignment issues plaque skaters… Continue reading
Jump specialist and video analyst Trevor Laak discusses how and why he uses the split jump and split flip as a development tool for double flip. This is the second follow-up to the analysis video Trevor recorded on a… Continue reading
Jump specialist and video analyst Trevor Laak shares 2 drills for improving the timing and flow of the flip jump. This is a follow-up to the analysis video Trevor recorded on a single flip with excessive shoulder rotation (see… Continue reading
Olympic coach Michelle Leigh talks about using a half-axel to improve the axel and as a drill for double axel. This video is a continuation of an earlier double axel lesson. Michelle refers to an under-rotated axel where… Continue reading
World and Olympic coach Audrey Weisiger explains what a mazurka is and how to do one. A mazurka is a basic skill that is useful in the development process for jumps such as the toe loop. Audrey… Continue reading
Figure skating jump specialist Charlie Tickner continues his discussion of how he teaches an axel. Please watch Part 1 before viewing this page as Charlie references some of the info he covered in that video. In this… Continue reading
Spin specialist Kim Ryan continues her spin class presentation on the forward outside edge camel spin. You can see Part 1 here. Here she describes a drill she has the skaters do on the hockey circle. It… Continue reading
In this short video, Page Lipe talks about when a skater is ready to learn a new element. This is a common question from coaches, skaters, and skating parents alike. Here’s Page’s thoughts on this topic. It’s… Continue reading
Spin specialist Charyl Brusch offers some insights and tips for the sit spin variation commonly known as the pancake. She begins by helping the skater get into the position while providing support. Notice the detail of grabbing the… Continue reading
Jump specialist Trevor Laak analyzes a single flip for a skater interested in working on the double. Trevor provides a full analysis of the jump, but focuses on the “rotational jerkiness” caused by excessive shoulder pre-rotation. This is… Continue reading
Chris Conte continues his multi-part series on skids and stops. In Part 1 he covered T-stops. In this video, Chris introduces the slideboard drill for helping develop the inside edge skid as well as power generation in stroking,… Continue reading
Chris Conte begins a multi-part series on skids and stops. Skids are a form of edge control that needs to be developed from the beginning stages of skating. Most skaters are introduced to skids when they learn a… Continue reading
In this video, figure skating spin specialist Bobbe Shire offers many insights for maximizing IJS points for spins. This is a long video with lots of ideas. The specific rules and point values may have changed by the… Continue reading
World and Olympic figure skating coach and choreographer Pasquale Camerlengo explains how he develops stronger outside edges, primarily through the use of cross strokes or cross rolls (dance). Bending before the push is critical for proper power generation. … Continue reading
Figure skating coach Nick Perna continues his explanation of pivots. Check out Part 1 and Part 2. In this video, Nick discusses the back outside pivot. This pivot is typically learned in basic skills classes and it helps… Continue reading
Olympic coach Kori Ade works with one of her skaters learning a triple flip. This skater lacks the necessary air time for the triple but Kori shows the process of building the jump from the double. In this lesson… Continue reading
Olympic coach Michelle Leigh gives a double axel lesson. As Michelle notes, the demonstrator in the video has just recently landed the double axel so it is a brand new jump without consistency. In this video we get… Continue reading
Page Lipe shares some tips with coaches on how to stay motivated and use their ongoing education to help bring more passion to the rink. Many coaches don’t have other coaches at their rink to help motivate them and… Continue reading
Spin specialist Charyl Brusch shares some fantastic tips for doing the sit spin variation with the leg in front and the body forward and down. This sit spin is known by many names including the bullet spin, the cannonball… Continue reading
World and Olympic coach Audrey Weisiger continues her discussion of the split jump (see Part 1 and Part 2). In this video she focuses on the split toe loop, the split flip, and the split lutz. Audrey spends… Continue reading
Figure skating jump specialist Charlie Tickner explains and demonstrates how he teaches an axel. This is an excellent presentation and epitomizes the “traditional” axel teaching method used in the United States. Charlie uses the back outside edge preparation… Continue reading
Spin specialist Kim Ryan teaches a spin class how to do a forward outside edge camel spin. Kim begins by acknowledging that there are many ways to achieve the goal, but she likes to start with the camel “base… Continue reading
Chris Conte continues with Part 11 of a multi-part series on jump development exercises. In this series, Chris provides a set of warm-up exercises with a variety of drills embedded in them to develop important jumping skills associated with… Continue reading
Figure skating spin specialist Bobbe Shire continues her description of the back camel. In Part 1, she talked at length about the back camel spin entrance and in Part 2 she discussed the back camel position in detail. … Continue reading
Figure skating spin specialist Bobbe Shire continues her description of the back camel. In Part 1, she talked at length about the back camel spin entrance. In this video, she begins by working on the back camel position… Continue reading
World and Olympic figure skating coach and choreographer Pasquale Camerlengo explains how he develops stronger inside edges. (See the introduction to this video here.) The demonstrators in this video are World ice dance competitors Madison Hubbell and Zach… Continue reading
World and Olympic figure skating coach and choreographer Pasquale Camerlengo discusses the importance of edge work and skating skills as it relates to skating development and IJS points. Pasquale is an elite choreographer, and notice the focus and awareness… Continue reading
Figure skating coach Nick Perna continues his explanation of pivots. You can see Part 1 of his presentation here. In this video, Nick begins by noting there are 8 different pivots in total. These are forward inside, back… Continue reading
Figure skating coach Nick Perna explains how he teaches pivots. Nick thinks pivots are often overlooked because skaters usually learn them so early in the skating development process and coaches aren’t demanding about improving the positions. Also, even… Continue reading
Olympic coach Kori Ade works with one of her skaters learning a triple toe loop. This is the second part of a 2 part lesson on the triple toe. See Part 1 here. As mentioned for Part… Continue reading
Olympic coach Michelle Leigh continues her lesson with a young male skater in Part 3 of a 3-part series on jumps. In the first part of the lesson, Michelle focused on the lutz. In the second video, Michelle… Continue reading
Olympic coach Michelle Leigh continues her lesson with a young male skater in Part 2 of a 3-part series on jumps. In the first part of the lesson, Michelle focused on the lutz. In this video, Michelle is… Continue reading
Professional choreographer Douglas Webster continues his class on warming up properly after stepping onto the ice. In the first video, Doug focused on exercises intended to warm up the knees and ankles. In the second video, he focuses… Continue reading
Figure skating coach Amy Brolsma explains and demonstrates how she teaches the outside spread eagle. The spread eagle can be a beautiful figure skating move but it usually requires a significant commitment from a skater in terms of stretching… Continue reading
Page Lipe gives a camel spin lesson to an adult skater who struggles with the spin. Overall, the video offers a large number of ideas and tips that Page has found useful with this skater. Adult skaters often… Continue reading
Spin specialist Charyl Brusch teaches a back sit with a body core change. Beginning at a standstill on two feet, Charyl has the skater work on the position which requires a strong forward body lean, placing the chest on… Continue reading
World and Olympic coach Audrey Weisiger continues her discussion of the split jump. In Part 1, she explained the fundamentals of the split and a basis for understanding the positions and mechanics as well as controlling the rotation. … Continue reading
Figure skating jump specialist Charlie Tickner continues his discussion of the lutz jump. In Part 1, he talked about fundamentals of edge control and alignment and how he begins building the jump without rotation. In this video, he… Continue reading
Chris Conte continues with Part 10 of a multi-part series on jump development exercises. In this series, Chris provides a set of warm-up exercises with a variety of drills embedded in them to develop important jumping skills associated with… Continue reading
Olympic coach Michelle Leigh works with a young male skater in a 3-part series on jumps. In this video, the focus is on the lutz. To begin the lesson, Michelle asks for an air position drill from a… Continue reading
Spin specialist Kim Ryan continues her spin class introduction to the sit spin. In Part 1 Kim focused on the very basics, building from basic stationary dips. In Part 2, she focuses primarily on the arms and proper… Continue reading
Figure skating spin specialist Bobbe Shire explains how she teaches the back camel entrance. Right from the start, Bobbe notes that she does not like the common two foot entrance where the skater drags the free foot into the… Continue reading
Olympic coach Kori Ade works with one of her skaters learning a triple toe loop. This stage of the triple toe is a common plateau, so many will benefit from the ideas shared here. Kori begins by explaining that… Continue reading
Figure skating coach Nick Perna provides a more advanced version of his Banana Drill on one foot. The inside edge version of this drill is easier, but skaters should master stopping on both inside and outside edges, and both… Continue reading
Figure skating coach Amy Brolsma explains how she teaches the figure skating move called the “Ina Bauer.” This move can be very beautiful and graceful, but as Amy notes, when it is not done well it can be an… Continue reading
Page Lipe offers a wealth of tips and tricks and stories regarding the toe loop in combination. This is an outstanding video and everyone working on double and triple toe loops as the second or third jump of a… Continue reading
Spin specialist Charyl Brusch explains how she introduces the cross-foot spin. As she describes, the cross foot spin is a spin on two feet with the feet crossed. Just like any two foot spin, one foot is spinning… Continue reading
World and Olympic coach Audrey Weisiger explains how she introduces the split jump to a skater for the first time and how she builds it into a competent element. She begins by putting the skater in T position and… Continue reading
Chris Conte continues with Part 9 of a multi-part series on jump development exercises. In this series, Chris provides a set of warm-up exercises with a variety of drills embedded in them to develop important jumping skills associated with… Continue reading
Figure skating jump specialist Charlie Tickner explains and demonstrates how he introduces the lutz jump. As he notes, the lutz is a challenging element that is getting lots of scrutiny today as edge changes are simply not overlooked in… Continue reading
Olympic coach Michelle Leigh works with a skater in a 3-part series on jumps leading to triple salchow and triple toe. This is the final part of this lesson. In the first part, Michelle worked on 3-jump combinations… Continue reading
Spin specialist Kim Ryan continues her spin class introduction to the sit spin. This video reinforces and clarifies some of the things covered in Part 1 of this series. In a discussion with the class, Kim asks if… Continue reading
Spin specialist Kim Ryan explains to a spin class how she introduces the sit spin. To help skaters who are just learning the sit spin get low enough, Kim has the class do stationary dips on two feet. … Continue reading
This is yet another fantastic video from spin specialist Charyl Brusch In this video, Charyl discusses the theory and technical details of doing change foot spins, from the front spin to the back spin. The specific spin under… Continue reading
In this follow-up video, figure skating jump specialist Trevor Laak continues his analysis of a triple axel attempt by Mirai Nagasu at the 2014 Grassroots to Champions Supercamp in Lansing, MI on July 9, 2014. To see the… Continue reading
Figure skating coach Nick Perna explains a drill he uses to help skaters develop balance, proper body alignment, and better blade usage in order to improve turns. The basic drill has the skater standing still on two feet, and… Continue reading
Olympic coach Kori Ade gives a young skater a lesson on the double salchow. The video starts with the skater doing a single salchow that Kori likes well-enough to ask for a double attempt (“with crossed feet on the… Continue reading
In this short video, Amy Brolsma shares an advanced drill on one foot that serves as an excellent warm-up for the knees and ankles. It also is a great way to develop the proper timing and rhythm for rockers.… Continue reading
This is a very important video by World and Olympic coach Audrey Weisiger. In this video, Audrey is working with a skater who has a change of edge problem on the flip jump. In other words, rather than… Continue reading
Figure skating jump specialist Charlie Tickner continues his discussion of the toe loop. To view Part 1 of Charlie’s presentation, please click here. In this video, Charlie talks about turning the single into a double. He begins… Continue reading
Figure skating jump specialist Charlie Tickner explains how he teaches the toe loop. As he notes right from the beginning, the toe loop is one of the more misunderstood jumps in skating. It is deceptively difficult for young… Continue reading
Page Lipe continues her discussion of doing loop jumps in combination as the second or third jump of the combo (see Part 1 here). In this video, Page offers more insights and begins by sharing a “trick” that often… Continue reading
Chris Conte continues with Part 8 of a multi-part series on jump development exercises. In this series, Chris provides a set of warm-up exercises with a variety of drills embedded in them to develop important jumping skills associated with… Continue reading
Olympic coach Michelle Leigh works with a skater in a 3-part series on jumps leading to triple salchow and triple toe. This is the second part of this lesson. In this first part, Michelle worked on 3-jump combinations… Continue reading
Olympic coach Michelle Leigh works with a skater in a 3-part series on jumps leading to triple salchow. In this first part, Michelle works on 3-jump combinations with the skater. Before beginning the lesson, Michelle explains the issues… Continue reading
Spin specialist Kim Ryan teaches a class an upright forward spin variation she calls the “egg beater.” We are not sure if this spin has a formal name and Kim makes it clear at the beginning that many skating… Continue reading
Spin specialist Bobbe Shire continues her discussion of bounces and illusions. She introduced these spins in Part 1 and offers more details here, focused primarily on common problems. First Bobbe discusses the common error she calls “jack knifing” where… Continue reading
Spin specialist Bobbe Shire explains how she teaches what she calls “bounces.” She notes that this falls under the “windmill spin” family in IJS language. But she also notes that bounces are not the same as an illusion… Continue reading
Chris Conte continues with Part 6 of a multi-part series on jump development exercises. In this series, Chris provides a set of warm-up exercises with a variety of drills embedded in them to develop important jumping skills associated with… Continue reading
In this follow-up video, figure skating jump specialist Trevor Laak continues his analysis of a triple axel attempt by Mirai Nagasu at the 2014 Grassroots to Champions Supercamp in Lansing, MI on July 9, 2014. To see the… Continue reading
Jump specialist Trevor Laak analyzes a triple axel attempt by Mirai Nagasu at the 2014 Grassroots to Champions Supercamp in Lansing, MI on July 9, 2014. This jump was performed during G2C’s “Just Jump” contest which is a contest… Continue reading
Figure skating coach Nick Perna shares two very important drills. These exercises are deceptively difficult, and represent a clever way to develop important skating skills. Both of these drills benefit the skater in two major ways: The skater… Continue reading
Olympic coach Kori Ade gives a young skater a lesson aimed at improving the single axel. The lesson begins with a backspin and progresses to a waltz jump and then a single flip. Notice the focus Kori places… Continue reading
Amy Brolsma shares a number of warm-up drills to get the knees and ankles warmed up after a skater steps onto the ice. As Amy explains, these kinds of exercises are particularly helpful as warm-ups for competitions or test… Continue reading
World and Olympic coach Audrey Weisiger gives a double axel lesson at a Grassroots to Champions seminar. The skater in the lesson is working on a new double axel. Audrey starts by observing a double axel attempt and then… Continue reading
Page Lipe shares her thoughts regarding combination jumps where the second (or third) jump in the combination is a double loop. Combination jumps with double loop tend to be easier for most skaters than combinations with double toe loop.… Continue reading
Olympic coach Michelle Leigh continues her lesson with two young skaters. The first part of the lesson focused on a series of warm-up drills prior to jump training. In the second video, Michelle had the skaters do waltz… Continue reading
Chris Conte continues with Part 6 of a multi-part series on jump development exercises. In this series, Chris provides a set of warm-up exercises with a variety of drills embedded in them to develop important jumping skills associated with… Continue reading
Spin specialist Kim Ryan continues with her class on camel spin. In the first camel spin video, Kim focused on the entry and positions of the camel without actually winding up and doing a spin. In this video,… Continue reading
During a spin clinic, figure skating spin specialist Kim Ryan works with the class on camel spins. To start, Kim mentions and demonstrates that she wants the lower back down and the body forward on the entry of the… Continue reading
Strength and conditioning specialist and figure skating coach Kristina Anderson discusses specific off-ice training exercises using cones, and then covers some important principles or concepts for all coaches to know regarding off-ice training. To begin the video, Kristina talks… Continue reading
Professional choreographer Douglas Webster continues his class on warming up properly after stepping onto the ice. In the previous video, Doug focused on exercises intended to warm up the knees and ankles. In this video, he focuses on… Continue reading
Spin specialist Bobbe Shire answers the age-old question about “how to spin fast.” This is one of the most common questions we receive here at iCoachSkating.com, especially by adult skaters and young coaches. Right off the bat, Bobbe notes… Continue reading
Professional choreographer Douglas Webster teaches a class on warming up properly after stepping on the ice. Instead of racing around the rink to warm up, Doug offers a set of exercises that are more effective at engaging the ankles… Continue reading
Figure skating spin specialist Charyl Brusch gives a lesson on the flying back sit spin from a forward inside edge take-off to a skater who has never attempted one. This spin entry has only recently become somewhat popular as… Continue reading
In this figure skating video, we sit in as Olympic coach Kori Ade gives Jason Brown a triple axel lesson. At the time this video was taken, Jason had not yet started to land the triple axel. A… Continue reading
World and Olympic coach Audrey Weisiger gives a triple salchow lesson at a Grassroots to Champions seminar. The skater in the lesson has a relatively new and inconsistent triple salchow. Audrey starts with some double salchows using two important… Continue reading
In this figure skating turn and steps video, Amy Brolsma explains how she teaches a forward outside mohawk. As with the forward inside mohawk, Amy uses a cone to bring the mohawk into a tighter circle with a more… Continue reading
Figure skating coach and jump specialist Nick Perna continues his discussion of the axel take-off edge. In Part 1, Nick shared the wall kick drill. In this video, he starts with a discussion of the hockey glide or hockey… Continue reading
Figure skating coach Nick Perna offers tips for skaters to improve their axel take-off edge. The take-off edge on the axel jump is probably one of the most misunderstood aspects of figure skating. Nick explains that many skaters… Continue reading
Figure skating spin specialist Kim Ryan explains the need to ride and deepen the entrance edge of any spin. In this case, she is discussing the forward scratch spin (see Part 1) but she notes that this applies to… Continue reading
Figure skating spin specialist Kim Ryan teaches a spin class. In this first part of the class, Kim explains how she teaches a forward upright scratch spin. As is the case with most spin coaches, Kim likes to… Continue reading
Jump specialist Trevor Laak continues his comments (see Part 1 here) on a monster double axel performed by Mirai Nagasu at the 2014 Grassroots to Champions Supercamp in Lansing, MI on July 9, 2014. The jump was performed during… Continue reading
Jump specialist Trevor Laak comments on a monster double axel performed by Mirai Nagasu at the 2014 Grassroots to Champions Supercamp in Lansing, MI on July 9, 2014. This jump was performed during G2C’s “Just Jump” contest which is… Continue reading
This is the final edited version of the G2C 2014 Supercamp group number, performed in July 2014. The head choreographer on this piece was Doug Webster, and Doug utilized a number of assistants. Notice how the entire group… Continue reading
World and Olympic figure skating coach and choreographer Pasquale Camerlengo goes through a few on-ice warm-up exercises for more advanced skaters. This is a continuation of his warm-up videos for lower level skaters (Part 1 and Part 2). In… Continue reading
Trevor Laak offers a short computer video analysis. Historically these analysis videos have become known as Dartfish analysis, but with the prevalence of inexpensive apps for mobile phones and tablets, expensive PC software like Dartfish is no longer required. This… Continue reading
Strength and conditioning specialist and figure skating coach Kristina Anderson discusses off-ice training for younger skaters. So much of off-ice training has been focused on elite and higher level athletes that coaches are often confused about what off-ice training… Continue reading
Figure skating coach and strength and conditioning specialist Kristina Anderson talks about how off-ice training for figure skaters is really a relatively new thing. Other sports have driven the research in strength and conditioning training, partly because those sports… Continue reading
Spin specialist Bobbe Shire talks about the sit spin and the sit spin variation she calls the clam (sit back on forward foot). On the clam she likes to have the skaters turn their heads to the side because… Continue reading
Olympic coach Frank Carroll shares some thoughts and ideas about the loop jump. The loop is a challenging jump since it requires creating rotational energy from a strong back outside edge. Additionally, jumping off one leg with almost… Continue reading
Figure skating spin specialist Charyl Brusch gives a lesson on the flying reverse sit spin to a skater who has never attempted one. The flying reverse sit spin is sometimes called an axel sit spin. It is characterized… Continue reading
Olympic coach Michelle Leigh continues her lesson with two young skaters. The first part of the lesson focused on a series of warm-up drills prior to jump training. In the second video, Michelle had the skaters do waltz… Continue reading
In this video, we get a closer look at the off-ice TAPS program developed by Olympic coach Kori Ade for the development of her skaters. In the first part of this series, Kori explained the purpose of these sessions.… Continue reading
Olympic coach Audrey Weisiger continues her discussion on the process of developing the backspin. In the preceding video, Audrey discussed the details of starting a backspin from a standstill. In this video, Audrey shares her thoughts on the… Continue reading
Olympic coach Audrey Weisiger explains the process she uses for teaching the backspin. Many of these concepts are particularly appropriate for adult skaters. She begins by teaching the back inside pivot in the direction the skater spins with… Continue reading
In this basic skills video, Amy Brolsma provides a framework for teaching beginner skaters the basic forward inside mohawk. Amy uses a cone to facilitate learning the mohawk more quickly. The cone helps skaters focus and understand the… Continue reading
Page Lipe discusses the challenge associated with getting flip jumps to come off a back inside edge. Teaching the correct edge early on in jump development saves tremendous time and frustration later on. In this video, Page starts with… Continue reading
World coach and adult figure skating advocate Nick Perna continues his discussion on correcting a common jump issue for adults that figure skate. He calls the problem “adult leg syndrome.” In Part 1, he discussed the problem and… Continue reading
World coach and adult figure skating advocate Nick Perna addresses a common jump problem for adults that figure skate. He calls it “adult leg syndrome” and it’s characterized by landing with the free foot to the side or behind… Continue reading
Chris Conte continues with Part 5 of a multi-part series on jump development exercises. In this series, Chris provides a set of warm-up exercises with a variety of drills embedded in them to develop important jumping skills associated with… Continue reading
Chris Conte continues with Part 4 of a multi-part series on jump development exercises. In this series, Chris provides a set of warm-up exercises with a variety of drills embedded in them to develop important jumping skills associated with… Continue reading
Spin specialist Bobbe Shire talks about the corkscrew spin, which she likes to call the spaghetti spin. This is somewhat similar to the crossfoot spin but unlike the crossfoot, the skater is only spinning on one foot in the… Continue reading
Karen Olson explains how she teaches the forward crossover circle pattern of the USFS Juvenile Moves test. Much of this discussion is specifically about the pattern, but a great deal of this discussion applies to all skaters doing power… Continue reading
Legendary Olympic figure skating coach Frank Carroll offers his thoughts and opinions on the lutz jump, particularly the problem with change of edge. As Frank explains, a very common reason for the edge change is unwanted hip movement. … Continue reading
With so many coaches now using smartphones and tablet computers, air time measurements are easy for everyone to make. As discussed in the article below, minimum jump air time estimates are incredibly important. But it is necessary to… Continue reading
Figure skating coach Nick Perna continues his discussion about the process and drills he uses to develop the loop jump. In Part 1, he covered a quite a few drills including the Bread Drill, Backward Power Pulls with the… Continue reading
In this figure skating video, coach Nick Perna discusses the process and drills he uses to develop the loop jump take-off edge. Typically a skater learns a waltz jump and a single salchow and a single toe loop before… Continue reading
Amy Brolsma provides an update on how she has changed how she teaches backward inside loops for more flow and rhythm. Her focus for loop development has changed somewhat from the precision of figures (based on her figures background)… Continue reading
In this figure skating video, Olympic coach Michelle Leigh continues her lesson with two young skaters. The first part of the lesson focused on a series of warm-up drills prior to jump training. In the second video, Michelle… Continue reading
In this off-ice training video, strength and conditioning specialist and figure skating coach Kristina Anderson discusses skipping. Skipping is an overlooked training tool for figure skaters. This is probably because it’s simple and everyone already knows how to… Continue reading
Page Lipe works with a skater on drills intended to fix an edge change problem on a double flip. Little coaching information is shared in the video. Instead, this video shows how a coach like Page uses a… Continue reading
In this figure skating video, spin specialist Bobbe Shire continues her explanation of how she teaches a crossfoot spin. In the first video (Part 1), Bobbe explained why the crossfoot spin is important and how she prefers to develop it.… Continue reading
Figure skating spin specialist Bobbe Shire explains how she teaches a crossfoot spin. This spin is generally misunderstood by skaters and coaches and few coaches know how to teach this spin properly. A crossfoot spin is a spin… Continue reading
Chris Conte continues with Part 3 of a multi-part series on jump development exercises. The series focuses on a set of warm-up exercises with important drills embedded in them. The purpose of each drill is to improve the… Continue reading
In this figure skating video, Karen Olson discusses the forward outside mohawk, particularly as it applies to the 8-Step Pattern of the USFS Junvenile Moves pattern. The forward outside mohawk is a difficult skill at this level, primarily because… Continue reading
Amy Brolsma continues her discussion of how she has changed how she teaches figure loops as part of the footwork and USFS moves in the field patterns. In the first video of this series, Amy explained why she has… Continue reading
NSCA certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist and figure skating coach Kristina Anderson shares more information about off-ice agility ladder training. General athleticism, good coordination, and quickness are important for anyone aspiring to be a better figure skater. In… Continue reading
Figure skating spin specialist Charyl Brusch continues her discussion of the flying sit spin. In this video, she works with another skater and shares additional insights to help those teaching and learning this advanced figure skating spin. Here… Continue reading
In this figure skating spin video, spin specialist Charyl Brusch teaches a flying sit spin from the ground up. To start the lesson, Charyl has the skater perform an upright flying spin from a standstill. This approach ensures… Continue reading
In this short video, legendary Olympic figure skating coach Frank Carroll discusses one very important aspect of jump air position. In the video, Frank explains how important it is to keep the free hip up while rotating in the… Continue reading
Amy Brolsma continues her discussion of how she has changed how she teaches figure loops as part of the footwork and USFS moves in the field patterns. In the first video of this series, Amy explained why she has… Continue reading
Amy Brolsma provides an update on how she has changed how she teaches backward outside loops for more flow and rhythm. Her focus for loop development has changed somewhat from the precision of figures (based on her figures background)… Continue reading
Olympic coach Michelle Leigh continues her lesson with two young skaters. The first part of the lesson focused on a series of warm-up drills prior to jump training. In this video, Michelle has the skaters do waltz jumps… Continue reading
Olympic coach Michelle Leigh guides two skaters through a series of warm-up drills prior to jump training. These exercises help skaters get used to jump movements while focusing on air position and alignment details that will be important skills… Continue reading
Figure skating spin specialist Bobbe Shire goes into more details about a few things she mentioned in her previous video on spinning. Since the publication of Bobbe’s earliest videos on iCoachSkating.com, some subscribers have tried unsuccessfully to apply Bobbe’s… Continue reading
Figure skating spin specialist Bobbe Shire discusses how she has changed how she teaches spins since some of the earlier recordings on iCoachSkating.com. Several years have lapsed in real time between Bobbe’s earlier iCoachSkating.com videos and the new videos… Continue reading
Chris Conte continues with Part 2 of a multi-part series on jump development exercises. The series focuses on a set of warm-up exercises with important drills embedded in them. The purpose of each drill is to improve the… Continue reading
Chris Conte begins a multi-part series on jump development exercises. As Chris explains, the series focuses on a series of warm-up exercises with important drills embedded in them. The purpose of each drill is to improve the skills… Continue reading
Coach Page Lipe shares an important figure skating tip for jumps. Page calls this the “Cheat Exercise” and notes that it’s very helpful for skaters who are afraid to rotate multi-rotation jumps. It can be especially helpful as… Continue reading
This is the second video about choctaws with Karen Olson. In the first choctaw video Karen shared some drills including a powerful back outside pivot drill. In this video Karen provides additional exercises for skaters learning choctaws and… Continue reading
This figure skating video is the first of two on teaching choctaws. Karen Olson shares a number of helpful exercises for teaching choctaws required for the USFS Junior Moves in the Field test. Compare this presentation to that… Continue reading
In this figure skating video, Olympic coach Audrey Weisiger shares a number of drills to help improve the loop jump with the goal of developing a double loop. The first drill she explains is designed to improve the backward… Continue reading
Figure skating coach Sheila Thelen shares three recommendations for improving the US Figure Skating Moves in the Field. This video is intended to spark a discussion on these topics so please leave comments below. Coaches and skaters… Continue reading
This video is the third and final part in a series with Nick Perna teaching an on-ice air turn class. In the previous two videos in the series Nick showed several very helpful jumping exercises for skaters (see Part 1… Continue reading
Olympic coach Kori Ade shares one of the secrets of her skaters’ success. Most coaches focus strictly on skating technique and physical development with some emphasis on musicality or artistic movement. But very few coaches address the emotional… Continue reading
The figure skating video below is the second in a series of videos covering on-ice air turns with Nick Perna. In part 1 Nick taught several air turn drills down a line to help skaters move jumps across the… Continue reading
In the figure skating video below, Nick Perna teaches a class about “on-ice air turns.” This is the first of a three part series. (Recommended: See Nick’s presentation of off-ice air turns. This was part of a 7… Continue reading
Figure skating coach and tots expert Kayla Johnson demonstrates and gives tips on leading two fun activities designed to help teach kids how to hop on two feet on the ice. Hopping is an important skill for beginning skaters to… Continue reading
Olympic Coach Frank Carroll talks about the realities of jumps in figure skating, and how this knowledge pertains to coaching methods of double and triple jumps. Frank starts by discussing the difference between speed over, or on the ice and… Continue reading
In this video, Amy Brolsma discusses several ways to help a skater add speed and flow to choctaws. Generating power within the choctaw itself often referred to as a power choctaw but all good choctaws have this power and… Continue reading
In this figure skating video, Olympic coach Audrey Weisiger discusses and demonstrates an edge drill to improve the loop jump take-off. The drill starts by gliding backward on a flat in loop jump preparation position and deepening the… Continue reading
Olympic coach Michelle Leigh shares a simple but valuable setup pattern for single and double axel development. Michelle utilizes the hockey circles on the end of the rink to help the skater keep a consistent entrance pattern to… Continue reading
In this video, NSCA certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist Kristina Anderson shares some agility ladder drills for off-ice training. General athleticism, good coordination, and quickness are important for anyone aspiring to be a better figure skater. Kristina demonstrates… Continue reading
In the figure skating video below, national and international coach Page Lipe shows exercises to help skaters use the correct edge when entering a flip jump. Although the lutz jump is typically more of a problem for skaters in terms… Continue reading
In the video below, World and Olympic figure skating coach and choreographer Pasquale Camerlengo continues his class on edge and stroking drills. (Please see the first part of these stroking drills.) At the beginning of Part 2, Pasquale… Continue reading
In this figure skating video, World and Olympic coach and choreographer Pasquale Camerlengo teaches an outstanding class for improving skating skills, stroking technique and edge quality. Pasquale starts with a short discussion of “Russian stroking” or “Russian steps” which… Continue reading
This off-ice training video is the final part of a multi-part off-ice jump class by Kori Ade. In Part 1, Kori had the class do heel clicks and air turn variations. In Part 2, Kori has the… Continue reading
In the video below, figure skating coach Nick Perna demonstrates and explains a drill to improve the backward outside edge essential for proper loop jump technique. He calls the drill the Ace of Spades drill as he draws a… Continue reading
In the video below, Sheila Thelen shares an important figure skating tip to improve learning that is largely overlooked in the sport. Sheila discusses a technique she uses with skaters to keep their mind actively engaged in what they… Continue reading
In this figure skating video, Amy Brolsma continues her explanation of choctaws. In Part 1, she introduced an exercise at the wall and then showed how she works with a skater to develop the step away from the wall.… Continue reading
Tots expert Kayla Johnson explains yet another great game for engaging a tots class and teaching some important basic skills. The cookie game is a combination of games and skills already covered in Kayla’s videos. The basic idea… Continue reading
Olympic Coach Frank Carroll talks about the double axel. The double axel is the key jump separating the rest of the doubles and the triple jumps. It is a major hurdle for most skaters, and especially for young… Continue reading
In this figure skating video, Amy Brolsma continues her explanation of choctaws. In Part 1, she introduced an exercise at the wall and then showed how she works with a skater to develop the step away from the wall.… Continue reading
Olympic coach Michelle Leigh continues her work with a skater on double axel. The first video of the series was focused on axel exercises at the wall where Michelle emphasized the sideways nature of the take-off and the pivot… Continue reading
In this figure skating video, figure skating strength and conditioning coach Kristina Anderson shows some more exercises to help a skater increase vertical jump height. Jump height on the ice is a critical factor for successfully completing double jumps,… Continue reading
In this figure skating lesson, Page Lipe explains and demonstrates how she teaches a flip jump to a beginner skater. She typically starts by teaching a half-flip from a mohawk. Notice that Page wants a full stretch but… Continue reading
In the figure skating video below, Olympic coach Audrey Weisiger explains how she teaches a loop jump to a beginner skater. Audrey first discusses the importance of basic balance and she suggests a simple drill to help determine whether… Continue reading
This off-ice training video is a continuation of a multi-part off-ice jump class by Kori Ade. In Part 1, Kori had the class do heel clicks and air turn variations. In Part 2, Kori has the class… Continue reading
In the figure skating video below, figure skating strength and conditioning coach Kristina Anderson shows some exercises to help a skater increase vertical jump height. Jump height on the ice is a critical factor for successfully completing double jumps,… Continue reading
In the figure skating video below, Nick Perna finishes his discussion of the flip jump. This is the fourth part of a four-part series. In the first video, Nick introduced the flip jump and discussed the active edge… Continue reading
Sheila Thelen works with a skater to correct a double toe loop take-off. This video addresses a relatively common double toe loop take-off problem in which the jump pivots “too far” and jumps around rather than straight through. … Continue reading
Moves in the Field expert Karen Olson discusses backward cross strokes as required on the USFS Juvenile Moves in the Field test. Karen starts the skater at a standstill and slowly builds the feeling of the turned out hips… Continue reading
Moves in the Field expert Karen Olson discusses forward cross strokes as required on the USFS Juvenile Moves in the Field test. To begin the discussion, Karen touches on an aspect of cross strokes that is somewhat controversial. … Continue reading
US National Champion Ryan Bradley teaches a salchow class at the G2C Supercamp in the summer of 2013. This is the second and final part of this class. In Part 1, Ryan focused on controlling the preparation edges… Continue reading
US National Champion Ryan Bradley teaches a salchow class at the G2C Supercamp in the summer of 2013. The energy level at the start of the class was due to the fact that the class was first thing in… Continue reading
This video is a continuation of a multi-part off-ice jump class by Kori Ade. In Part 1, Kori had the class do heel clicks and air turn variations. In Part 2, Kori has the class do exercises for… Continue reading
Nick Perna continues his discussion of the flip jump. This is the third part of a multi-part video series. In the first video, Nick introduced the flip jump and discussed the active edge as well as edge change… Continue reading
Nick Perna continues his discussion of the flip jump. This is the second part of a multi-part video series. In the first video, Nick introduced the flip jump and discussed the active edge as well as edge change… Continue reading
Choreographer Chris Conte continues with his class on edges and power generation. As noted in Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5, and Part 6 this class was in Korea on one of Chris’s visits and you’ll… Continue reading
Choreographer Chris Conte continues with his class on edges and power generation. As noted in Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, and Part 5 this class was in Korea on one of Chris’s visits and you’ll notice Eun… Continue reading
Spin specialist Charyl Brusch shares a ton of information about how to do and teach the challenging backspin. Typically the backspin is an element that takes a long time to develop. Charyl notes that she often starts with… Continue reading
Olympic Coach Frank Carroll offers insights about proper blade usage. As Frank explains, skaters often don’t think much about what part of their blade they should be skating on. So he offers an easy to remember “speedboat analogy”… Continue reading
Tots expert Kayla Johnson shares some ideas of how to use on-ice drawings to engage and inspire the skaters in a tots class. Initially, Kayla discusses the marker itself and recommends caution when using permanent markers. (Water soluble… Continue reading
In this short video, Amy Brolsma continues her explanation of choctaws. In Part 1, she introduced an exercise at the wall and then showed how she works with a skater to develop the step away from the wall. … Continue reading
Amy Brolsma explains how she teaches choctaws. Choctaws are a relatively advanced skating step. Amy starts with a relatively simple drill at the wall and she explains that the skater must fully shift weight or the drill is… Continue reading
Olympic coach Michelle Leigh continues her work with a skater on double axel. The previous video was focused on axel exercises at the wall where Michelle emphasized the sideways nature of the take-off and the pivot before the skater… Continue reading
Figure skating strength and conditioning coach Kristina Anderson discusses important concepts related to off-ice strength and conditioning training for figure skaters. In particular, Kristina addresses the myth that off-ice training will “bulk up” female figure skaters or make them… Continue reading
Page Lipe continues her discussion of compulsory figures (also called school figures). In the previous videos in this series, Page laid out a set of circles without using a scribe , discussed the forward outside 8, briefly demonstrated the… Continue reading
Olympic coach Tom Zakrajsek teaches an axel class at the Grassroots to Champions Supercamp held in Faribault, MN in July/August 2013. This video is the seventh and final video in a multi-part series by Tom sharing the information he… Continue reading
Olympic coach Tom Zakrajsek teaches an axel class at the Grassroots to Champions Supercamp held in Faribault, MN in July/August 2013. This video is the fifth in a multi-part series by Tom sharing the information he covered in his… Continue reading
This video is a continuation of a multi-part off-ice jump class by Kori Ade. In Part 1, Kori had the class do heel clicks and air turn variations. In Part 2, Kori has the class do exercises for… Continue reading
Olympic coach Tom Zakrajsek teaches an axel class at the Grassroots to Champions Supercamp held in Faribault, MN in July/August 2013. This video is the fifth in a multi-part series by Tom sharing the information he covered in his… Continue reading
Olympic coach Tom Zakrajsek teaches an axel class at the Grassroots to Champions Supercamp held in Faribault, MN in July/August 2013. This video is the third in a multi-part series by Tom sharing the information he covered in his… Continue reading
Olympic coach Michelle Leigh shows a double axel exercise at the barrier to develop the proper take-off movement. One of the primary challenges for skaters learning a double axel is creating enough rotational energy so that the jump spins… Continue reading
Olympic coach Tom Zakrajsek teaches an axel class at the Grassroots to Champions Supercamp held in Faribault, MN in July/August 2013. This video is the third in a multi-part series by Tom sharing the information he covered in his… Continue reading
Olympic coach Tom Zakrajsek teaches an axel class at the Grassroots to Champions Supercamp held in Faribault, MN in July/August 2013. This video is the second in a multi-part series by Tom sharing the information he covered in his… Continue reading
Nick Perna discusses the flip jump. This is the first part of a multi-part video series on the flip jump by Nick. The flip is probably the most overlooked of the 6 primary jumps in figure skating, largely… Continue reading
Olympic coach Tom Zakrajsek teaches an axel class at the Grassroots to Champions Supercamp held in Faribault, MN in July/August 2013. This video is the first in a multi-part series by Tom sharing the information he covered in his… Continue reading
Amy Brolsma shares some tips for teaching and properly executing an inside slide chasse or slip. This element shows up as a major part of the US Figure Skating Intermediate Moves In The Field Test. Although this element… Continue reading
Tots expert Kayla Johnson offers a number of ways to use Beanie Babies or “Beanies” in a tots class. Using toys is a great way to shift the focus of young (and old) skaters away from the details and… Continue reading
Olympic Coach Frank Carroll continues his previous discussion about jump air position with a description of the backspin and common air position or backspin errors. Even though Frank is talking about the backspin in this video, he’s really discussing… Continue reading
Karen Olson continues her discussion of power pulls. In two recent videos she covered forward power pulls and backward power pulls as independent elements and as they relate to the US Figure Skating Pre-Juvenile Moves in the Field… Continue reading
Sheila Thelen explains how to do a split falling leaf figure skating jump. This jump belongs in the split jump family, but it’s an edge jump rather than a toe jump like standard and Russian split jumps. The… Continue reading
Figure skating strength and conditioning coach Kristina Anderson talks about how the relative dimensions of a skater’s body affect the ability of a skater to attain a “nice looking” sit spin position. In particular, the length of the femur… Continue reading
Spin specialist Charyl Brusch explains how she teaches a butterfly. This discussion contains further details from Charyl on this spin as she already discussed the butterfly here. The butterfly is often confused with an Arabian. Charyl explains… Continue reading
Page Lipe continues her discussion of compulsory figures (also called school figures). In the previous videos in this series, Page laid out a set of circles without using a scribe , discussed the forward outside 8, briefly demonstrated the… Continue reading
Olympic coach Michelle Leigh uses walley jumps to warm up her skaters for double axel and triple jumps. In this video, Michelle shares an exercise she uses to warm up the walley. It’s a walley – double bracket… Continue reading
Matthew Blair Davis shares some valuable off-ice workouts for figure skaters. You can see similar videos focusing on vertical jump improvement here. The three videos on this page are off-ice workouts for 3 separate skaters. These… Continue reading
This video is a continuation of a multi-part off-ice jump class by Kori Ade. In Part 1, Kori had the class do heel clicks and air turn variations. In this part, the class focuses again on quickness… Continue reading
In this video, we get to sit in on an off-ice jump class held by Kori Ade for her skaters. This is part 1 of a multi-part series. In this video, Kori introduces the class and notes she… Continue reading
Choreographer Chris Conte continues with his class on edges and power generation. As noted in Part 1, Part 2, Part 3 and Part 4 this class was in Korea on one of Chris’s visits and you’ll notice Eun Hee Lee… Continue reading
Choreographer Chris Conte continues with his class on edges and power generation. As noted in Part 1, Part 2 and Part 3 this class was in Korea on one of Chris’s visits and you’ll notice Eun Hee Lee translating for… Continue reading
Karen Olson explains and demonstrates how she teaches backward power pulls for skaters just learning power pulls and those working to pass the US Figure Skating Pre-Juvenile Moves in the Field test. This is a continuation of a recent… Continue reading
Nick Perna shares his thoughts and insights about learning and teaching backward crossovers (also called crosscuts). This is a follow-up to his earlier video on forward crossovers. Much like the earlier video, this is an in-depth video… Continue reading
Olympic coach Audrey Weisiger discusses valuable drills for improving combination jumps with the loop jump as the second or third jump in the combination. This is a continuation of Audrey’s discussion of combination jumps with the loop as the… Continue reading
Amy Brolsma explains and demonstrates how she teaches backward cross strokes. (This video is a follow-up to Amy’s video on forward cross strokes.) Cross strokes appear repeatedly in the US Figure Skating Moves in the Field tests and… Continue reading
Karen Olson explains and demonstrates how she teaches forward power pulls for skaters just learning power pulls and those working to pass the US Figure Skating Pre-Juvenile Moves in the Field test. Karen did a previous video on power… Continue reading
Tots expert Kayla Johnson explains a couple warm-up games for a tots class that get the skaters moving and build balance and control. These games are fun and get the skaters moving around on the ice without focusing on… Continue reading
Olympic Coach Frank Carroll discusses some important details regarding figure skating jumping. Air position is especially important in triple jumps and quads jumps. In the video below, Frank answers the age-old question of which arm should come in first.… Continue reading
Figure skating strength and conditioning coach Kristina Anderson continues her discussion about the strength, flexibility, and control issues associated with making a sit spin lower. In the previous video, Kristina taught us the proper form for a squat. … Continue reading
Spin specialist Charyl Brusch answers a broad array of questions regarding the death drop flying spin. This video is a continuation of Charyl’s previous video on introducing the death drop. The death drop has become one of the most… Continue reading
Page Lipe continues her discussion of compulsory figures (also called school figures). In the previous videos in this series, Page laid out a set of circles without using a scribe , discussed the forward outside 8, and briefly demonstrated… Continue reading
In this very short video, Page Lipe demonstrates the forward inside 8 compulsory figures pattern. This is a continuation of Page’s earlier figures videos. The value of this short video is in Page’s description of the starting position… Continue reading
Olympic coach Michelle Leigh shares some drills for toe loop. The drills in this video address several common errors in toe loop execution. ERROR: Not coming off the heel of the non-picking skate. Many skaters lift the non-picking… Continue reading
In this video, we sit in as Kori Ade gives one of her skaters a lesson on triple flip. This skater is not yet ready to land this jump, and this video highlights teaching techniques and ideas that will… Continue reading
Choreographer Chris Conte continues with his class on edges and power generation. As noted in Part 1 and Part 2 this class was in Korea on one of Chris’s visits and you’ll notice Eun Hee Lee translating for her Korean… Continue reading
Choreographer Chris Conte continues with his class on edges and power generation. As noted in Part 1, this class was in Korea on one of Chris’s visits and you’ll notice Eun Hee Lee translating for her Korean skaters. … Continue reading
Choreographer Chris Conte teaches a class on edges and power generation. This class was in Korea on one of Chris’s visits and you’ll notice Eun Hee Lee translating for her Korean skaters. Please excuse the audio on this… Continue reading
Sheila Thelen teaches a Russian split jump to a skater with a solid split jump but no experience with the Russian split. She begins by having the skater sit in the hockey box and feel the “air position.” Sheila… Continue reading
Nick Perna continues his discussion of the figure skating dice game he invented called FERTS for working on figure skating turns and steps and developing a clearer understanding of the definitions of the major turns in skating. As discussed… Continue reading
Figure skating coach Nick Perna discusses a dice game he invented called FERTS for working on figure skating turns and steps and developing a clearer understanding of the definitions of the major turns in skating. The FERTS game is… Continue reading
Olympic coach Audrey Weisiger discusses combination jumps with the loop jump as the second or third jump in the combination. This is a continuation of Audrey’s discussion of combination jumps with the toe loop as the second or third… Continue reading
Amy Brolsma explains and demonstrates how she teaches forward cross strokes. Cross strokes appear repeatedly in the US Figure Skating Moves in the Field tests and are an excellent tool for choreographers to use with a skater to generate… Continue reading
Tots expert Kayla Johnson explains a couple games for a tots class that build backward skating skills. The first game is the “bubble gum” game. This game is effective for a number of reasons. It involves candy… Continue reading
Olympic Coach Frank Carroll discusses the basics of jumping, including the way he approaches jumps as a way to progress to higher level jumping. In this presentation, he uses the waltz jump as a way to explain some of… Continue reading
Figure skating strength and conditioning coach Kristina Anderson talks about the strength, flexibility, and control issues associated with making a sit spin lower. The primary tool used to lower a sit spin is the squat and Kristina describes and… Continue reading
Figure skating spin specialist Charyl Brusch explains how she teaches a broken leg sit spin. This sit spin has gained new popularity recently with the recent rule changes that give credit for a “sit side difficult variation.” The… Continue reading
Page Lipe continues her discussion of compulsory figures (also called school figures). In the previous video in this series, Page laid out a set of circles without using a scribe. In this video, Page demonstrates how to skate… Continue reading
Olympic coach Michelle Leigh discusses details of the salchow, particularly as it relates to the triple salchow for the demonstrating skater. Michelle discusses the issues the demonstrator is working through and she shows the drills and walk-throughs she uses… Continue reading
Olympic coach Audrey Weisiger continues her discussion of toe-loop combination jumps with a short discussion of the “toe axel” error. Audrey begins by explaining what a “toe axel” is. Then she describes what a… Continue reading
Kori Ade shows the process she uses to develop the layback spin. She begins by having the skater master a simple upright spin that remains open. Kori calls this spin a “prep spin.” This foundational skill is… Continue reading
Tots expert Kayla Johnson explains a fun game for a tots class that she calls the Zoo Game. Kayla notes that effectively teaching a tots class requires the ability to let go and have fun with the skaters in… Continue reading
Sheila Thelen explains the details of the split jump. As the split jump is considered a relatively easy skill in figure skating, it rarely gets much attention in seminars and workshops so coaches often struggle with how to teach… Continue reading
Figure skating coach Nick Perna continues his discussion of a set of unnamed and unrecognized turns that he calls orphan turns because they don’t below to any family and they have no formal name. In the previous video, Nick… Continue reading
Nick Perna begins a discussion of what he calls “orphan turns” in figure skating. He calls them orphan turns because these “forgotten” turns don’t belong to any family and they have no formal names. These turns are generally… Continue reading
Figure skating strength and conditioning coach Kristina Anderson discusses how to develop hip flexibility and improved hip turn-out. This is extremely important in figure skating and applies to T-stops, spirals, lunges, camel spins, Ina Bauers, spread eagles, jump landing… Continue reading
Spin specialist Charyl Brusch explains how to create a layover camel from a standard back camel position (from various entries including flying camel). She explains in detail the transition and movements needed by the skater. She notes, “Ahhh! It’s scary.”… Continue reading
Master figure skating choreographer Chris Conte continues his discussion of how he designs high level skating programs. The previous video in this figure skating choreography series is here. In this video, Chris continues to show how he designed an… Continue reading
Master figure skating choreographer Chris Conte discusses how he builds higher level skating programs. This video picks up where he left off in his discussion of the tools of a traveling choreographer and building low level skating programs. … Continue reading
Crazy Minnesota figure skating coach Sheila Thelen demonstrates an uncommon skill that you should probably just avoid doing yourself. Disclaimer: iCoachSkating.com does not recommend the activities shown in this video. Use common sense and stay safe at all… Continue reading
Tots expert Kayla Johnson explains how she runs a tots class in skating school. Initially she notes that the primary purpose of these classes is simply to have fun. Without having fun, most tots simply won’t be interested in learning… Continue reading
Kori Ade continues her demonstration of how she introduces the flying sit spin. In the previous video, Kori used one-foot waltz jumps, one-foot waltz jumps with a tuck and a walk-through exercise into a back shoot-the-duck to prepare the skater… Continue reading
Kori Ade shows the process she uses to introduce a flying sit spin to a young skater. This is a creative approach to teaching this element and builds the flying sit up using familiar concepts and easy drills. … Continue reading
Page Lipe demonstrates how to draw figures circles without using a scribe. Although figures were dropped from international competition back in the early 1990’s, school figures are seeing a resurgence in popularity as coaches recognize the value of these… Continue reading
Sheila Thelen provides a process for improving a back camel spin. The back camel spin is a difficult skill to learn for a number of reasons. First, nothing really “swings around” to help create rotational energy for the… Continue reading
Figure skating strength and conditioning coach Kristina Anderson explains how to properly train the spiral position off the ice. This is an outstanding video, both for the detail of the instruction and for the quality of the demonstrated positions.… Continue reading
Spin specialist Charyl Brusch continues her explanation of how she teaches a flying camel. In her introduction to the flying camel, she worked directly with a skater on the basics of learning the spin. In the second video… Continue reading
Spin specialist Charyl Brusch continues her explanation of how she teaches a flying camel. In her introduction to the flying camel, she worked directly with a skater on the basics of learning the spin. In the second video… Continue reading
In the video below, Nick Perna continues his discussion of figure skating stops and skids and covers a whole range of advanced stops and skids. He demonstrates a back two foot stop and again recommends that all skaters learn… Continue reading
In the video below, Nick Perna begins a discussion of stops and skids. Nick starts by noting the importance of learning a variety of stops and skids. But he also acknowledges that beyond the very basic stops taught… Continue reading
iCoachSkating.com is the premier online figure skating video service providing “how to figure skate” and “how to teach figure skating” information. The website was rebuilt and released on February 1, 2013. This video is a short tour… Continue reading
Trevor Laak provides clarification using video examples for a recent video by Audrey Weisiger on toe loop myths. In this video, Trevor addresses these myths and shows they are not true. Myth 1: On a toe… Continue reading
Olympic coach Audrey Weisiger continues her discussion of toe-loop combination jumps with some basic clarifications of proper toe loop technique. This is a short video but the two main ideas that Audrey shares are incredibly… Continue reading
Spin specialist Charyl Brusch continues her explanation of how she teaches a flying camel. In the previous video in this series, she worked directly with a skater on the basics of learning the spin.… Continue reading
Spin specialist Charyl Brusch continues her explanation of how she teaches a flying camel by working with a skater and discussing common problems and their solutions. There’s actually a huge amount of information in this… Continue reading
Audrey Weisiger continues her discussion of toe-loop combination jumps with ideas for drills to build consistency and mental toughness. One of the primary issues with combination jumps is the reduction in flow or speed across the… Continue reading
Chris Conte discusses figure skating choreography. This video picks up where he left off in his discussion of the tools of a traveling choreographer. In this video, Chris delves into the various types of programs that… Continue reading
Karen Heng Olson teaches forward inside loops. See Karen’s presentation on forward outside loopsbefore watching this video. As with the forward outside loops, the shoulders start twisted into the circle. Karen emphasized the need to… Continue reading
Karen Heng Olson teaches forward outside loops. As Karen notes in her introductory comments in this video, “as freestyle coaches, without taking as much time as they did for figures, it’s still a process to teach loops. … Continue reading
Audrey Weisiger begins a series of videos on combination jumps. This series will discuss both toe loop combinations and loop combinations. To begin this series, Audrey explains that successful jump combinations require certain landing qualities of the first… Continue reading
Kori Ade demonstrates how she initially teaches a death drop. Kori starts with a flying camel and wants the skater to keep her chin up as a pre-requisite for starting death drop. Kori says, “So I describe… Continue reading
Nick Perna shares his thoughts and insights on crossovers (also called crosscuts). This is an in-depth video covering details which are generally glossed over by many coaches. As Nick says, “To me, forward crossovers and back crossovers,… Continue reading
Spin specialist Charyl Brusch explains how to change feet in a spin, from a backspin to a regular “front” spin. Charyl shows how to do this without changing centers or traveling. The basic concept is to… Continue reading
Chris Conte discusses how to properly tie figure skates. In particular, Chris discusses how to properly tie very stiff skates such as the Edea carbon fiber boot. But this information also applies to almost any stiff skating… Continue reading
Karen Olson explains and demonstrates how she teaches backward cross strokes. This video is a continuation of her video on forward cross strokes. Backward cross strokes are an important skating skill but they’re often performed incorrectly, especially at… Continue reading
Kori Ade works with a skater on double loop. To see the preparation drills Kori used before this point, click here. Notice the difference between the first two jump attempts, due mainly to simply pulling the… Continue reading
Kori Ade shares some great drills for developing the double loop. Kori starts by observing a single loop and then a series of single loops in combination. This combination of multiple single loops is a great tool… Continue reading
Karen Olson explains and demonstrates how she teaches forward cross strokes. This is an important skating skill, and it first appears in the US Figure Skating Juvenile Moves in the Field Test. Karen starts these with an exercise… Continue reading
Strength and conditioning coach Kristina Anderson continues her discussion and demonstration of kettlebell training for figure skaters. In this video, Kristina shares a couple more advanced kettlebell exercises. Before beginning this level of kettlebell training, Kristina… Continue reading
Strength and conditioning coach Kristina Anderson continues her discussion and demonstration of kettlebell training for figure skaters. In this video, Kristina explains the deadlift with a set of core twists at the top. She covers the… Continue reading
Karen Heng Olson teaches backward outside loops. When beginning loops with a skater, Karen like to focus initially on the upper body movement. She shows the skater what she wants and holds the skaters arms. (Coaches,… Continue reading
Chris Conte discusses figure skating choreography. In particular, he shares some of the tools of the trade for a traveling choreographer. Chris offers many valuable insights about choreography in this video. Notice that Chris places an emphasis… Continue reading
Matthew Blair Davis shares some valuable off-ice workouts for figure skaters. These videos are publicly available on YouTube, but we’re publishing them here at iCoachSkating.com because they are important and very few skaters or coaches have seen them.… Continue reading
Audrey Weisiger offers some additional drills and explanations as she continues her discussion of jump landings. She offers these valuable drills: 1. After a skater has landed and stretched into the final landing position, have them return… Continue reading
Audrey Weisiger talks about jump landings. Right at the beginning Audrey notes that coaches often focus on every other aspect of a jump and expect the skater to simply land it. Obviously this assumption is often (usually)… Continue reading
Strength and conditioning coach Kristina Anderson continues her discussion and demonstration of kettlebell training for figure skaters. In this video, Kristina covers the kettlebell combination of a half-burpee with a deadlift which offers a complete body workout.… Continue reading
Strength and conditioning coach Kristina Anderson continues her discussion and demonstration of kettlebell training for figure skaters. In this video, Kristina covers kettlebell rows for building upper body strength, particularly for the back. Strong back muscles… Continue reading
Kristina Anderson continues her discussion and demonstration of kettlebell training for figure skaters. In this video, Kristina builds a short combination of swings. She has the demonstrator show the standard swing, multiple one-handed swings, and then alternating… Continue reading
Nick Perna discusses the theoretical and practical aspects of passive edges and active edges. He initially defines what each is and offers a demonstration of each type. As Nick notes, a passive edge “is just coasting on… Continue reading
Karen Heng Olson teaches backward inside loops. At the beginning of the video, Karen references the back outside loops, but she generally teaches the back inside loops first because they are easier to learn for most skaters. … Continue reading
Olympic coach Michelle Leigh finishes her 6-part on-ice jumps class for some young skaters. (On-ice jumps Part 1, On-ice jumps Part 2, On-ice jumps Part 3, On-ice jumps Part 4, On-ice jumps Part… Continue reading
Olympic coach Michelle Leigh continues with the fifth part of her multi-video on-ice jumps class to some young skaters. (On-ice jumps Part 1, On-ice jumps Part 2, On-ice jumps Part 3, On-ice jumps Part… Continue reading
Spin specialist Charyl Brusch offers some troubleshooting tips for layback spin problems. This is the third video in the layback series from Charyl. In the first part, Charyl simply had the skater do various attitude… Continue reading
Spin specialist Charyl Brusch continues her discussion of the layback spin. See how she initially introduces the layback in the first part of this series. In the first part, Charyl simply had the skater… Continue reading
Spin specialist Charyl Brusch shows how she initially introduces the layback spin. Charyl starts with an attitude spin where they go in like a scratch spin, put their skating hand on their skating hip, and the free… Continue reading
Trevor Laak analyzes a double axel as a way to identify key aspects for single axel instruction. You can see a full video of the jump being analyzed below in real time and slow motion on Trevor’s… Continue reading
Trevor Laak offers a checklist of insights for axel. This page shows an axel attempt in real time, once as the original video and once zoomed in. The video is then shown again in slow motion for… Continue reading
Kristina Anderson explains why kettlebell training can be so effective for figure skaters. Historically, figure skating has been slow to adopt non-skating training methods to improve on-ice performance, especially those methods often used by bulky weightlifters and football… Continue reading
Kristina Anderson provides an introduction to kettlebell training for figure skaters. Kristina notes that safety is the first priority when working with kettlebells and then she takes a moment to describe and show a kettlebell. Then Kristina has… Continue reading
Nick Perna gets back to first principles and provides more detail about what he calls the “blurb.” Nick uses the term “blurb” in many of his videos here at iCoachSkating.com. (He also calls it the “dip.”) … Continue reading
Kori Ade offers some thoughts about teaching double flip in this lesson video. At the beginning of the lesson she shares some insights about what physical characteristics give a skater an advantage with rotation in the air. … Continue reading
Karen Heng Olson explains the Backward Circle Eights pattern for the U.S. Figure Skating Pre-Juvenile Moves in the Field test. Karen demonstrates the moves and talks about it as she demonstrates it. Notice the technique used and strength… Continue reading
Audrey Weisiger continues her multiple part series on important foundational concepts she has developed during her coaching career. In Part 1, Audrey introduced the “h and d system” and covered the neutral alignment she wants as a… Continue reading
Audrey Weisiger continues her multiple part series on important foundational concepts she has developed during her coaching career. In Part 1, Audrey introduced the “h and d system” and covered the neutral alignment she wants as a… Continue reading
Olympic coach Michelle Leigh continues with the fourth part of her multi-video on-ice jumps class to some young skaters. (On-ice jumps Part 1, On-ice jumps Part 2, On-ice jumps Part 3) In this video, Michelle… Continue reading
This is the third video in a multi-video series from Olympic coach Michelle Leigh as she teaches an on-ice jumps class to some young skaters. (On-ice jumps Part 1, On-ice jumps Part 2) In this video,… Continue reading
Spin specialist Charyl Brusch gives an excellent presentation on the death drop. When introducing the death drop, Charyl starts with a drill she calls the “kick turn.” Notice the drawing on the ice to encourage the… Continue reading
Trevor Laak responds to an email sent by a coach with questions about the recent survey of iCoachSkating.com subscribers on the details at the moment of take-off for the axel, salchow, and toe loop jumps. Here… Continue reading
Nick Perna continues a series of videos covering drills and exercises he uses to help his skaters develop power, agility, coordination, and edge control and awareness. In the first three videos in this series, Nick taught the … Continue reading
Kori Ade gives a double salchow lesson. Kori’s skater in this video is having a difficult time kicking the foot through properly on the double. Kori begins the lesson with some work on the single salchow, particularly… Continue reading
Karen Heng Olson discusses the Figure Eight pattern for the U.S. Figure Skating Preliminary Moves in the Field test. When starting this move, Karen reviews the Pre-Pre moves edges patterns. She also draws the circles for the… Continue reading
Audrey Weisiger continues her multiple part series on important foundational concepts she has developed during her coaching career. In Part 1, Audrey introduced the “h and d system” and covered the neutral alignment she wants as a… Continue reading
Audrey Weisiger begins a multiple part series on important foundational concepts she has developed during her coaching career. In this presentation, Audrey discusses her “h and d system” or the “alignment system.” The system is a series… Continue reading
Spin specialist Charyl Brusch explains how she teaches a flying camel. She always has the skater start on the wall in a T-position. The wall drill she shows is a pretty common way of introducing the… Continue reading
This is the second video in a multi-video series from Olympic coach Michelle Leigh as she teaches an on-ice jumps class to some young skaters. (On-ice jumps Part 1) At the beginning of this video, Michelle works… Continue reading
This is the first video in a multi-video series from Olympic coach Michelle Leigh as she teaches an on-ice jumps class to some young skaters. It’s pretty rare to see just how an Olympic coach teaches low… Continue reading
Trevor Laak shares the results of the second part of a survey of iCoachSkating.com subscribers on the details at the moment of take-off for the axel, salchow, and toe loop jumps. Here are the survey questions covered in… Continue reading
Trevor Laak shares the results of the first part of a survey of iCoachSkating.com subscribers on the details at the moment of take-off for the axel, salchow, and toe loop jumps. Here is a copy of the quiz… Continue reading
Nick Perna continues a series of videos covering drills and exercises he uses to help his skaters develop power, agility, coordination, and edge control and awareness. In the first three videos in this series, Nick taught the Bread Drill, the… Continue reading
Kori Ade gives an axel lesson. Even though Kori’s skater has an axel and is working on double jumps, Kori wants the skater to have a good axel kick through, as she believes this feeling translates to the double salchow… Continue reading
Karen Heng Olson discusses the full Backward Twizzle pattern from the US Figure Skating Novice Moves in the Field Test. Karen initially teaches it on the line, even though the pattern is skated on the long axis. Karen… Continue reading
Karen Heng Olson explains how she introduces and refines back inside twizzles. Karen teaches it much like a flip jump take-off. She uses same arm in front (same arm as skating foot). Karen notes that she uses twizzles… Continue reading
Competitive figure skaters are subjected to high acceleration impacts on a regular basis, making it likely that they will be more prone to concussive injuries than the broader population. Most ice rinks do not have medical personnel on staff,… Continue reading
US National Champion Ryan Bradley offers two great tips to minimize the pain of breaking in new skates and the pain associated with falling. This is a fun video, and the tips really do work!!! Check it out. Thanks Ryan!!
Spin specialist Charyl Brusch explains how she introduces the butterfly spin entrance. Many coaches don’t teach this spin entrance at all as it is challenging to get the correct positions and timing. Charyl and her demonstrators do a… Continue reading
There’s a great deal of interest at this time in concussive injuries to young athletes. Particularly with recent lawsuits by former professional football players, concussion type injuries and their long term effects are getting a lot of attention. As… Continue reading
Page Lipe explains how she introduces and teaches a flying sit spin. At the beginning, Page just tells her skaters that it’s just a sit spin, but “you’re going to jump that three-turn from forward to backward.” She… Continue reading
Joan Orvis continues her explanation of how she introduces the axel jump. Joan uses a common drill that is known by many names such as half-axel, once-around, and bell-jump. Notice the details of how Joan teaches this pre-axel… Continue reading
Joan Orvis explains how she introduces the axel jump. First Joan notes that the basic axel is similar to the basic waltz jump. Then she teaches an exercise on the line “where everything goes left to right” for… Continue reading
Bobbe Shire discusses some of the issues surrounding maximizing IJS points for spins. She addresses this by discussing a few Level 4 spin examples by her skaters. Bobbe notes at the beginning how everyone is focused on having Level… Continue reading
Trevor Laak provides some video examples to demonstrate what actually happens with the free leg on a jump landing. This video is a follow-up to a jump landings video by Michelle Leigh and is intended to clarify the important… Continue reading
Nick Perna continues a series of videos covering drills and exercises he uses to help his skaters develop power, agility, coordination, and edge control and awareness. In the first three videos in this series, Nick taught the Bread Drill,… Continue reading
Nick Perna continues a series of videos covering drills and exercises he uses to help his skaters develop power, agility, coordination, and edge control and awareness. In the first two videos in this series, Nick taught the Bread Drill… Continue reading
Spin specialist Charyl Brusch continues her discussion of the camel spin. For skaters having trouble with the basic position, Charyl likes to use back spirals to work on the position. She wants them to do the back spiral… Continue reading
Spin specialist Charyl Brusch explains how she teaches the camel spin. She starts by talking about the desired spinning position. One of the keys to a good camel spin is having the free hip on top of the… Continue reading
Sheila Thelen offers some insights into the flying sit spin. Sheila offers a great tip regarding the knees to help develop the feeling of the tuck. She also notes that many skaters don’t take off with enough rotational… Continue reading
Olympic coach Michelle Leigh explains the details of a good landing. At initial impact with the ice, Michelle wants the skater’s shoulders in line with the skating foot and landing edge. This requires the skater to twist the… Continue reading
Audrey Weisiger continues her discussion of important keys to the development of all skaters (see also Development Process Reminders). In this video, Audrey notes the need for off-ice training and she suggests that skaters learn to play a musical… Continue reading
Spin specialist Charyl Brusch works with several skaters on the back sit spin. At the beginning of the video, Charyl discusses the issues associated with the common problem of spinning the back sit on the wrong edge (forward inside).… Continue reading
Karen Heng Olson builds on her discussion of backward outside twizzles by offering a valuable exercise to work on properly building rotational energy and timing. In this short video, Karen explains how to apply the circular power three turn… Continue reading
Karen Heng Olson explains how she teaches backward outside twizzles from the beginning. In fact, in this video Karen works with a skater that has never done these twizzles before. Karen starts with back pushes with the free foot… Continue reading
Audrey Weisiger discusses basic but important concepts for the development of all skaters. Audrey’s main point in this video is that skaters need to develop proficiency with important basic skills before working on more advanced “tricks.” Although this… Continue reading
Nick Perna continues a series of videos covering drills and exercises he uses to help his skaters develop power, agility, coordination, and edge control and awareness. In the first video in this series, Nick taught the Bread Drill. … Continue reading
Nick Perna begins a series of videos covering drills and exercises he uses to help his skaters develop power, agility, coordination, and edge control and awareness. In this video, Nick explains and demonstrates the Bread Drill. The Bread… Continue reading
Kori Ade uses triple loop as a preparation for triple axel work. NOTE: This concept applies to single loop for single axel, or double loop for double axel. In this video, Kori covers important details of improving… Continue reading
Kori Ade explains how she warms up her skaters for jumping practice. In this case, she’s going through a series of exercises with Jason Brown to get him ready to work on his triple axel. Many of these… Continue reading
Chris Conte finishes his edges and turns class in Korea. This is the fifth and final part of a multi-part series. You can see the previous parts of this series here (Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, and… Continue reading
skating.com/site.php/spgs/read/chris_conte/”>Chris Conte continues with an edges and turns class in Korea. This is the fourth of a multi-part series. You can see the previous parts of this series here (Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3).We did not… Continue reading
Chris Conte continues with an edges and turns class in Korea. This is the third of a multi-part series. You can see the previous parts of this series here (Part 1, Part 2).We did not have wireless microphones… Continue reading
Spin specialist Charyl Brusch continues her discussion of the sit spin. In the previous sit spin video, Charyl explained her philosophy on sit spin and how she teaches it. In this video, Charyl shares some drills for developing… Continue reading
Spin specialist Charyl Brusch explains how she teaches a sit spin. Right from the beginning, Charyl focuses on the position and she uses a 4 step process: press down on the hands, stick out the butt, press on… Continue reading
Chris Conte continues with Part 2 of an edges and turns class in Korea. This is the second of a multi-part series. You can see the first part of this series here (Part 1). We did not… Continue reading
Chris Conte teaches an edges and turns class in Korea. This is the first of a multi-part series. We did not have wireless microphones for this class so at times the audio may be hard to hear. … Continue reading
This YouTube video shows Nick Perna skating on figure skates with the skate blades modified. This video proves that we primarily use the center part of the blade for the vast majority of skating on the ice. To… Continue reading
Sheila Thelen suggests an alternate axel entrance for skaters that tend to hook their axel take-off edges. This method can be very effective at straightening out the take-off edge for some skaters. It is also an effective tool… Continue reading
Page Lipe discusses how she moves from the single jump to the double jump. This is a very important video as most coaches and skaters do this wrong or at least in a way that is not beneficial. The… Continue reading
Bobbe Shire discusses the flying camel spin and comments on some demonstrations. As Bobbe notes at the beginning of the video, please review Audrey Weisiger’s Flying Camel video. This video is relatively short as Bobbe did not want… Continue reading
Joan Orvis discusses the extremely important aspect of head control on jump take-offs. This video was a result of our off-camera discussions regarding my observation about the head control of her skaters during their jump take-offs. Head control… Continue reading
Trevor Laak discusses the camel spin, particularly as it relates to adult skaters. Trevor covers three important issues for camel spin. The first is the lack of a long and controlled entrance edge. Trevor discusses the two… Continue reading
Karen Heng Olson covers the Forward Inside Twizzles from the USFS Intermediate Moves in the Field Test. (The forward outside twizzle video that Karen references is no longer published on the website.) Karen starts with the Preliminary inside three… Continue reading
Spin specialist Charyl Brusch finishes her discussion of the back spin. Previous videos in this series were Backspin Part 1, Backspin Part 2, and Backspin Part 3). This short video has a couple demonstrations and Charyl’s comments regarding… Continue reading
Olympic coach Michelle Leigh has a skater demonstrate her exercises for head control in jumping. Head pre-rotation is probably the most common major jumping error at the lower levels and it actually prevents many skaters from ever reaching higher… Continue reading
Trevor Laak shares some video to demonstrate the reach and toe pick placement on a flip jump. This video is a follow-up to a flip jump video by Audrey Weisiger and is intended to clarify the important concepts. Using… Continue reading
Audrey Weisiger talks about one of the most misunderstood aspects of flip jumps. This is a short video but the topic is very important. Almost every top coach teaches a “strong reach” on the flip jump. This reach… Continue reading
Audrey Weisiger discusses the flip jump and offers some insights about the jump and two entrances that almost guarantee the inside edge prior to take-off. To help skaters to develop the proper feeling of coming off an inside edge,… Continue reading
Page Lipe explains how she introduces and develops the loop jump all the way through triples. She notes that when they’re ready it’s common for skaters at her rink to simply try a single loop jump and usually the… Continue reading
In this short video Joan Orvis offers some additonal insights regarding the loop jump. This video is a continuation of her earlier video on on loop jump and loop jump details. In this discussion she starts by explaining… Continue reading
Bobbe Shire teaches variations on upright and camel spins. As Bobbe notes, these spins all require excellent flexibility. The spins discussed and demonstrated include the “Y-spin,” the “split-spin” or “Sasha Cohen spin,” the Biellmann spin, and the “donut”… Continue reading
Trevor Laak discusses the loop jump, particularly as it relates to adult skaters. There are two key issues for loop jump that are often misunderstood by skaters and coaches, and just understanding these can cause a breakthrough for the… Continue reading
Nick Perna finishes his lesson with Annalise to improve her axel, particularly the jump’s distance. Part 1 focused on control of the step position and the hip and leg movement, all on a straight line, and Part 2 focused… Continue reading
In this very short video, Sheila Thelen offers a way to use Champion Cords to get a skater to lean into the circle they are skating on. Sheila shows how to attach the cords to the skater and she… Continue reading
Nick Perna continues his lesson with Annalise to improve her axel, particularly the jump’s distance. Part 1 focused on control of the step position and the hip and leg movement, all on a straight line. In this video, Nick… Continue reading
Nick Perna gives a lesson to help a skater (Annalise) straighten out a “swingy” axel. This is the first part of a three part series. Axels that tend to “go around” rather than going through tend to spin… Continue reading
Trevor Laak discusses the backspin, particularly as it relates to adult skaters. The backspin is generally a very challenging spin for low level skaters, and many adult skaters have a particularly hard time with the spin. Trevor explains… Continue reading
Audrey Weisiger shares a number of alternative entrances to double toe loop and discusses toe loop combination jumps. As Audrey mentions and Shannon demonstrates, there are 4 basic or standard toe loop entrances. Interestingly, most coaches only use two… Continue reading
Chris Conte finishes his discussion of suggested improvements to basic skills instruction (Part 7). You can see the previous parts of this series here (Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5, and Part 6). In… Continue reading
Chris Conte continues with Part 6 of his discussion of suggested improvements to basic skills instruction. You can see the previous parts of this series here (Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, and Part 5). In… Continue reading
Chris Conte continues with Part 5 of his discussion of suggested improvements to basic skills instruction. You can see the previous parts of this series here (Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, and Part 4). In this video,… Continue reading
Nick Perna finishes his lutz lesson with Emily. In Part 1 of the lutz lesson, Nick did some preliminary analysis of Emily’s other jumps and her backspin and then started to address the flutz with backward power pulls. … Continue reading
Nick Perna continues with Part 3 of his lutz lesson with Emily. In Part 1 of the lutz lesson, Nick did some preliminary analysis of Emily’s other jumps and her backspin and then started to address the flutz with… Continue reading
Page Lipe shares three valuable exercises to increase body awareness. These drills are very effective in bringing out issues with alignment and core stability. Not surprisingly, these drills are harder than they look. The purpose of the first… Continue reading
Nick Perna continues his lutz lesson with Emily to fix her take-off edge. This video is the second of a multipart series covering the entire half hour lesson. In the first part of the lutz lesson, Nick did… Continue reading
Nick Perna fixes an incorrect lutz take-off edge or flutz. This video is the first of a multipart series covering the entire half hour lesson. We get to sit in on a practical lutz lesson as Nick works… Continue reading
Sheila Thelen offers a great tip to help skaters keep their head up while skating. In this video, Sheila explains and demonstrates exactly how to attach Champion Cords to a skater to apply tension to help the skater remember… Continue reading
Kori Ade continues with the fourth part of a multi-part series on off-ice training. In Part 1, Kori introduced her demonstrators, went through a short warm-up, and proceeded to dynamic stretching. In Part 2, she focused on a… Continue reading
Kori Ade continues with the third part of a multi-part series on off-ice training. In Part 1, Kori introduced her demonstrators, went through a short warm-up, and proceeded to dynamic stretching, and in Part 2, Kori focused on a… Continue reading
Chris Conte continues with Part 4 of his discussion of suggested improvements to basic skills instruction. You can see the previous parts of this series here (Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3). In this video, Chris offers… Continue reading
Kori Ade continues with the second part of a multi-part series on off-ice training. In Part 1, Kori introduced her demonstrators, went through a short warm-up, and proceeded to dynamic stretching. In this video, Kori briefly reviews the… Continue reading
Kori Ade begins a multi-part series on off-ice training. Off-ice training is extremely important to the physical development of figure skaters. Kori is uniquely qualified to develop an off-ice training program for skaters as a result of her… Continue reading
Spin specialist Charyl Brusch continues her explanation of how she introduces the back spin (Backspin Part 1 and Backspin Part 2). This video contains some additional information about the backspin and it also covers the overhead arm position on… Continue reading
Spin specialist Charyl Brusch continues her explanation of how she introduces the back spin (Backspin Part 1). This video is packed with valuable information. In this video, Charyl introduces the forward inside edge entrance to the backspin. As she… Continue reading
Moves in the field expert Karen Heng Olson continues her presentation on the USFS Intermediate Moves in the Field pattern. In the first video of the series, Karen introduced some basics. In the second video, she started to build the… Continue reading
Spin specialist Charyl Brusch explains how she introduces the back spin. Charyl notes that initially a backspin is more difficult to learn than the forward spin, but over time they become easier than the forward spin to the vast… Continue reading
Bobbe Shire discusses how to achieve the core change feature in the sit spin. She calls this a twisted sit spin. The video starts with two demonstrations and then Bobbe explains how to think about the core change… Continue reading
In the context of a triple toe loop lesson, Audrey Weisiger touches upon one of the “secrets” to good jumping. This is a short video, but the point that Audrey makes is incredibly important. When done with proper… Continue reading
Audrey Weisiger discusses various aspects of the single, double and triple toe loop. Keep in mind that Audrey has taught at every level in skating and even with her extensive experience at the elite level, notice how much stress… Continue reading
Sheila Thelen offers some tips to improve layback spins. She initially explains what she’s looking for in the layback including free foot position and free knee position. Sheila then shows how to use Champion Cords to help the… Continue reading
In this very short video, Olympic coach Michelle Leigh explains a drill she uses to help skaters develop the control, quickness, and power necessary for double and triple toe loop combination jumps. The exercise is simply a series… Continue reading
Spin specialist Charyl Brusch continues her discussion of the forward inside three turn entrance to forward spins. She introduces a new demonstrator who attempts. Charyl provides helpful feedback that we can all learn from. The value… Continue reading
Spin specialist Charyl Brusch discusses the forward inside three turn entrance to forward spins. She explains that she teaches it in a fairly straight line and has the skater do the three turn “out of the circle” and… Continue reading
Chris Conte continues with Part 3 of his discussion of suggested improvements to basic skills instruction. In Part 1, Chris discussed marching, swizzles, rocking horses, and rotating swizzles with some discussion of arm positions and posture. In Part… Continue reading
Moves in the field expert Karen Heng Olson continues her presentation on the USFS Intermediate Moves in the Field pattern. In the first video of the series, Karen introduced some basics. In the second video, she started to build the… Continue reading
Moves in the field expert Karen Heng Olson continues her presentation on the Forward Outside Twizzles for the USFS Intermediate Moves in the Field pattern. In the first video of the series, Karen introduced some basics. In this video, she… Continue reading
This YouTube video shows David Jenkins performing a triple axel in 1957. That’s incredible considering the jump wasn’t officially performed in competition until 1978...
The following is a short story from Olympic coach Audrey Weisiger. She asked me to put it up here at iCoachSkating.com so all coaches could read it. As coaches we make a huge impact on the lives of the skaters we teach.
How many different female skaters have you taught to do a double axel? These survey results suggest it's pretty rare to have much success with this.
Watch example double loop jump. Answer these questions. 1. Is this a clean double loop? In other words, would this skater get credit for a double loop in competition? (a. Yes, it’s a clean double, or b. No, it would be downgraded to a single) 2. What Grade of Execution (GOE) would you give this double loop? (-3, -2, -1, 0, +1, +2, +3) Compare your results with those who took the survey.
Olympic Coach Audrey Weisiger Interview (Audrey Weisiger)
iCoachSkating.com webmaster Trevor Laak interviewed World and Olympic figure skating coach Audrey Weisiger on November 21, 2007. The audio quality for this interview is fair as Audrey was searching for a quiet spot at her rink that still had cell… Continue reading
iCoachSkating.com webmaster Trevor Laak interviewed legendary figure skating coach Frank Carroll on September 15, 2007. The audio quality for this interview is not very good because Frank was on his cell phone driving from LA to Palm Springs. The content… Continue reading
Moves in the field expert Karen Heng Olson explains how she begins working on twizzles with skaters. Karen recommends that skaters start learning twizzles very early on in the skater’s development, well before the Intermediate Move in the Field Test.… Continue reading
Chris Conte continues with Part 2 of his discussion of suggested improvements to basic skills instruction. In Part 1, Chris discussed marching, swizzles, rocking horses, and rotating swizzles with some discussion of arm positions and posture. In… Continue reading
Chris Conte offers insights into ways coaches can speed the learning process by focusing on skills that emphasize basic jump rotation and developing power out of edges.
This is the final part of the on-ice axel class taught by Nick Perna and Audrey Weisiger at the 2010 G2C Extreme Supercamp.
Nick Perna and Audrey Weisiger continue their on-ice axel class at the 2010 G2C Extreme Supercamp. In the first part of the class, they covered the proper setup and in the second part they covered the step forward.
Joan Orvis continues her explanation of how she teaches the loop jump. This is a continuation of this loop jump video.
Chris Conte coaches in Fairfax, Virginia. See his video analysis setup.
Trevor coaches in Madison, Wisconsin. See his video analysis setup. More information will be available shortly regarding software.
Grace Lee continues to share the warm-up routine that she created for her skaters. This video is the third and final portion of the "first" warm-up routine Grace uses.
Trevor Laak teaches Viktors Ayele how to use the pole harness.
Click the video below to watch an analysis of a successful and
unsuccessful axel by the same skater. Analysis by Trevor Laak.
Play the top video first to see two axel attempts that are being analyzed.
Then play the second video to the see the analysis by Trevor Laak.
Play the top video first to see the jump being analyzed.
Play the top video first to see the jump being analyzed.
Play the top video first to see the jump being analyzed.
Play the top video first to see the jump being analyzed.
Matthew Blair Davis describes the third step in the 3-step process he uses to improve a skater's vertical jump.
Matthew Blair Davis describes the second step in the 3-step process he uses to improve a skater's vertical jump.
Tricia Offerdahl finishes Leah's program.
Tricia Offerdahl continues her development of Leah's program. This is Part 5 in a multi-part series. In this video, you'll see Trish make changes to the program.
Tricia Offerdahl continues her development of Leah's program.
Tricia Offerdahl continues her development of Leah's program.
Tricia Offerdahl continues her development of Leah's program.
Amy Brolsma teaches backward inside rockers.
Amy Brolsma teaches backward outside rockers.
Amy Brolsma teaches forward inside rockers.
Amy Brolsma begins her discussion of rockers by explaining how she teaches forward outside rockers. Amy begins by making sure the skater has complete control and proper alignment of the entry edge.
Amy Brolsma finishes her discussion of counters.
Amy Brolsma continues her discussion of counters.
Amy Brolsma continues her discussion of counters. In the previous video she discussed forward outside counters. In this video, she tackles forward inside counters.
Amy Brolsma introduces counters with a general discussion and then information on the forward outside counter.
Amy Brolsma teaches backward inside brackets. This is a continuation of Amy's discussion of forward outside brackets, forward inside brackets, and backward outside brackets).
Amy Brolsma teaches backward outside brackets. This is a continuation of Amy's discussion of forward brackets (forward outside brackets and forward inside brackets).
Amy Brolsma teaches forward inside brackets. This is a continuation of Amy's discussion of forward outside brackets.
Amy Brolsma shows how she discusses forward outside brackets. She starts off with a definition for brackets and she also talks briefly about the "bunny ears."
Amy Brolsma demonstrates an outstanding exercise to develop leg strength, edge pressure, and power, particularly as it relates to figure loops.
Amy Brolsma shows how she teaches back inside figure loops. (To see Amy's presentation on forward inside and outside figure loops, visit her bio page.
Amy Brolsma shows how she teaches forward inside figure loops.
Amy Brolsma shows how she teaches forward outside figure loops.
Amy Brolsma explains how she teaches power pulls. Notice that Amy is focused on the mechanics of how a skater generates power from a continuous edge.
Amy Brolsma gives a three-turn theory lesson with diagrams on the ice. This presentation is important and EVERY skater and coach should understand this information thoroughly.
Amy Brolsma talks about body lean on edges and turns. This is a short video but a great reminder for coaches and an important concept for skaters.
Amy Brolsma explains how she teaches back inside three turns.
In this video, Amy Brolsma continues her discussion of the back outside three turn. This short video covers an incredibly important point which is why it's a stand-alone video on the site.
Amy Brolsma explains how she teaches back outside three turns.
Amy Brolsma explains how she teaches forward inside three turns.
In this video, Tom Hickey continues his explanation of how to use a Skate Spinner effectively for training. In this video, Tom discusses spins and footwork.
In this video, Tom Hickey shows how to use a Skate Spinner for jump development.
Tom Hickey describes some basic on-ice drills he uses to help very beginners learn to rotate. As in aprevious clip, he is assisted by his daughter Maddie.
Tom Hickey describes some basic on-ice take-off drills he uses with his skaters for axel, toe loop, and flip. These exercises are aimed at developing balance, strength and control.
Tom describes and Taylor demonstrates off-ice drills and walkthroughs for lutz/flip, toe loop, and salchow. Tom is a strong advocate for off-ice jump drills and these drills have helped make his skaters successful. Notice how precisely the walkthroughs should be executed.
Tom describes and Taylor demonstrate off-ice jump drills that build to axel and double axel.
Tom and Taylor demonstrate off-ice jump drills at the Shattuck-St. Mary’s Gymnasium. In this video, Tom introduces drills that focus on rotation and landing stability.
Tom Hickey has help from his daughter Maddie showing how to introduce a young beginner skater to the waltz jump.
Tom explains the "bell jump" drill he uses to develop quickness. Summer and Taylor demonstrate the bell and the "cross-over jump" with the waltz jump.
Karen Heng Olson explains how she teaches the Bracket-Three-Bracket Pattern from the Novice USFS Moves in the Field Test.
Karen Heng Olson explains how she teaches the Backward Power Three Turns from the Juvenile USFS Moves in the Field Test.
Karen Heng Olson explains how she teaches the 8-Step Mohawk Sequence from the Juvenile USFS Moves in the Field Test.
Karen Heng Olson explains how she teaches the Power Pulls from the Pre-Juvenile USFS Moves in the Field Test.
Karen Heng Olson explains how she teaches the Forward Power Three Turns for the Preliminary USFS Moves in the Field Test.
Joan Orvis explains how she teaches the loop jump. Joan begins with the same back outside edge she teaches in figures.
Joan Orvis finishes her four part description of the waltz jump.
Joan Orvis continues her multi-part description of the waltz jump.
Joan Orvis explains how she introduces the waltz jump. Notice the emphasis on the proper use of edges and ankle pressure.
Joan Orvis offers important insights about edges in figure skating. With the move away from school figures in the 1990's, more than a generation of skaters has now grown up without them.
Joan Orvis continues her discussion of school figures by covering double three turns.
Joan Orvis shares her philosophy of coaching. This is a very personal look into the attitudes and beliefs of a successful coach.
Joan Orvis shows how she introduces the toe loop to young skaters. You'll notice that Joan always starts them at the wall with a "toe loop exercise."
Joan Orvis explains forward outside and inside 3-turns. She starts with the left forward outside 3-turn because many skaters use it for flip and salchow.
Joan Orvis discusses how to generate power and maintain speed. This is a short video but it includes information that is a good reminder to all of us.
Joan Orvis discusses some common mistakes that skaters make when learning forward inside and outside edges.
Page Lipe discusses the correct lutz take-off and how to correct flutz problems.
Page Lipe discusses how she introduces change foot spins, particularly as it relates to the ISI Freestyle 3 requirement.
Page Lipe shares an excellent exercise for strengthening the neck muscles to improve jumping.
Page Lipe demonstrates a fantastic exercise to develop the proper core strength and awareness for correct air positions. This is a conceptually "simple" exercise, but it's surprisingly difficult to do this exercise well in practice.
Play the top video first to see the jump being analyzed.
Play the top video first to see the jump being analyzed.
Play the top video first to see the jump being analyzed.
Page Lipe shows how she develops the toe loop. In this video she starts at the beginning and works her way up to the triple.
Page Lipe shows how she develops the salchow. In this video she starts at the beginning and works her way up to the double.
Page Lipe shows how she develops the axel. In this video she focuses mainly on the half axel (also known as a "once around" or sometimes a "bell jump").
Page Lipe discusses jump take-off direction. Like most top coaches, Page teaches her skaters to take off facing forward on all back entrance jumps.
Page Lipe continues her discussion of checking out of jumps.
Spin coach Charyl Brusch begins this video by covering the back crossover entrance to a forward scratch spin.
In this short video, spin specialist Charyl Brusch builds on her previous videos and discusses centering of a forward scratch spin.
Spin specialist Charyl Brusch explains how she teaches a forward scratch spin from a one-foot spin.
Spin specialist Charyl Brusch continues her discussion on centering spins.
Spin specialist Charyl Brusch explains how she works on centering spins with her students.
Bobbe Shire continues after her explanation of the pancake spin with a spin she calls the clam or reverse pancake.
Bobbe Shire discusses the details of a pancake sit spin feature. As Bobbe explains, this feature is not overly difficult to get as most reasonably flexible skaters can eventually get into the position.
Bobbe Shire shares some tips on learning the cannonball sit spin variation. According to Bobbe, the best cannonball position has the free leg completely parallel to the ice.
Bobbe Shire offers some excellent tips for change edge camels. This is a continuation of her initial discussion of the change edge camel.
Bobbe Shire discusses change of edge sit spins. (This is a continuation of Bobbe’s discussion of change edge upright spins and change edge camel spins.)
Bobbe Shire talks at length about change edge camel. As with all spins, Bobbe wants her skaters to spin at the ball of the foot, even for the forward outside edge.
One of Bobbe's main concepts for change of edge spins is revolutionary, but it is now growing in popularity.
Bobbe Shire offers her opinions and thoughts on teaching and learning the Biellmann spin.
Bobbe Shire discusses two change of position spins on one foot, camel sit and back camel back sit. She starts with the camel sit because it is the most common.
Bobbe Shire explains her expectations for the forward upright scratch spin.
Bobbe Shire discusses additional positions for the layback spin. Her demonstrator shows a version of the spin that can gain rotational speed as well as the haircutter.
Bobbe Shire continues her explanation of the layback spin. Make sure you watch Part 1 of the layback presentation here.
Bobbe Shire explains how she introduces the layback spin. Notice that Bobbe starts her presentation with a discussion of potential back injuries and how to prevent them.
Bobbe Shire shares her knowledge of the Death Drop.
Bobbe Shire gives a thorough explanation of the flying sit spin. The flying sit has been a challenging spin for skaters and coaches for years.
Bobbe Shire explains how she teaches "stars." Stars is one of those spin entrances that's been slowly disappearing.
Bobbe Shire discusses camel-change-camel. As Bobbe says, "The hardest thing about camel-change-camel is to do nothing. We all want to work it too hard."
Bobbe Shire talks about the theory and practice of change foot spins, and focuses on sit-change-sit. This is an awesome video with tons of great information.
Bobbe Shire discusses the back camel. She starts right off saying the back camel entrance is hardest of the back spin entrances.
Spin specialist Bobbe Shire talks about errors in the camel spin and how she addresses them.
Spin specialist Bobbe Shire discusses the camel spin. She explains why a camel is unique and different than any other spin.
Bobbe Shire talks about using the forward inside three turn entry for forward spins. She is not fond of the entrance and she explains why.
Bobbe Shire gives a thorough explanation of the sit spin. She discusses how it differs from the upright scratch spin. She also talks about the importance of "locking the back down."
Bobbe Shire discusses back alignment and body position and tension for spinning. This video is a continuation of Bobbe's 5 Steps of Spinning.
Shire discusses optional arm positions for forward spin entry.
This presentation by Chris Conte on the IJS rules is the first of a 6 part series.
This is another lesson that Chris Conte gave at the 2009 G2C Extreme Super Camp.
This is the final of three videos of a Chris Conte lesson at the 2009 G2C Extreme Super Camp. In thefirst part, Chris discussed flow and important body positions.
This is the second of three videos of a Chris Conte lesson at the 2009 G2C Extreme Super Camp. In thefirst part, Chris discussed flow and important body positions.
In this video taken at the 2009 G2C Extreme Super Camp, Chris Conte gives a lesson to one of his own skaters in preparation for an exhibition performance.
This video is a continuation of a previous Chris Conte double salchow analysis.
This clip stands on it's own aside from a few references to that previous video.
Play the top video first to see two axel attempts that are being analyzed.
Chris Conte gives a pole harness lesson on double axel. This video is a continuation of Chris's "Cat and Mouse" method video here at iCoachSkating.com.
Chris Conte gives a double axel lesson in the stationary harness. There are so many gems of wisdom in this video!
Chris Conte demonstrates and describes a full development program for teaching the double salchow.
Play the top video first to see the jump being analyzed.
Play the top video first to see the jump being analyzed.
Chris Conte describes his "Cat and Mouse" method of teaching a skater to snap into the rotational position.
Chris Conte discusses "3 turn magic" which is a system for developing walk-throughs of all the jumps.
Chris Conte demonstrates and describes a full development program for teaching a skater to do a double loop.
Play the top video first to see the jump being analyzed.
Play the top video first to see the jump being analyzed.
Play the top video first to see the jump being analyzed.
Play the top video first to see the jump being analyzed.
Play the top video first to see the jump being analyzed.
Sheila Thelen offers a clever if not slightly diabolical concept to help skaters clearly remember their proper alignment side for jump air positions (as well as most take-offs and landings).
Sheila Thelen explains several ways to use Champion Cords to improve crossovers.
Sheila Thelen offers one of the best and simplest tricks ever for preventing pre-rotation of the head on jumps. Head pre-rotation is one of the most common major errors in jumping.
Sheila Thelen continues her discussion of the backspin (see the first part here).
Sheila Thelen shows how to use a Champion Cord to help skaters cross their feet in the back spin. First Sheila shows how to attach the cord to the skate and how to hold it properly.
Sheila Thelen shares a coaching secret for keeping her feet warm.
This is the fifth and final video of Sheila Thelen teaching a young skater in a private lesson. Sheila's skater is a 6 year old boy named Milan.
Tom explains a drill that consists of a series of half jumps and builds to a long sequence of jumps and rotations to develop skater control and jump flow and rhythm. Tom provides tips and recommendations to help the demonstrating skater improve the drill.
Tom explains and describes some very helpful jump drills that help his skaters develop control and proper alignment as well as familiar feelings for weight transfers and air positions.
Tom Hickey describes and explains an "Organizational Drill with Multi-Jump Setups." This drill provides for effective and efficient use of on-ice sessions.
This is the fourth in a series of videos of Sheila Thelen teaching a young skater in a private lesson. Sheila's skater is a 6 year old boy named Milan.
This is the third in a series of videos of Sheila Thelen teaching a young skater in a private lesson.
This is the second in a series of videos of Sheila Thelen teaching a young skater in a private lesson.
This is the first in a series of videos of Sheila Thelen teaching a young skater in a private lesson.
Sheila Thelen offers an simple way for coaches to earn a little extra income. She suggests teaching an off-ice jump rope class.
Sheila demonstrated an Ankle Buzzer developed by Audrey Weisiger and available from Audrey'sGrassroots to Champions site.
Sheila talks about doing multiple double loop drills. These kinds of drills have become more and more popular for skaters to learn flow in combinations. Sheila talks about the need for quickness and one of her skaters demonstrates doing 5 double loops in a row.
Sheila uses a Champion Cord to help her skaters learn to cross their feet in jumps.
Sheila offers some insights about teaching young skaters. She makes the point that stories can be especially effective.
Sheila offers a tip for using a Champion Cord with the axel. This tip is particularly helpful for skaters that don't naturally kick their knee through at take-off.
Sheila discusses an axel drill for young skaters. She also shares some tips that make the drill more effective (using a Champion Cord and a toy).
Sheila talks about how she teaches the axel. She offers some tips to help young skaters understand the concept of the axel but not be too intimidated by it.
Sheila suggests a fun way to "spice up" a basic lesson with younger skaters. Never underestimate the power of toys! In this video, Sheila addresses skating posture.
Sheila talks about skating posture and gives some tips to help young skaters understand and improve their posture.
Sheila shows how to use a Champion Cord to improve the stretch of a spiral.
Sheila talks about 2 fundamentally different ways to do a spiral and why a coach would want to choose one over the other. Notice that she talks about hip tension to help keep the free leg higher on one method.
Sheila discusses one of her favorite ways to help her skaters get more split on their spirals. This is so obvious and logical that many coaches may overlook it.
Nick Perna and Audrey Weisiger continue their on-ice axel class at the 2010 G2C Extreme Supercamp. In the first part of the class, they covered the proper setup and in the second part they… Continue reading
Nick Perna and Audrey Weisiger continue their on-ice axel class at the 2010 G2C Extreme Supercamp. In the first part of the class, Nick Perna covered the proper setup.
Nick Perna and Audrey Weisiger teach an on-ice axel class at the 2010 G2C Extreme Supercamp. In this first part, Nick explains the desired setup for axel.
Nick Perna finishes his axel lesson with Kayla. This is part 6 of this half-hour lesson.
Nick Perna continues his axel lesson with Kayla.
Nick Perna continues his axel lesson with Kayla. This is part 4 of this half-hour lesson. In the first part Nick focused on Kayla's backspin.
Nick Perna continues his axel lesson with Kayla. This is part 3 of this half-hour lesson. In the first part Nick focused on Kayla's backspin.
Nick Perna continues his axel lesson with Kayla.
Nick Perna gives an axel lesson to Kayla. Kayla is a low level skater currently learning an axel. This video is the first in a series of videos covering the entire half-hour lesson.
This is the final installment of Nick Perna's off-ice jump class.
Nick Perna teaches an off-ice jump class. This is the first part of a multi-part video series. Most top skaters implement an off-ice jumping routine in their training.
Olympic coach Michelle Leigh explains how she develops single lutz.
Olympic coach Michelle Leigh offers some jump drills and exercises to improve control and efficiency, particularly related to building double jumps into triple jumps.
Olympic coach Michelle Leigh provides a thorough explanation of how she teaches the flip jump. There are some extremely important key point in this presentation.
Olympic coach Michelle Leigh provides a thorough explanation of how she teaches the loop jump.
Olympic coach Michelle Leigh discusses taking a single toe loop to the double.
Olympic coach Michelle Leigh continues her discussion of how to teach a toe loop.
Olympic coach Michelle Leigh discusses how she introduces the toe loop to a skater for the first time.
Olympic coach Michelle Leigh continues her discussion of salchow.
Olympic coach Michelle Leigh shares a great exercise for improving the salchow.
Olympic coach Michelle Leigh explains her approach to teaching the salchow. This video is packed with very important information that is easy to overlook.
Olympic coach Michelle Leigh finisher her discussion of the axel.
Olympic coach Michelle Leigh explains a valuable warm-up drill that incorporates the helicopter exercise and walleys.
Olympic coach Michelle Leigh discusses the back preparation edge for axel. This video is a continuation of Michelle's discussions of the axel.
Olympic coach Michelle Leigh discusses core strength as it relates to air position for multi-rotation jumps.
This video is a continuation of the axel lesson video with Olympic coach Michelle Leigh. In this video, Michelle is working towards double axel with her skater.
In this video, Olympic coach Michelle Leigh explains how she teaches the walley.
In this video, we sit in on an axel lesson with Olympic coach Michelle Leigh. This is a great follow-up the Michelle Leigh axel video.
Michelle Leigh discusses how she develops the axel from the waltz jump.
Michelle Leigh continues her discussion of the waltz jump. In this video, she talks about the step.
Michelle Leigh talks about how she introduces the waltz jump and she continues the discussion through some helpful exercises that also apply to axel and double axel.
Michelle Leigh shares some of the exercises she uses to teach lutz.
Michelle Leigh talks about one of the most important concepts of successful multi-rotational jumping.
Michelle Leigh works with a skater on drills intended to fix head issues.
Michelle Leigh explains one of her favorite drills for her skaters.
Michelle Leigh discusses some very helpful information regarding arm motions and positions throughout jumps, and particularly loop, flip and lutz.
Audrey Weisiger shares 10 important reasons why people do not attain a goal.
Audrey Weisiger finishes her series of circular stroking exercises that she developed to help her skaters with their posture, alignment and control.
Audrey Weisiger continues with the fourth stroking exercise intended to help her skaters with their posture, alignment and control.
Audrey Weisiger continues with the third stroking exercise intended to help her skaters with their posture, alignment and control.
Audrey Weisiger continues with the second stroking exercise intended to help her skaters with their posture, alignment and control.
Audrey Weisiger shares some stroking exercises that she developed to help her skaters with their posture, alignment and control.
Audrey Weisiger continues her discussion of how to introduce spins to young skaters.
Audrey Weisiger continues her discussion of how to introduce spins to young skaters.
Audrey Weisiger continues her discussion of how to introduce spins to young skaters. She relies heavily in the beginning on what she calls the "washing machine" to get the skaters used to rotation and to help them get comfortable with their inside edges.
Audrey Weisiger discusses how to start young skaters spinning, from the very beginning. She starts the video by offering three suggestions for determining a skater's dominant spin direction.
In this video Audrey Weisiger talks about team teaching. Many top coaches in the world have achieved their success by teaming with other great coaches. Audrey explains how it works and what's necessary to have it work well.
In this video Audrey Weisiger talks about quad jumps and what it takes to accomplish this amazing feat. Audrey has worked with two skaters with successful quads, Michael Weiss and Timothy Goebel.
Audrey Weisiger discusses some extremely beneficial exercises for lutz. One of the biggest challenges in coaching is to get our young skaters to stay on an outside edge on the lutz take-off.
In this video Audrey Weisiger works through a series of exercises to help a skater working on triple jumps to feel the proper air position.
In this short video clip Audrey Weisiger shows how to help skaters that are having a hard time getting to a back outside edge when learning a backspin.
Audrey Weisiger describes how to teach a flying camel. She discusses the most common problems and some of her countless drills and solutions.
Audrey Weisiger describes how to teach change of edge camel spins.
Audrey Weisiger describes how to teach change of edge spins. Many coaches asked for information about this and Audrey came through in a big way.
Nick Perna finishes his lesson with Isabelle.
Nick Perna continues his lesson with Isabelle.
Nick Perna continues his lesson with Isabelle.
Nick Perna continues his lesson with Isabelle.
Sheila Thelen coaches in Minneapolis, Minnesota. See her video analysis setup.
Nick Perna gives a lesson to Isabelle.
Matthew Blair Davis describes the first step in the 3-step process he uses to improve a skater's vertical jump. After an evaluation, Matthew always focuses on the skater's squat. In this video he explains what makes a perfect squat.
Amy Brolsma explains how she teaches forward outside three turns. Notice that Amy believes her skaters should fully understand the concept of the three turn, including how the turn starts and stops. She uses a hula hoop to help develop proper awareness of all the parts of the turn.
Karen Heng Olson explains how she teaches the back inside edges for the Pre-Pre USFS Moves in the Field Test. Notice that Karen goes back to the beginning and teaches backward stroking again, even if the skater already knows it ("Make a C, lift the foot in front"). The "C push" is a critical foundation skill for this pattern.
Joan Orvis discusses forward inside and outside edges. Joan makes a great point at the beginning of this video that good jumping cannot happen in skating without good edges.
Page Lipe discusses checking out of jumps. This is a great video for anyone with skaters having problems dropping their free hip or losing control of their shoulders on landing.
In this video, Nick Perna discusses his system of teaching basic edge positions, and how he's distilled them down to four basic positions.
Nick Perna continues his explanation of slaloms and shares a drill to help skaters develop the proper weight transfer, balance, and power.
In this video of a lower level spin class, Nick Perna discusses the “sweet spot” or the “slippery spot” for spinning.
Sheila Thelen and Nick Perna lead a spin class for less advanced skaters.
Charyl Brusch introduces herself and offers some basic insights about spinning.
Nick Perna and Sheila Thelen conduct a spin class for advanced skaters. This is a long video and it's filled with many tidbits of helpful information.
Nick Perna follows up his forward slalom drills to generate edge power with the backward versions of these drills.
Nick Perna shares some important drills to help skaters develop power from their forward edges.
Bobbe Shire discusses what causes traveling in a spin and what you can do to minimize it. This video is a continuation of her introduction to spinning, 5 Step Approach to Spinning.
Nick Perna shows how he introduces a skater to the lutz jump. This is a follow-up video to Nick's presentation of the loop jump and the flip jump.
Nick Perna shows how he introduces a skater to the flip jump. This is a follow-up video to Nick's presentation of the loop jump for beginners.
Bobbe Shire explains and demonstrates her basic philosophy of spinning. In this video she shares her 5 Step Approach to Spinning. As Bobbe says, each step has a name and the important things to remember about it.
Nick Perna shows how he teaches skaters the loop jump. I think you'll agree that Nick's method is ingenious and clever.
Grace Lee continues to share the warm-up routine that she created for her skaters. You can view thefirst warm-up video here.
Nick Perna discusses take-off direction. He explains that all jumps take off with the skater turning to forward before leaving the ice.
Nick Perna continues his discussion of the lutz jump. In this video he discusses entry options and what to look for when using one of the various setups
Sheila demonstrates a stretching method she learned from Janet Champion to improve spiral positions. An assistant (in this case the coach) helps the skater during this stretch.
Sheila demonstrates how to use a harness for double axel. She also gives a few tips regarding the double axel and she talks briefly about the skid/no-skid on take-off issue.
Nick Perna continues his development of the lutz jump and talks at length about how to correct a flutz problem. You've got to see this video to understand Nick's views on the "reach back" that gets so much attention.
Sheila Thelen discusses more ceiling harness safety issues. Then she demonstrates common jump setups for use with a ceiling harness.
Sheila Thelen shares important basics and safety tips when using an overhead harness system. She also offers tips for getting skaters in and out. Sheila used to own a harness company so she knows a thing or two about it. Harness… Continue reading
Audrey Weisiger discusses the double toe loop issue known as the toe axel. She describes and shows it in detail and then provides 2 important drills that can help a skater eliminate the problem.
