Figure Skating Footwork – Choctaws Part 1 (Amy Brolsma)

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 worthless. Next, Amy moves away from the wall and she encourages coaches to have their skaters start on the (typically) more challenging side first. For most skaters this is the left back outside.

Notice the position she has the skater in with the skating arm up and the free arm down prior to the step. Also notice the skater’s posture and alignment. Amy wants a wide step and the skater should initiate the movement prior to the step with a shoulder movement (she calls this a “pinch”). Amy notes that control of the free side is critical and she compares it to the rudder on a boat. Again, notice the arm positions after the step. Amy also talks about knee pressure and knee bend.