Amy Brolsma

Amy Brolsma has been coaching for more than 20 years and currently teaches in Appleton and De Pere, Wisconsin. Amy has a PSA Master Rating in both Moves in the Field and Freestyle. She competed at the 1999 US Figure Skating Championships and was the 1999 US Collegiate bronze medalist in figures. She spent a year in Sweden as the head coach of a competitive club, qualifying all Regionals skaters to Sectionals and 3 skaters to Junior Swedish Nationals.

Amy is currently the PSA Workshop Director for the state of Wisconsin and has presented at several state workshops and a nationwide seminar. She teaches all levels from basic skills on up. She’s coached several Regional competitors, Regional medalists, and a Junior National pair team. She has her Senior Freestyle and 8th Figure Test. Amy has a Bachelor of Science in Human Biology with an emphasis in Exercise Science.

Most recent videos at the top…

Split Jumps – Basics and Variations (Amy Brolsma)

Coach Amy Brolsma explains how she teaches split jumps. This includes the standard split jump, the Russian split jump, the stag jump, the double stag jump, and the tuck jump. Amy notes that skaters can begin learning split jumps as soon as they know how to do a half flip. The most common entrance for […] Continue reading →
Using Objects/Toys for Twizzle Development (Amy Brolsma)

Coach Amy Brolsma shares a valuable tip for skaters working on advanced turns and twizzles. Many skaters struggle with core stability when learning advanced turns like rockers and counters as well as twizzles. Having objects or toys to hold with both hands either in front of the body or over the head help skaters engage […] Continue reading →
Using Objects/Toys to Improve Basic Skating (Amy Brolsma)

Coach Amy Brolsma shares a valuable tip for helping skaters at every level improve their skating skills and their turns. By using objects or toys that the skater can hold with both hands, the coach can reduce the uncontrolled arm movements and help skaters feel their movements and stabilize with their core. Amy likes to […] Continue reading →
On-Ice Warmup Sequence – Part 3 (Amy Brolsma)

Coach Amy Brolsma continues her presentation on a sequence of warm-up drills that she uses as an on-ice warmup with her skaters. The primary goal is to get the skaters moving and fully warmed up, but coaches can also monitor the warm-up to better understand the focus and motivation level of a skater on a […] Continue reading →
On-Ice Warmup Sequence – Part 2 (Amy Brolsma)

Coach Amy Brolsma continues her presentation on a sequence of warm-up drills that she uses as an on-ice warmup with her skaters. The primary goal is to get the skaters moving and fully warmed up, but coaches can also monitor the warm-up to better understand the focus and motivation level of a skater on a […] Continue reading →
On-Ice Warmup Sequence – Part 1 (Amy Brolsma)

Coach Amy Brolsma shares a sequence of warm-up drills that she uses as an on-ice warmup with her skaters. The primary goal is to get the skaters moving and fully warmed up, but coaches can also monitor the warm-up to better understand the focus and motivation level of a skater on a given day. Amy […] Continue reading →
More Butterfly Details (Amy Brolsma)

Coach Amy Brolsma continues her discussion of the butterfly. In the first part of this discussion, Amy shared a detailed step by step approach to learning/teaching the butterfly. In this video, she offers more insights, covering a wide range of relevant details. She starts by recommending a camel, back camel, back sit spin combination spin […] Continue reading →
Butterfly Spin Entrance – Step by Step (Amy Brolsma)

Coach Amy Brolsma shares a process for teaching and learning the butterfly flying spin entrance. This step-by-step guide starts assuming the skater has no knowledge or experience with the butterfly, and by the end a skater should be able to do a basic butterfly. Amy starts with the skater facing the wall with hands on […] Continue reading →
Learning a Walley – Step by Step (Amy Brolsma)

Figure skating coach Amy Brolsma shares a process for teaching and learning the walley jump. A walley is a jump from a backward inside edge, with rotation in the non-natural direction, to a standard landing position on the outside edge of the same foot. In other words, the walley rotates in the air counter to […] Continue reading →
Lunges for Beginner Skaters (Amy Brolsma)

Figure skating coach Amy Brolsma explains and demonstrates how she teaches lunges to beginner skaters. As she explains, the lunge provides a great way for young skaters to work on core control (hips) and get used to bending more deeply as they skate. It also works on extension and stretching. As Amy notes, many young […] Continue reading →
Spirals for Beginner Skaters (Amy Brolsma)

Figure skating coach Amy Brolsma explains and demonstrates how she teaches spirals to beginner skaters. She focuses initially on the upper body position while on 2 feet. To balance this position, skaters must allow the hips to move backwards. Just this exercise alone solves many common spiral errors so it should be mastered. Next Amy […] Continue reading →
Backward Crossovers (Amy Brolsma)

Figure skating coach Amy Brolsma explains and demonstrates how she teaches backward crossovers which are also known as backward crosscuts depending on where you live in the world. This video is a continuation of Amy’s presentation on forward crossovers. Amy begins by explaining that backward crossovers are a backward pump followed by a cross under […] Continue reading →
Forward Crossovers (Amy Brolsma)

Figure skating coach Amy Brolsma explains and demonstrates how she teaches forward crossovers which are also known as crosscuts depending on where you live in the world. Amy begins by noting that a good goal for proper crossovers is to have an even amount of power generated from each push. She starts by having a […] Continue reading →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
Teaching the Basic Forward Inside Mohawk (Amy Brolsma)

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 concept of being on edges and curves. Amy starts by building control of just the forward inside […] Continue reading →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
Figure Skating Footwork – The Choctaw Part 2 (Amy Brolsma)

In this short 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 this video, she starts with a simple standstill drill for engaging the shoulders and body for […] Continue reading →
Figure Skating Footwork – Choctaws Part 1 (Amy Brolsma)

Amy Brolsma explains how she teaches choctaws. Choctaws are a relatively advanced skating step. Amy starts with a relatively simple drill at the wall and she explains that the skater must fully shift weight or the drill is worthless. Next, Amy moves away from the wall and she encourages coaches to have their skaters start […] Continue reading →
Figure Skating Moves In The Field – Inside Slide Chasse (Amy Brolsma)

Amy Brolsma shares some tips for teaching and properly executing an inside slide chasse or slip. This element shows up as a major part of the US Figure Skating Intermediate Moves In The Field Test. Although this element is not difficult, many skaters do not do it correctly. The most common error is many skaters […] Continue reading →
Backward Cross Strokes (Amy Brolsma)

Amy Brolsma explains and demonstrates how she teaches backward cross strokes. (This video is a follow-up to Amy’s video on forward cross strokes.) Cross strokes appear repeatedly in the US Figure Skating Moves in the Field tests and are an excellent tool for choreographers to use with a skater to generate speed and power while […] Continue reading →
Forward Cross Strokes (Amy Brolsma)

Amy Brolsma explains and demonstrates how she teaches forward cross strokes. Cross strokes appear repeatedly in the US Figure Skating Moves in the Field tests and are an excellent tool for choreographers to use with a skater to generate speed and power while changing lobes or circles. Related Video: Figure Skating Forward Cross Strokes (Karen […] Continue reading →
Figure Skating Turns Advanced: Backward Inside Rockers (Amy Brolsma)

Amy Brolsma teaches backward inside rockers. Continue reading →
Figure Skating Turns Advanced: Backward Outside Rockers (Amy Brolsma)

Amy Brolsma teaches backward outside rockers. Continue reading →
Figure Skating Turns Advanced: Forward Inside Rockers (Amy Brolsma)

Amy Brolsma teaches forward inside rockers. Continue reading →
Figure Skating Turns Advanced: Forward Outside Rockers (Amy Brolsma)

Amy Brolsma begins her discussion of rockers by explaining how she teaches forward outside rockers. Amy begins by making sure the skater has complete control and proper alignment of the entry edge. Continue reading →
USFS Moves In The Field: Backward Inside Counters (Amy Brolsma)

Amy Brolsma finishes her discussion of counters. Continue reading →
USFS Moves In The Field: Backward Outside Counters (Amy Brolsma)

Amy Brolsma continues her discussion of counters. Continue reading →
Ice Skating Turns Advanced: Forward Inside Counter (Amy Brolsma)

Amy Brolsma continues her discussion of counters. In the previous video she discussed forward outside counters. In this video, she tackles forward inside counters. Continue reading →
Ice Skating Turns Advanced: Forward Outside Counter (Amy Brolsma)

Amy Brolsma introduces counters with a general discussion and then information on the forward outside counter. Continue reading →
Ice Skating Turns Advanced: Backward Inside Brackets (Amy Brolsma)

Amy Brolsma teaches backward inside brackets. This is a continuation of Amy’s discussion of forward outside brackets, forward inside brackets, and backward outside brackets). Continue reading →
Ice Skating Turns Advanced: Backward Outside Brackets (Amy Brolsma)

Amy Brolsma teaches backward outside brackets. This is a continuation of Amy’s discussion of forward brackets (forward outside brackets and forward inside brackets). Continue reading →
Ice Skating Turns Advanced: Forward Inside Brackets (Amy Brolsma)

Amy Brolsma teaches forward inside brackets. This is a continuation of Amy’s discussion of forward outside brackets. Continue reading →
Ice Skating Turns Advanced: Forward Outside Brackets (Amy Brolsma)

Amy Brolsma shows how she discusses forward outside brackets. She starts off with a definition for brackets and she also talks briefly about the “bunny ears.” Continue reading →
USFS Moves In The Field Tips: Figure Eight Power Pulls – Loops (Amy Brolsma)

Amy Brolsma demonstrates an outstanding exercise to develop leg strength, edge pressure, and power, particularly as it relates to figure loops. Continue reading →
Figure Skating Figures: Backward Inside Loops (Amy Brolsma)

Amy Brolsma shows how she teaches back inside figure loops. (To see Amy’s presentation on forward inside and outside figure loops, visit her bio page. Continue reading →
Figure Skating Figures: Back Outside Loops (Amy Brolsma)

Amy Brolsma shows how she teaches back outside figure loops. (To see Amy’s presentation on forward inside and outside figure loops, visit her bio page.) Continue reading →
Figure Skating Figures: Forward Inside Loops (Amy Brolsma)

Amy Brolsma shows how she teaches forward inside figure loops. Continue reading →
Figure Skating Figures: Forward Outside Loops (Amy Brolsma)

Amy Brolsma shows how she teaches forward outside figure loops. Continue reading →
Power Pulls Ice Skating (Amy Brolsma)

Amy Brolsma explains how she teaches power pulls. Notice that Amy is focused on the mechanics of how a skater generates power from a continuous edge. Continue reading →
3 Turns Figure Skating: Tracing (Amy Brolsma)

Amy Brolsma gives a three-turn theory lesson with diagrams on the ice. This presentation is important and EVERY skater and coach should understand this information thoroughly. Continue reading →