Figure Skating – Skating Skills

  • Fundamental Skating and Jumping Concepts (Tom Zakrajsek)

    Fundamental Skating and Jumping Concepts (Tom Zakrajsek)

    World and Olympic coach Tom Zakrajsek discusses helpful and important concepts that rarely get discussed by coaches. He begins by discussing body awareness by thinking about the belly button and spine. This is a fantastic way for skaters to sense their core and understand more clearly how the hips and shoulders work together or in opposition. […] Continue reading →

  • USFS Junior Skating Skills – Part 2, Forward and Backward Inside Rockers (Kate Charbonneau)

    USFS Junior Skating Skills – Part 2, Forward and Backward Inside Rockers (Kate Charbonneau)

    Coach and choreographer Kate Charbonneau continues a series of videos on the USFS Junior Skating Skills (Moves in the Field) Test. In Part 1 she covered the Forward and Backward Outside Rockers pattern. In this video she discusses the Forward and Backward Inside Rockers and she begins by noting the importance of a consistent lobe size […] Continue reading →

  • Running on the Ice (Nick Perna)

    Running on the Ice (Nick Perna)

    International coach and jump specialist Nick Perna discusses the reason to learn to run on the ice and shows how to do it properly. Nick explains that for skaters who are afraid of going fast on the ice and are particularly afraid of going fast into jumps, learning to run on the ice tends to reduce […] Continue reading →

  • USFS Junior Skating Skills – Part 1, Forward and Backward Outside Rockers (Kate Charbonneau)

    USFS Junior Skating Skills – Part 1, Forward and Backward Outside Rockers (Kate Charbonneau)

    Coach and choreographer Kate Charbonneau begins a series of videos on the USFS Junior Skating Skills (Moves in the Field) Test. In this video she introduces the Junior test and demonstrates and explains the first pattern, the Forward and Backward Outside Rockers. Kates uses a rocker pivot exercise to develop the necessary skill for the first […] Continue reading →

  • USFS Preliminary Skating Skills – Part 2, Consecutive Outside and Inside Spirals (Kate Charbonneau)

    USFS Preliminary Skating Skills – Part 2, Consecutive Outside and Inside Spirals (Kate Charbonneau)

    Coach and choreographer Kate Charbonneau continues a presentation on the USFS Preliminary Skating Skills (Moves in the Field) Test. In Part 1 she discussed the Forward and Backward Crossovers and in this video she covers the Consecutive Outside and Inside Spirals. She begins by noting she uses a two foot glide on each transition from […] Continue reading →

  • On-Ice Warm Up – Part 2 (Ryan Jahnke and Ben Agosto)

    On-Ice Warm Up – Part 2 (Ryan Jahnke and Ben Agosto)

    National medalist Ryan Jahnke and World and Olympic medalist Ben Agosto continue an on-ice warm up class at a summer camp. Ryan is wearing the microphone. In Part 1 the class learned several exercises as well as ankle control and positioning needed to create powerful edges. Ryan begins this video with a repeating forward outside […] Continue reading →

  • On-Ice Warm Up – Part 1 (Ryan Jahnke and Ben Agosto)

    On-Ice Warm Up – Part 1 (Ryan Jahnke and Ben Agosto)

    National medalist Ryan Jahnke and World and Olympic medalist Ben Agosto team teach an on-ice warm up class at a summer camp. Ryan is wearing the microphone. Ryan begins the class with side lunges on lobes and specific arms with a core twist. He mentions head position to improve posture, and as a drill for […] Continue reading →

  • Coaching Philosophy – Bubble Edges to Quads (Doug Leigh)

    Coaching Philosophy – Bubble Edges to Quads (Doug Leigh)

    World and Olympic coach Doug Leigh offers insights into his philosophy of coaching. He discusses quite a few things in this video, but it all boils down to starting with solid fundamentals and being a good person and mentor. To start the video, Doug notes that he does not like the idea of “errors” or […] Continue reading →

  • Foundations of Great Skating (Doug Leigh)

    Foundations of Great Skating (Doug Leigh)

    World and Olympic coach Doug Leigh talks about a variety of concepts that combine to create great skating (and coaching). He begins by saying, “The foundation of skating period is how well can you skate – edge quality, the power, the balance.” This simple idea is often lost in discussions of details of specific elements […] Continue reading →

  • Catch Foot Spiral Tips (Kate Charbonneau)

    Catch Foot Spiral Tips (Kate Charbonneau)

    Coach Kate Charbonneau continues her lesson on spirals (see tips on basic spirals in Part 1 and Part 2). She begins this video by offering insights about a Biellmann spiral. For this spiral Kate recommends pulling up strongly with the upper body (middle and head) and letting the arms move independently. It’s helpful to get […] Continue reading →

  • Basics of Using Champion Cords (Sheila Thelen)

    Basics of Using Champion Cords (Sheila Thelen)

    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 properly to maintain control of the cord and minimize discomfort. She also offers a helpful […] Continue reading →

  • Basic Spiral Lesson (Kate Charbonneau)

    Basic Spiral Lesson (Kate Charbonneau)

    Coach Kate Charbonneau works with a skater on basic spirals. This lesson is in the context of the Pre-Preliminary and Preliminary USFS Moves in the Field tests, although the tips for control and presentation apply to all spirals. For the Pre-Pre pattern, Kate recommends doing the non-dominant foot first, so the skater ends strong by […] Continue reading →

  • Alternating Forward Outside Three Turns (Madison Hubbell)

    Alternating Forward Outside Three Turns (Madison Hubbell)

    World and Olympic ice dance medalist Madison Hubbell continues her lesson on basic skating skills and patterns for the USFS Preliminary Moves in the Field tests. (See the previous video here.) In this video, the focus is on alternating forward outside three turns, also typically referred to as “three turns on the line.” After watching […] Continue reading →

  • More Tips for Power Pulls (Karen Olson)

    More Tips for Power Pulls (Karen Olson)

    Skating skills and moves in the field specialist Karen Olson continues a discussion of power pulls. In Part 1, she discussed ways to make power pull practice more interesting, ankle and knee bend timing, and vocabulary misunderstandings. In this video, she shares additional insights to help those who struggle with the basics, and she suggests […] Continue reading →

  • Crossovers and Pushes (Madison Hubbell)

    Crossovers and Pushes (Madison Hubbell)

    World and Olympic ice dance medalist Madison Hubbell works with a young skater on basic pushes and crossovers. The pattern this skater uses is the first pattern of the Preliminary US Figure Skating Moves in the Field Test, but the information Madison shares is focused entirely on the skills and not the pattern. Madison explains […] Continue reading →

  • Tips For Better Power Pulls (Karen Olson)

    Tips For Better Power Pulls (Karen Olson)

    Skating skills and moves in the field specialist Karen Olson shares exercises and insights to improve power pulls. She begins by noting that many skaters don’t find working on power pulls interesting or enjoyable. One way to make them more interesting is to have skaters do them with both arms overhead, usually with hands clasped […] Continue reading →

  • Basic Pushes for Power (Madison Hubbell)

    Basic Pushes for Power (Madison Hubbell)

    World and Olympic ice dance medalist Madison Hubbell continues a skating skills lesson at a seminar/camp. Part 1 focused on skating skills associated with generating power from edges. This part focuses on the fundamentals of pushing for power. Madison describes a powerful basic push as having both feet together and both legs generally straight before […] Continue reading →

  • Drills for Generating Power (Madison Hubbell)

    Drills for Generating Power (Madison Hubbell)

    World and Olympic ice dance medalist Madison Hubbell gives a skater a lesson at a seminar/camp. This lesson focuses on skating skills, and in particular, how to generate power on the ice. Madison begins with a simple two-foot weight transfer exercise where the feet are separated (wide stance). In this exercise, the skater should “always  […] Continue reading →

  • Performance Comments During Program Run-Throughs (Rohene Ward)

    Performance Comments During Program Run-Throughs (Rohene Ward)

    Coach and choreographer Rohene Ward works with a variety of advanced skaters who are doing program run-throughs without jumps. Rohene calls these performances “makettes” (SP) which he explains is a Russian ice dance word for “mark through” of an ice dance. He has his skaters do these performances after their morning on-ice warm-up class and […] Continue reading →

  • Forward Outside and Inside Consecutive Spirals (Karen Olson)

    Forward Outside and Inside Consecutive Spirals (Karen Olson)

    Skating skills and moves in the field specialist Karen Olson discusses and demonstrates important insights related to forward outside and inside consecutive spirals. As she notes, this pattern is part of the US Figure Skating Preliminary Moves in the Field test, although the details provided in this video are focused on how to perform and […] Continue reading →

  • Improving Beginner Skills – Part 3 (Kate Charbonneau)

    Improving Beginner Skills – Part 3 (Kate Charbonneau)

    Coach Kate Charbonneau continues a general lesson with a beginner level skater, using program elements as a roadmap for the lesson. Part 1 focused on footwork and spins, and Part 2 focused on some jumps. In this video, Kate has the skater run through the program to identify weak points to address with further coaching. […] Continue reading →

  • Warmup Edge Class – Part 6 (Rohene Ward)

    Warmup Edge Class – Part 6 (Rohene Ward)

    Coach and choreographer Rohene Ward finishes his warm-up edge class for advanced skaters. This class is performed to a variety of music and the emphasis is on warming up, mastering skating skills, and improving performance skills. Check out the entire series: Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 Part 5 Part 6 This video […] Continue reading →

  • Waltz Eight Pattern from Pre-Preliminary Moves (Karen Olson)

    Waltz Eight Pattern from Pre-Preliminary Moves (Karen Olson)

    Skating skills and moves in the field specialist Karen Olson demonstrates and discusses the details of the Waltz Eight pattern from the US Figure Skating Pre-Preliminary Moves in the Field test. Karen begins by drawing the figure eight pattern on the ice by scraping with her skate. She uses the red dot in the center […] Continue reading →

  • Warmup Edge Class – Part 5 (Rohene Ward)

    Warmup Edge Class – Part 5 (Rohene Ward)

    Coach and choreographer Rohene Ward continues his warm-up edge class for advanced skaters. This class is performed to a variety of music and the emphasis is on warming up, mastering skating skills, and improving performance skills. Check out the entire series: Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 Part 5 Part 6 This video […] Continue reading →

  • Forward Spirals Continued (Karen Olson)

    Forward Spirals Continued (Karen Olson)

    Skating skills and moves in the field specialist Karen Olson continues her discussion of forward spirals, both as a solo skill and as part of the US Figure Skating Pre-Preliminary Moves in the Field test. In the previous part of this discussion, Karen talked at length about how to teach a spiral to a beginner […] Continue reading →

  • Improving Beginner Skills – Part 1 (Kate Charbonneau)

    Improving Beginner Skills – Part 1 (Kate Charbonneau)

    Coach Kate Charbonneau begins a general lesson with a beginner level skater, using program elements as a roadmap for the lesson. Kate has the skater do some of the footwork and skating skills from her program, and not surprisingly Kate asks for more ankle bend. Notice the description of pressing into the tongue of the […] Continue reading →

  • Warmup Edge Class – Part 4 (Rohene Ward)

    Warmup Edge Class – Part 4 (Rohene Ward)

    Coach and choreographer Rohene Ward continues his warm-up edge class for advanced skaters. This class is performed to a variety of music and the emphasis is on warming up, mastering skating skills, and improving performance skills. Check out the entire series: Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 Part 5 Part 6 This video […] Continue reading →

  • Exercises to Build Skating Skills – Part 5 (Denise Myers)

    Exercises to Build Skating Skills – Part 5 (Denise Myers)

    World and Olympic coach Denise Myers continues her multi-part series sharing a variety of exercises and drills intended to improve overall skating skills. These exercises would be excellent as part of an on-ice warm-up or at the end of a session or training day. The ultimate goal is to build skills that translate into improved […] Continue reading →

  • Morning Warm Up – Part 1 (Debbie Warne-Jacobsen)

    Morning Warm Up – Part 1 (Debbie Warne-Jacobsen)

    National level coach Debbie Warne-Jacobsen begins a short series of videos where she shares ideas for a well-balanced warm-up intended to be skated to begin the first on-ice session of the day. The purpose of this kind of warm-up is to get the skaters’ bodies moving and to improve foundational skills. Debbie begins with simply […] Continue reading →

  • Exercises to Build Skating Skills – Part 4 (Denise Myers)

    Exercises to Build Skating Skills – Part 4 (Denise Myers)

    World and Olympic coach Denise Myers continues her multi-part series sharing a variety of exercises and drills intended to improve overall skating skills. These exercises would be excellent as part of an on-ice warm-up or at the end of a session or training day. The ultimate goal is to build skills that translate into improved […] Continue reading →

  • Forward Perimeter Stroking: Pre-Preliminary Moves Pattern (Karen Olson)

    Forward Perimeter Stroking: Pre-Preliminary Moves Pattern (Karen Olson)

    Skating skills and moves in the field specialist Karen Olson discusses and demonstrates important insights related to the Forward Perimeter Stroking pattern of the US Figure Skating Pre-Preliminary Moves in the Field test. This is the very first pattern of the very first moves test, and Karen explains that it represents an opportunity to teach […] Continue reading →

  • Warmup Edge Class – Part 3 (Rohene Ward)

    Warmup Edge Class – Part 3 (Rohene Ward)

    Coach and choreographer Rohene Ward continues his warm-up edge class for advanced skaters. This class is performed to a variety of music and the emphasis is on warming up, mastering skating skills, and improving performance skills. Check out the entire series: Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 Part 5 Part 6 The first […] Continue reading →

  • Exercises to Build Skating Skills – Part 3 (Denise Myers)

    Exercises to Build Skating Skills – Part 3 (Denise Myers)

    World and Olympic coach Denise Myers continues her multi-part series sharing a variety of exercises and drills intended to improve overall skating skills. These exercises would be excellent as part of an on-ice warm-up or at the end of a session or training day. The ultimate goal is to build skills that translate into improved […] Continue reading →

  • Warmup Edge Class – Part 2 (Rohene Ward)

    Warmup Edge Class – Part 2 (Rohene Ward)

    Coach and choreographer Rohene Ward continues his warm-up edge class for advanced skaters. This class is performed to very slow, bluesy music and the emphasis is on warming up, mastering skating skills, and improving performance skills. Check out the entire series: Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 Part 5 Part 6 The first […] Continue reading →

  • Exercises to Build Skating Skills – Part 2 (Denise Myers)

    Exercises to Build Skating Skills – Part 2 (Denise Myers)

    World and Olympic coach Denise Myers continues her multi-part series sharing a variety of exercises and drills intended to improve overall skating skills. These exercises would be excellent as part of an on-ice warm-up or at the end of a session or training day. The ultimate goal is to build skills that translate into improved […] Continue reading →

  • Improving Novice Moves – Part 2 (Kate Charbonneau)

    Improving Novice Moves – Part 2 (Kate Charbonneau)

    Coach Kate Charbonneau continues a lesson for a skater working on her US Figure Skating Novice Moves in the Field test. The skater already knows the patterns, so this is an opportunity for Kate to help the skater improve them and get them ready to test. In the previous video, Kate worked on the Inside […] Continue reading →

  • USFS Senior Moves – Power Double Threes to Double Rocker Pattern (Karen Olson)

    USFS Senior Moves – Power Double Threes to Double Rocker Pattern (Karen Olson)

    Skating skills and moves in the field specialist Karen Olson shares insights to improve the two Power Double Three Turns to Double Rocker patterns on the USFS Senior Moves Test. The ideas presented apply to both patterns. Karen begins by acknowledging that edge quality on the double threes is a major challenge for many skaters. […] Continue reading →

  • Exercises to Build Skating Skills – Part 1 (Denise Myers)

    Exercises to Build Skating Skills – Part 1 (Denise Myers)

    World and Olympic coach Denise Myers begins a multi-part series sharing a variety of exercises and drills intended to improve overall skating skills. These exercises would be excellent as part of an on-ice warm-up or at the end of a session or training day. The ultimate goal is to build skills that translate into improved […] Continue reading →

  • Warmup Edge Class – Part 1 (Rohene Ward)

    Warmup Edge Class – Part 1 (Rohene Ward)

    Coach and choreographer Rohene Ward leads a warm-up edge class for advanced skaters. The class is warming up with very slow music using 3/4 timing. The exercises are meant to warm up the skaters’ bodies and provide an opportunity to work on mobility, flexibility, and extension on the ice. Due the slow nature of the […] Continue reading →

  • Improving Novice Moves – Part 1 (Kate Charbonneau)

    Improving Novice Moves – Part 1 (Kate Charbonneau)

    Coach Kate Charbonneau gives a lesson to a skater working on her US Figure Skating Novice Moves in the Field test. The skater already knows the patterns, so this is an opportunity for Kate to help the skater improve them and get them ready to test. They begin with the Inside Three-Turns/Rocker Choctaws which is […] Continue reading →

  • Building an Edge Class Sequence – Twizzle Example (Kate Charbonneau)

    Building an Edge Class Sequence – Twizzle Example (Kate Charbonneau)

    Coach Kate Charbonneau explains and demonstrates the process she uses for creating original edge classes and step sequences. The process begins with finding out which turns and elements her skaters can do, and trying to include at least one of each turn in an exercise in the edge class. Kate demonstrates the process with an […] Continue reading →

  • Waltz Eight: Pre-Preliminary Moves Pattern (Karen Olson)

    Waltz Eight: Pre-Preliminary Moves Pattern (Karen Olson)

    Moves in the field expert Karen Olson discusses and demonstrates key issues for the Waltz Eight pattern of the US Figure Skating Pre-Preliminary Moves in the Field test. For simplicity and as a way to set reasonable circle sizes for young skaters, Karen likes to start the pattern on one of the hockey dots. The […] Continue reading →

  • Champion Cords for Improved Crossovers (Sheila Thelen)

    Champion Cords for Improved Crossovers (Sheila Thelen)

    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 and body tension. Using cords to feel the tension and have visual feedback about the […] Continue reading →

  • Simulated Post-Jump/Spin Speed Drill (Kate Charbonneau)

    Simulated Post-Jump/Spin Speed Drill (Kate Charbonneau)

    Figure skating coach Kate Charbonneau teaches an exercise that simulates the situation where a skater lands a jump or finishes a spin and then needs to gain speed quickly and control that speed with another element or skill. To start this exercise, the skater pushes back into a landing position at the center near the […] Continue reading →

  • IJS Footwork Tips – Part 3 (Karen Olson)

    IJS Footwork Tips – Part 3 (Karen Olson)

    Coach Karen Olson continues a series of videos talking about how to approach IJS footwork sequences (choreographed sequences or step sequences) in order to prepare skaters for higher levels and to maximize points in competition. See Part 1 here and Part 2 here. NOTE: The rules of the International Judging System (IJS) are constantly changing. […] Continue reading →

  • Edge Drill – How The Legs And Feet Turn (Nick Perna)

    Edge Drill – How The Legs And Feet Turn (Nick Perna)

    International coach Nick Perna shares an edge drill intended to help skaters feel how to properly use their feet and ankles, as well as their legs and hips when creating edges. Historically, edges have typically been taught as sideways leans (into the circle) on a static circle. That kind of rudimentary static edge development is […] Continue reading →

  • Circle of Crossovers With Extensions (Kate Charbonneau)

    Circle of Crossovers With Extensions (Kate Charbonneau)

    Figure skating coach Kate Charbonneau teaches a crossover exercise that is performed on a single circle. It is a sequence consisting of 3 forward crossovers followed by an inside mohawk with an overhead arm extension and then 3 backward crossovers followed by a step forward with another extension. Kate wants deep knee bend and a […] Continue reading →

  • The Snowman Crossover Exercise (Kate Charbonneau)

    The Snowman Crossover Exercise (Kate Charbonneau)

    Figure skating coach Kate Charbonneau teaches a crossover exercise she calls “The Snowman” where skaters perform crossovers in 3 large circles down the ice. The skaters go around the circle one and half times each for the base and body of the snowman and just a little less than a full circle for the head. […] Continue reading →

  • All About Forward Crossovers (Kate Charbonneau)

    All About Forward Crossovers (Kate Charbonneau)

    Figure skating coach Kate Charbonneau offers insights and exercises for forward crossover development. She starts with how she teaches beginners. The classic “step over” non-gliding sideways walk  is very helpful for beginner skaters to learn balance and the basic weight transfer of a crossover. The focus is simply on balance and lifting the knee to […] Continue reading →

  • Starting a Cantilever (Sheila Thelen)

    Starting a Cantilever (Sheila Thelen)

    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 enjoyed a bit of a renewal in interest in recent years as a number of […] Continue reading →