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…

Off-Ice Harness and Electric Spinner – Part 2 (Sheila Thelen)

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 much improvement the skater has in specific aspects of her balance and reaction times. Although […] Continue reading →
Off-Ice Harness and Electric Spinner – Part 1 (Sheila Thelen)

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 notes that this process can produce unexpected results in teenagers since their brains are still […] Continue reading →
Landings and Landing Positions (Sheila Thelen)

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 the circle. The inside arm is shoulder level and the outside arm is raised slightly […] Continue reading →
Beginner Backspin Tips (Sheila Thelen)

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 itself. Sheila begins by explaining and showing the skaters where to balance on the blade […] Continue reading →
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 →
Unexpected Benefits From Figure Skating Training – Part 2 (Sheila Thelen)

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 of vestibular training as improved cognition, improved spacial awareness, reduced disorientation, and reduced recovery time […] Continue reading →
Unexpected Benefits From Figure Skating Training – Part 1 (Sheila Thelen)

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 noting that “mid-line cross” movements in figure skating engage both the right and left side […] Continue reading →
Why Train With an Electric Spinner? (Sheila Thelen)

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. The spinner is very effective for younger athletes that have a hard time generating rotational […] Continue reading →
Rotation Direction Insights (Sheila Thelen)

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, Sheila challenges the high level demonstrator to rotate in the opposite direction. To help her, […] Continue reading →
Off Ice Harness Training – High Level (Sheila Thelen)

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 is an advanced high level skater who has already mastered all aspects of off-ice harness […] Continue reading →
Off Ice Harness Axel Training Continued (Sheila Thelen)

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 put the body harness (vest) on themselves, but she offers a safety tip for maximizing […] Continue reading →
Off Ice Harness Axel Training (Sheila Thelen)

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 jump air position. After coming down and stopping rotation, Sheila then throws a HECOstix to […] Continue reading →
Measurable Benefits from Vestibular Training (Sheila Thelen)

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 inner ear responsible for maintaining balance, coordination, and awareness of spacial orientation. Obviously all of […] Continue reading →
Lutz Entry Ideas (Sheila Thelen)

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. Instead, Sheila recommends “straight line” lutz entries that can be done anywhere on the ice, […] Continue reading →
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 →
Champion Cords for Improved Arm Awareness (Sheila Thelen)

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 handle/loop to place the hand through (the cords already have a loop on one end), […] Continue reading →
Champion Cords for Improved Landings (Sheila Thelen)

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 that improves free leg height. The tension of the cord also helps skaters build awareness […] Continue reading →
Champion Cords for Various Camel Spins (Sheila Thelen)

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 creates a helpful sensation of pulling the opposite hand and foot (free foot) together, which […] Continue reading →
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 →
I-Spin Tips (Sheila Thelen)

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 internal rotation of the raised leg. Skaters should grab the free foot with the opposite […] Continue reading →
The Hydroblade (Sheila Thelen)

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 hydroblade. The most common version of the hydroblade is demonstrated here. It is performed on […] Continue reading →
The Treat Box – Motivation and Acknowledgement (Sheila Thelen)

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 box. Sheila notes that it’s best to use this sort of tool as a way […] Continue reading →
4 Year Old in Off-Ice Stationary Harness (Sheila Thelen)

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. But as Sheila shows, it can also be an opportunity to develop skills that will be […] Continue reading →
Air Balance vs. Ground Balance (Sheila Thelen)

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 rotation, after about 3 years of training. Even while swinging, the skater maintains axis and […] Continue reading →
Champion Cords for Off-Ice Training (Sheila Thelen)

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 pull them out and use them when forced to be off the ice. Sheila demonstrates […] Continue reading →
Stationary Off-Ice Harness for Jump Training – Part 6 (Sheila Thelen)

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 how to use the harness and some of the technical details for improving a skater’s […] Continue reading →
Stationary Off-Ice Harness for Jump Training – Part 5 (Sheila Thelen)

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 how to use the harness and some of the technical details for improving a skater’s […] Continue reading →
Stationary Off-Ice Harness for Jump Training – Part 4 (Sheila Thelen)

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 how to use the harness and some of the technical details for improving a skater’s […] Continue reading →
Stationary Off-Ice Harness for Jump Training – Part 3 (Sheila Thelen)

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 how to use the harness and some of the technical details for improving a skater’s […] Continue reading →
Stationary Off-Ice Harness for Jump Training – Part 2 (Sheila Thelen)

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 of Champion Skating Harness which offers some of the best on-ice and off-ice harness systems […] Continue reading →
Stationary Off-Ice Harness for Jump Training – Part 1 (Sheila Thelen)

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 best on-ice and off-ice harness systems available anywhere in the world today, including replacement parts […] Continue reading →
Combo Spin Tips and Lesson (Sheila Thelen)

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, then sit side (broken leg sit), and then finishes with a pancake. There’s a lot […] Continue reading →
Backspin Haircutter (Sheila Thelen)

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 back spin. She notes that “it’s not that hard, you just have to practice it.” […] Continue reading →
Improving the Haircutter Position (Sheila Thelen)

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, and how to use the arms properly. On the grab arm, the skater is leaving […] Continue reading →
I-Spin Tips (Sheila Thelen)

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 important, as is the tip to remain spinning on the proper spot on the blade […] Continue reading →
Champion Cords Handcuffs for Axel (Sheila Thelen)

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 handcuffs, the skater is limited to smaller and more controlled movements. Notice also that Sheila […] Continue reading →
Single To Double Axel – Part 1 (Sheila Thelen)

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, Sheila focuses on the single axel into backscratch spin exercise. She wants more control and […] Continue reading →
More Double Loop, Part 2 (Sheila Thelen)

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 position and movement, shoulder movement, hip movement, and again on air position. Sheila begins by […] Continue reading →
Working The Landing of Double Loop (Sheila Thelen)

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. But Sheila offers a number of tips for skaters that are very close to landing a jump, […] Continue reading →
Layback Lesson (Sheila Thelen)

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 initially by trying to correct the free leg and free foot position. The tip here is very […] Continue reading →
Tips For Core Change on Back Sit Spin (Sheila Thelen)

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 the twist. Notice how Sheila wants the skating side arm completely straight so the skater can use […] Continue reading →
Illusion Into Flying Sit Spin – Part 2 (Sheila Thelen)

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 and overall speed of the spin. In this video, Sheila is helping the skater make an advanced […] Continue reading →
Improving an Advanced Spin – Part 1 (Sheila Thelen)

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 different parts of the spin. She spends a lot of time on the entry, mostly for our […] Continue reading →
Tips for Double Loop Combinations (Sheila Thelen)

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 on the ice between the jumps and opening the free side dramatically. The skater is able to make […] Continue reading →
Lesson on Bounces or Forward Illusions (Sheila Thelen)

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. Bounces are a windmill-type spin performed from a forward camel (unlike “illusions” which are performed from a […] Continue reading →
Introducing an Illusion (Sheila Thelen)

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 forward camel spin). Sheila works with the skater and builds the spin step by step. Sheila has the […] Continue reading →
Combination Spin Lesson (Sheila Thelen)

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 by addressing position issues with the back camel. She asks the skater to lock the free knee, open the free foot, […] Continue reading →
Broken Leg Sit Spin, Plus Spin Drawings (Sheila Thelen)

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 spin more compact to increase rotational speed. She also has the skater turn the head sideways. She makes the point that skaters […] Continue reading →
3 Important Jump Tips (Sheila Thelen)

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 issues she sees. First, Sheila addresses the need for proper head control when jumping. Whether a skater anchors the head in […] Continue reading →
Misconceptions About Spins (Sheila Thelen)

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 a forward scratch spin spin forward or backward on the blade? Sheila explains the proper location for spinning on the […] Continue reading →