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Pivots and Motivation for Pivots and Skids (Audrey Weisiger)
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, left backward outside pivot) and then she shows how to teach them. She explains the value of teaching […] Continue reading →
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Teaching Turns Using “Hitchy Coo” – Part 2 (Nick Perna)
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 line using what he calls a “hitchy coo.” In this video, he shows how the other 3-turns look […] Continue reading →
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Serpentine Step Sequence – USFS Senior Moves Pt 3 (Karen Olson)
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 Part 2, click here. In this video, Karen puts the pieces together for the sections she has worked in Part 1 and […] Continue reading →
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Serpentine Step Sequence – USFS Senior Moves Pt 2 (Karen Olson)
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, Karen is focused on the section of the serpentine pattern that travels through the center of the rink. She begins by […] Continue reading →
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Serpentine Step Sequence – USFS Senior Moves Pt 1 (Karen Olson)
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. She builds the skills up and then integrates them into the full pattern. To begin the serpentine step, […] Continue reading →
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Specialty Figures – Maltese Cross… More (Kirsten Olson)
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 Maltese Cross. Here we see how she works with skaters who are struggling with the movements. Notice how […] Continue reading →
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Sustained Edge Step – USFS Senior Moves Pt. 2 (Karen Olson)
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 into a series of exercises and drills to build the fundamental skills needed for the pattern. […] Continue reading →
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Sustained Edge Step – USFS Senior Moves in the Field (Karen Olson)
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 particular pattern can learn a lot from Karen’s approach to teaching a complex pattern like this. […] Continue reading →
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Specialty Figures – Angel Wings (Kirsten Olson)
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 the pattern and draws over it with a marker so we can see it. She notes that the […] Continue reading →
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Edge Control With Turns (Nick Perna)
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. The concept of this drill is straightforward, but it can be incredibly challenging for all but the […] Continue reading →
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Skids and Stops, Part 4 – Skidded Turns (Chris Conte)
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 the ”one foot hockey stop” and the “tango stop” in detail. In this video, Chris talks about and […] Continue reading →
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Choreography – Part 2: Transitions (Pasquale Camerlengo)
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 like jumps and spins and footwork/spiral sequences. As Pasquale notes, a higher score can be attained […] Continue reading →
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Choreography – Part 1 (Pasquale Camerlengo)
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 notes that although a choreographer’s job is to create choreography, most of their time is actually […] Continue reading →
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Specialty Figures – Maltese Cross (Kirsten Olson)
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 foot. Kirsten starts by marking an X on the ice and skating the pattern. She uses […] Continue reading →
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Specialty Figures – Crosscuts or Fishtails (Kirsten Olson)
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 Cross. The benefits of working on these kinds are figures are immense in terms of edge and […] Continue reading →
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Double Three-Turn to Double Rocker – Follow Up (Karen Olson)
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. In this follow-up video, Karen begins by explaining the value of drawing the diagonal X directly on […] Continue reading →
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Double Three-Turn to Double Rocker – USFS Senior Moves (Karen Olson)
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 teaching or skating these particular patterns can learn a lot from Karen’s approach to teaching a […] Continue reading →
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Edge Control With the “Shut Up Drill” (Nick Perna)
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 the variations and detail that Nick does. The drill consists of simply gliding around a full […] Continue reading →
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Edge Pulls to Generate Power (Doug Webster)
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 a spiral or a one foot glide or a hydroblade or something.” He begins with alternating forward […] Continue reading →
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Alignment Drill, Part 2 – Edges and Turns (Nick Perna)
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 awareness of the outside edges and helps many skaters with proper alignment for turns and edges. Nick […] Continue reading →
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Outside Edges – Forward Outside Cross Strokes (Pasquale Camerlengo)
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. The cross rolls demonstrated in the video are a great model to study. Pasquale uses both slow […] Continue reading →
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Back Outside Pivot – Basic Skills (Nick Perna)
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 develop many important skating skills. As Nick notes, it’s helpful for building the body positioning and pivoting […] Continue reading →
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Importance of Edges and Skating Skills (Pasquale Camerlengo)
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 on finding “different ways to make turns happen, just to make it look different and original.” […] Continue reading →
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Pivots – Part 2 (Nick Perna)
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 inside, forward outside, and back outside, on each foot making 8 total. Nick says, “I make sure […] Continue reading →
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Pivots – Part 1 (Nick Perna)
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 relatively advanced skaters typically do not work on pivots and some high level skaters have never even […] Continue reading →
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Spread Eagle – Figure Skating Spread Eagle (Amy Brolsma)
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 time and on-ice practice time to create a spread eagle that is truly beautiful. Amy begins […] Continue reading →
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More Edge and Blade Usage Drills Including Secret Double Axel Drill (Nick Perna)
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 when skating forward and backward. This drill is advanced because it requires not only excellent edge […] Continue reading →
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Ina Bauer – Figure Skating Move Ina Bauer (Amy Brolsma)
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 “eye sore.” Amy begins the Ina Bauer by having skaters do a spread eagle with bent […] Continue reading →
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Drill for Blade Usage, Alignment, and Balance on Turns (Nick Perna)
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 while keeping both legs straight, marching in place like a tin soldier (hence Nick’s name for […] Continue reading →
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Advanced Warm-Up Drill – Rocker Timing Drill (Amy Brolsma)
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. The drill consists of two forward power pulls followed by a forward rocker followed by two […] Continue reading →
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Multi-purpose Skating Drills All Skaters Should Master (Nick Perna)
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 learns to fully control internal and external rotation of the hips in isolation, and The skater learns […] Continue reading →
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Warm-Up Stroking Drills (Amy Brolsma)
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 sessions. Notice the focus on presentation. The drills themselves are not that hard, which allows the […] Continue reading →
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Warming Up with Cross Strokes (Douglas Webster)
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 the cross stroke as a warm-up exercise. (Although many ice dancers may argue that cross strokes and […] Continue reading →
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The Forward Outside Mohawk (Amy Brolsma)
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 pronounced body lean. Notice the focus at first simply on edge control and proper body positioning […] Continue reading →
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Figure Skating On-Ice Warm-Up – Advanced (Pasquale Camerlengo)
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 this video, Pasquale explains he wants the class to warm up methodically. Ankle, knee, core and […] Continue reading →
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Forward Crossover Circles – Juvenile Moves In The Field (Karen Olson)
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 crossovers in a circle. Karen shows where and how she starts the pattern for maximum power. […] Continue reading →
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Backward Inside Loops Revisited (Amy Brolsma)
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) to the characteristics required for footwork sequences in free skating programs. For reference, please see Amy’s […] Continue reading →
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Forward Outside Mohawk – 8 Step Pattern MIF (Karen Olson)
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 skaters at this level often lack control and body alignment of basic edges. Karen explains that […] Continue reading →
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Backward Outside Loops Revisited – Part 3 (Amy Brolsma)
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 changed how she approach the loop and she showed how she builds a loop from the […] Continue reading →
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Backward Outside Loops Revisited – Part 2 (Amy Brolsma)
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 changed how she approach the loop and she showed how she builds a loop from the […] Continue reading →
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Backward Outside Loops Revisited – Part 1 (Amy Brolsma)
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) to the characteristics required for footwork sequences in free skating programs. This is the first of […] Continue reading →
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More Choctaw Drills and Exercises – Part 2 (Karen Olson)
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 tips for coaches teaching choctaws. One exercise Karen has her skaters do to help them feel how […] Continue reading →
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More Choctaw Drills and Exercises – Part 1 (Karen Olson)
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 of Amy Brolsma teaching choctaws. Karen begins by addressing the common misconception that skaters with closed hips […] Continue reading →
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Power Choctaws – The Choctaw Part 5 (Amy Brolsma)
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 flow. Footwork, transitions and the USFS Junior Moves in the Field pattern are all places in […] Continue reading →
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Figure Skating Stroking and Edge Drills – Part 2 (Pasquale Camerlengo)
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 has the class do simple alternating inside edge pushes. To improve the execution he says, “go go […] Continue reading →
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Figure Skating Stroking and Edge Drills – Russian Stroking (Pasquale Camerlengo)
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 are common names for a series of pushes and steps that can be built up in […] Continue reading →
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Figure Skating Footwork – The Choctaw Part 4 (Amy Brolsma)
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. In Part 2, she shared a simple standstill drill and suggested using a hockey stick. In […] Continue reading →
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Figure Skating Footwork – The Choctaw Part 3 (Amy Brolsma)
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. In Part 2, she shared a simple standstill drill and suggested using a hockey stick. In […] Continue reading →
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Figure Skating Moves – Backward Cross Strokes (Karen Olson)
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 and feet and the idea of keeping the feet close together. Notice she spends an entire […] Continue reading →
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Figure Skating Moves – Forward Cross Strokes (Karen Olson)
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. Notice that Karen recognizes that how the moves tests are judged often depends on geographic location. The […] Continue reading →
