Sheila Thelen
Sheila Thelen is a PSA Master Rated coach with more than 25 years of coaching experience. She currently teaches in an around the Twin Cities in MN. She has also been a presenter at PSA, CFSA, and ISI International Conferences.
Sheila is the Designer and President of Champion Cords which produces training aids for skaters that teach alignment, position, muscle memory, body awareness, and technique. She is also the President of Champion Skating Harness, a company that specializes in off-ice harnesses for jump air position training. She is also the Executive Director of Grassroots to Champions. She was also the Skating Director of a large skating school in Minnesota for over 10 years.
Sheila does seminars worldwide and can be reached directly through her Champion Cords website.
Most recent videos at the top…
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
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 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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 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
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
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
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
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
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 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
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
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 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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 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 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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.
Sheila Thelen coaches in Minneapolis, Minnesota. See her video analysis setup.
Sheila Thelen and Nick Perna lead a spin class for less advanced skaters.
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.
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.
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
