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