Off-ice Training for Figure Skaters

Off-ice Training for Figure Skaters – Part 1 (Kori Ade)

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 background as a national and international coach and choreographer as well as her background and degrees in biomechanics and as a Certified Trainer.

In this video, Kori introduces her demonstrators and begins by having them take off their shoes. Kori says, “I feel like barefoot training really promotes the development of good foot strength.” Kori and her skaters then proceed to a dynamic warm-up which is a series of exercises they rotate through.

Kori makes a point of mentioning the physical similarities of the skaters and an observation that each will have very different strengths and weaknesses. Kori uses this knowledge to help her understand and adjust her on-ice coaching to address each skater individually. Coaches that outsource off-ice training may miss these important details that can help draw even more from an athlete.

Kori offers several exercises to help warm up the skaters. Kori makes sure the skaters are warmed up before beginning the dynamic stretching exercises. Notice how she includes exercises that are skating-specific to help develop a skating skill.

Check out the other videos in this series: Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, and Part 4.