How to practice figure skating (for beginners). How to learn the basic elements of figure skating? Figure skating lessons

The current high level of development of figure skating places special, very high demands on the process of initial training of skaters. It is known that this stage is largely decisive for further sports improvement. Currently, the practice of figure skating provides examples of mastering very complex elements at a young age. This trend is likely to continue in the future. Therefore, from the very first steps of training, it is necessary that the educational and training process ensures rapid and high-quality mastery of movements and is aimed at learning highly complex elements. However, in the learning process, one should take into account the morphological and physiological characteristics of the child’s body, avoid coaching, attempts to replace the high-quality structure of the educational and training process with an excessive increase in the volume of classes, the number of repetitions of elements, etc.

A solid foundation of sportsmanship can be laid only if, at the initial stage of training, targeted preparation is carried out to study perfect skating skills, compulsory figures, steps, spirals, rotations and jumps, i.e. the entire complex of movements of a figure skater. It is necessary that when mastering the simplest elements, skaters have an idea of the most rational movements around the skating rink, the arrangement of elements on the site, and be able to logically connect elements of different groups (run-up - jump, jump - rotation, etc.).

Skaters should be familiar with the basic exercises of general and special physical training (see Chapter XIII). Mastering the basics of skating aesthetics is also important. Only multifaceted development of motor qualities and skills can allow a skater to further minimize the number of so-called weak points in training.

Along with general and special physical, choreographic and other types of training, the most important place for beginners is special technical (ice) training.

Skating lessons. It begins with walking on ice and mastering balance. Next, beginners are introduced to two types of forward sliding: straight line sliding and arc sliding. Sliding forward in a straight line is performed by pushing off with the edge of the skate with the knee of the supporting leg in a soft position, alternately transferring the body weight from the pushing leg to the supporting leg. When performed correctly, this movement leaves a mark on the ice that looks like a herringbone pattern. Typical errors in this exercise are pushing with the toe and loss of balance during single-support sliding. To avoid these mistakes, you need to push with the middle part of the skate and use exercises that improve your sense of balance. One of these exercises is performed in three counts: push with the right foot, slide on two legs, pause; push with the left foot, slide on two legs, pause, etc.

Sliding along an arc is the basic movement of a skater, included in all types of figure skating. The difficulty of this movement lies in the need to maintain balance while tilting the torso inside the arc. The movement is performed in the same way as when sliding in a straight line. After the push, you need to tilt your torso inside the described arc. Particular attention should be paid to avoid skewing the shoulder line and bending the supporting leg at the ankle joint. As a leading exercise, we can recommend sliding on two legs - a snake (Fig. 12). When performing it, an accentuated counter-rotation of the shoulders relative to the pelvis is necessary, which helps to perform the entire movement more naturally.

Another effective exercise is the so-called flashlight (Fig. 12), in which movement is created by actively bringing and spreading the legs.

Some movements that cause some difficulties for beginners include pushing. To master them, the following are recommended: imitation of pushes with support on an object sliding in front (Fig. 13), as well as repulsion from the side in a two-support and single-support position, pushes for a sliding distance. Mastering the correct push is facilitated by the “scooter” exercise, in which the push is constantly performed with one leg while sliding on the supporting leg, arms to the sides.

Teaching stops is an important part of the beginner's training program. There are stops in double-support and single-support positions. The simplest is the T-stop. In this case, braking is carried out when sliding forward in a two-support position by pressing on the inner edge of the leg located behind. The supporting leg is slightly bent, arms are spread to the sides. More difficult is stopping, in which braking is achieved by turning both legs perpendicular to the direction of movement. One foot is on the inner edge of the skate, the other is on the outer edge. Shoulders and head are turned in the direction of movement. The body is slightly tilted in the direction opposite to the direction of movement.

Common types of braking are stops; using the “semi-plough”, “plough” methods, using the edge of the ridge in a single-support position (Fig. 14). When braking using the first method, the practitioner moves his leg forward and turns his foot across the movement. Braking is carried out by applying pressure to the inner edge of the skate. At the moment of braking, the legs are slightly bent at the knees, the back is straight.

The “plow” method is similar in its technique to the “semi-plough” braking. The difference is that braking is performed by both skates. At the moment of braking, the student bends his legs, turns them with his toes inward and presses on the inner ribs.

Stopping the edge of a skate in a single-support position is difficult for beginners. This is explained by the need to make a smooth transition from sliding to braking. The principle of braking is the same as in the “half-plough” method. These stopping methods are used when sliding forward. The methods of braking encountered in practice - with the toe, the heel - are incorrect and often lead to undesirable skills. For example, using the toe part of the skate to perform not only braking, but also pushing is a gross mistake and is contrary to the rules. Braking with the heel of the skate is in most cases unaesthetic and makes it difficult to further master the techniques of correct braking with the ribs of the skate.

To stop when sliding backwards, the practitioner places his foot on the inner edge, perpendicular to the direction of movement, and transfers his body weight to it.

Arcs. Preparation for performing compulsory figures is primarily associated with sliding along arcs, the curvature of which corresponds to the curvature of the compulsory figures, sliding along spirals and curves close to a circle. Young skaters need to be introduced to the concept of the longitudinal and transverse axes of the figure, the lines of the “corridor” and other characteristics of the geometry of the compulsory figures. It is good if sliding along arcs is performed with different positions of the arms and free leg.

Banners. Mastering the constrictions begins with imitation on the spot with the help of a trainer. Then snakes are performed on two legs, the curvature of which corresponds to the curvature of the waist. It’s good if there are landmarks on the ice: lumps of snow, chips, flags. In the future, they move on to simulating constriction when sliding with the help of a trainer and without it.

Threes. These are the simplest turns. Imitating a triple on the spot, in motion, with fixation of the body position before and after performing the triple belongs to the initial stage of learning. Performing the triple as an element of free skating contributes to its rapid mastery.

To prepare for the execution of loop figures, they slide along small semicircles and circles close in size to the height of the young skater.

Steps. The most common type of step is the dash. The exercise serves as a good tool for increasing gliding speed and is a connecting element in the program. The first attempts to perform the exercise sometimes lead to mistakes. These primarily include toe pushes and vertical movements of the torso. A simplified version of the dash is a dash performed with a two-support sliding for four counts. The simplest steps include: running steps, three-step and four-step transitions, as well as a series of other steps. Combinations of these elements must be constantly complicated, selecting those that contribute to mastering the pronounced edges of sliding and force one to slide along steep arcs of different configurations.

Rotations. Learning these important elements begins with simple rotations performed on two legs from a standing position and then with a slight run-up from a lunge position. The main focus should be on teaching centering and spin speed. Subsequently, they move from rotation on two legs to rotation on one: left and right.

Jumping. Learning this most important group of movements is preceded by the simplest jumping exercises: jumping in place, in motion, in a straight line, jumping from one leg to another, jumping over a snow roller. This is followed by half-turn jumps on two legs, half-turns from two legs to one, and a series of these jumps (“pancakes”). We recommend jumping from the side (height 10-20 cm) from two legs to one, half-turn jumps from the side from two legs to one, jumps of various types. Mastering jumps with a large number of revolutions is facilitated by: jumps on two legs in one revolution, performed by sliding forward and backward, a flip “goat”, Salchow from a two-step approach, half-flip.

Arrangement of elements on the site. From the first steps on the ice, it is necessary to study various forms of run-up to jumps, various approaches to rotations. The ability to place steps, spirals, jumps and spins on the court is very important for skaters of any skill level. An obligatory part of classes for beginners should be an explanation of the basic rules for the arrangement of elements on the court, their orientation in relation to the referee's side.

The formation of aesthetic foundations is associated primarily with learning to perform elements with a count, a metronome, musical accompaniment with a clearly defined rhythm, and then with a more complex one. The other side of this process is mastering a set of basic choreographic exercises in the hall and. on ice (see Chapter V).

FEATURES OF INITIAL TRAINING METHODOLOGY

The main form of educational work during initial training is group classes in the gym, on the sports field, on the ice. Class time is 45-60 minutes with a mandatory 10-15 minute break. When organizing and conducting classes, it is necessary to take into account the age of the students and their individual characteristics.

When a young skater begins ice training, it is advisable to let him walk forward, backward, sideways on well-packed snow, and do squats in place in order to gain confidence. From the very first steps on the ice, the closest attention should be paid to the skater’s posture, since the first attempts often lead to falls. It is necessary that the attention of those involved is paid to maintaining a rational body position to prevent injuries. Legs should be bent, arms slightly extended forward. At the same time, it is unacceptable to focus attention on the very fact of falling, much less unlearning it. From the very first steps, the skater must be prepared for precise and stable execution of the elements, and not for a “saving” fall when feeling the slightest inconvenience.

Studying the basics of figure skating should be carried out in a sequence that involves simultaneous study of exercises with sliding forward and backward, including exercises from various groups of movements in each lesson.

In some cases, training requires the assistance of a trainer. Skating with a coach or an experienced skater will allow young skaters to clarify the nature of the movements of the exercises being studied, and will prevent the occurrence of incorrect skills and injuries.

It is extremely important to use the game method in the learning process. Through games in which the studied elements must be present, skating skills are improved, agility, spatial orientation, and endurance are developed. Below are descriptions of several simple games.

Relay speed skating. The group is divided into several teams depending on the number of participants. The guys run to the designated place. The team that covers the distance the fastest wins.

Relay running can be complicated as you master the program material by sliding forward, backward, and jumping over obstacles. Here we can also recommend running in a straight line at speed, a task with complication: the first half of the distance is sliding forward, the second half is sliding back.

“Slalom” (a type of relay race). Each team member must drive around the flags on the right and left sides alternately. These flags are placed in front of each command. It is advisable to alternate running forward, backward, and steps.

On the ice, you can play games made up of regulated motor actions, which are a simplified version of circuit training, the so-called chain. Students must complete predetermined tasks in a certain sequence in designated areas of the ice platform. Exercises are performed from landmark to landmark. Here is an approximate list of such tasks: forward-outward arcs, flashlights, snake, jump from two legs to two while sliding forward, rotation on two legs with a slight run-up, stop (by any means).

It is better if game tasks are carried out in a continuous manner in order to increase the density of classes.

In the initial period of training, it is advisable to observe the principle of symmetrical execution of exercises. The skater should aim to attempt the basic exercises in both directions on both the left and right leg. Compliance with this rule contributes to the uniform and versatile physical development of the skater. By observing the principle of symmetry in initial training, it is possible to easily and naturally separate right-handed and left-handed skaters.

Optimal rest intervals between exercises are essential. In their absence, overwork may occur, which negatively affects the development of the body.

An important aspect of initial training is constant pedagogical and medical supervision, as well as ongoing assessment of progress. This allows students to judge the growth of their skills from lesson to lesson.

It is necessary to emphasize the particularly important role of the coach in the preparation and education of beginning skaters. Not only the successful mastery of the basics of figure skating, but also the formation of the personality of a beginning skater largely depends on his daily thoughtful work.

If you want to figure out how to learn figure skating and how to achieve success in this sport, you must understand that not everything is so simple.

Before you begin to study the basic elements of figure skating and the required figures, you need to learn not just to stand confidently on skates, but also to move forward and backward on the ice, step in both directions and feel completely free. When learning, you need to remember once and for all: you should move in a slight tilt, keep your knees half-bent, do not push off the ice with your toes, and from the very first steps try to do everything yourself, without outside help.

Figure skating - how to learn to skate

There are several secrets, knowledge of which allows you to speed up the process of learning figure skating, quickly learn how to skate and perform basic figures.

First of all, you should learn to gain high speed and move equally well front and back, in a circle and in an arc, without stopping, moving from one step to another and changing the direction of movement in the same way.
When moving on ice, the weight should be transferred to the supporting leg, that is, to the leg that takes the load and glides freely. In this case, you need to look not at your feet, as most beginning skaters do, but in front of you, in the direction of movement. The arms should be free and placed along the body, and the hands should be at waist level.
When teaching figure skating, special attention is paid to posture. This should be taken care of from the very first lessons on the ice. You need to study the elements of figure skating in strict sequence.
There is nothing worse than a lack of desire after the first difficulties and failures. If something doesn’t work out, you need to be persistent and repeat this element over and over again. 90% of success is a monotonous repetition of movements and figures.
You cannot do without knowledge of the basics of skating either in free skating, or in ice dancing, or when studying the basic elements. At the same time, you need to be prepared for the fact that in one workout you will have to fall and get up dozens of times.
You also need to learn how to fall on ice. When falling, you need to group yourself and try not to land on the ice like a bag, but to glide along it as much as possible.

The basis of figure skating is school skating - the performance of compulsory figures and their simplest combinations: these figures form the basis of figure skating technique. Professionals who know how to learn figure skating say that anyone can do it, and the sooner you start skating, the better.

If you want not just to skate, but to learn the basic elements of figure skating, pay attention to specially designed lessons taught in sections or individually. A figure skating school or section is an inexpensive and effective training option. But during individual lessons, a person gets on skates faster and masters basic knowledge.

It is better to send a child to 4 years old. Then he will get on skates faster and master this sport, but then it will be more difficult to achieve such an effect.

Parents who decide to send their child to school have to make a difficult choice - whether to engage in a sports section, school, or alone with an instructor.

Schools and sections

Group classes will be more effective in childhood, since not everyone is able to train for an hour when the trainer’s attention is focused on him.

In the case of schools and sections, there are several more advantages:

educational process;
team building;
getting used to discipline.

In the case of group lessons, the tariffs differ from individual ones. In sections, classes are paid in accordance with the subscription, where the principle of payment is based on the time or number of classes conducted.

In case of choosing collective lessons, the student will be selected a group in accordance with the level of skating. You can sign up for beginners, and if necessary, transfer to the next one and continue your figure skating training. The division is also based on the age characteristics of the students.

Individual sessions

If a person is already good at skating, then it is better to train individually. The price for classes is higher, since you need to pay for each lesson.

Initially, the choice of figure skating was motivated by health support or just to skate for fun. Over time, when the basics are mastered, the coach decides whether to continue classes or not. Now the learning goals are changing, that is, the student is being prepared for performances or even competitions.

Those who have never skied should take advantage of personal lessons. Then the coach will really teach the person to stand, skate, fall and get up on the ice correctly.

The advantage of individual figure skating training for beginners is the independent choice of a coach, time and place of classes.

Parents who care especially deeply about their child can take advantage of individual training sessions for the whole family. This will allow you to be closer to your baby and support him in new endeavors.

Coach's choice

Figure skating is popular, but if you can’t pay for private instructor lessons, you can use schools or sections where professionals also work.

There are several simple rules that parents can follow to decide whether the chosen mentor is suitable:

It is important to pay attention to the child’s mood after training. Although discipline plays an important role, there should not be excessive pressure on the psyche from an adult.
The intensity and rhythm of figure skating classes are important, since during them the child must be constantly loaded, but the load must alternate with relaxing exercises in the form of simple gliding.

You should talk to other parents whose children have been training with this coach for a long time and ask about their impression of the leader.

What is needed for training

Before classes you need to buy the following clothes and skates:

Figure skates have a heel and pronounced teeth on the front of the blades; in addition, the fixation of the ankle in this case is stronger, which allows you to perform complex elements, for example, a back screw and a jump into a spinning top over a rope. Similar exercises can be viewed in videos, of which there are many on the Internet.

Skates are selected strictly according to size and there should be no flaws or traces of glue on them. The best skates for figure skating are those that have a three-layer leather upper, but a soft layer, which will allow you to quickly master the exercise technique.

You will also need warm pants, tights, gloves, thermal underwear and a hat, and it is better that the latter has ties for a secure fit. You must also wear a long-sleeved sweater, jacket or vest, but only without a hood.
For choreography, you will need a different set, selected taking into account gender. These can be leggings, Czech shoes, a swimsuit or trousers.

To exercise, you must wear sneakers, leggings and a tracksuit.

Training schedule for beginners

In the case of individual lessons, the trainer selects a training schedule in accordance with the beginner’s preparation. But group classes imply a clear division of activities depending on the focus. As a rule, training is held four times a week for an hour.

Below is an example of how the annual training schedule for figure skaters in a sports and fitness group is drawn up.

Preparation	Months
Preparation	08	09	10	11	12	01	02	03	04	05	06	Number of hours
Theoretical study		1										1
general physical preparation		8	4						8	8		28
Special physical training		7	6	6					7	7		33
Choreography			4	4								8
Ice preparation				6	16	16	16	14				68
Tests			1					2	1			4
Medical control			1							1		2
The amount of hours		16	16	16	16	16	16	16	16	16		144

In the future, the number of hours allocated for each lesson increases.

Figure skating, like artistic gymnastics, is a useful sport that develops almost all parts of the body. During classes, the child develops an understanding of the team and discipline. A careful approach to choosing a professional trainer and sports section will allow your child to quickly learn the basics of skating.

Sports, especially figure skating, are beneficial for people, regardless of age. They guarantee an interesting pastime, improved health, and positive impressions. Learning figure skating helps develop balance, polishes grace, and teaches you to listen and hear musical accompaniment.

They also engage in figure skating in order to get an education in this area and enter an Olympic reserve school or university. A stately figure is the dream of every boy and girl.

What should you consider when choosing a figure skating school?

Living in a metropolis makes parents think about choosing a sports section for their daughter or son. The decision is made with caution: the child’s future and his success in sports depend on the choice of a mentor and training. In order not to make a mistake, when choosing a sports section, take into account the following aspects:

The figure skating school should be located close to home so that you spend less time returning home. In addition, it is safer for the child.
Classes must be taught by an experienced instructor. It is important that the coach gets along with the children.
The intensity of physical activity and frequency of training are determined after the first figure skating lessons. An objective assessment of the student’s physical condition and capabilities requires a certain time period.
Everyone is accepted into the club based on interests. Level of training and age do not affect enrollment. The exception is restrictions for medical reasons. Therefore, before sending your baby to the section, you need to undergo a medical examination.
Individual and group classes are provided, which include training on the ice rink and in the gym, general physical training, plastic arts and choreography. Most of the time is spent practicing skating techniques.
The optimal age to send your child to the section is 4-5 years.

Exercises will straighten your posture and strengthen a weakened immune system, blood vessels and heart. When an adult’s plans do not include the intention of making a sports star out of a child, but there is a desire to make the baby healthy, they start with a section near the house. Then a transfer to a school for young skaters is possible. For purposeful, talented guys, such activities are a lucky ticket to big-time sports.

However, parents dream of their child achieving success and becoming a master of sports or an Olympic medalist. This is possible if there is a rank, first youth. You can fulfill the “Young Skater” and “Junior” standards by participating in the free and short program of the competition.

Fitness groups are organized for three-year-old children. During classes, children play, exercise, and improve their well-being.

How much do classes cost?

To assess financial capabilities, they take into account the division of schools into commercial and public, distance from school and home.

The name will indicate the type of school. SDUSHOR, Youth Sports School, Olympic Reserve School - are subordinate to the Ministry of Sports and are funded by the state. Most people believe that classes in municipal sections are free, but this is not true. The training is paid, but not expensive. State funding is often insufficient; beginning athletes have no money left for equipment. In addition, the main criterion for such a school is success in competitions. When a student has average abilities, the specialist does not pay due attention to him.

For-profit schools and their branches, which are owned by individuals or companies, operate differently. They rent premises and ice skating rinks, hire coaches on their own and pay salaries. They are not expected to be altruistic—they work for the profit that comes from tuition fees. Therefore, the cost of classes is overpriced.

The material costs are offset by the benefits of teaching in private schools. Conducting individual figure skating lessons is beneficial for young skaters. Victory in competitions for private institutions is not the main result; there is no pressure on the student. The teacher’s goodwill towards temporary bad luck is noted.

To have an idea of the capital's figure skating schools, the Register of Organizations, which is located on the official web service of the Figure Skating Federation, will help out. The institution is not in the register - there is no right to hold tournaments, participation of students in Federation events and obtaining ranks. When selecting a school, plans are taken into account: to build a further sports career and skate professionally. A licensed figure skating school is appropriate.

The cost of figure skating lessons does not always indicate effectiveness. Paying a coach half a parent's salary does not mean that your son will become the leader in men's singles skating in the world. Before you bring your child to the skating rink, take the time to visit at least 3 children's figure skating schools. Talk to the group mentor, listen to parents’ assessments, and read the course program.

When everything is fine, bring your baby. If your child likes it, write it down. The training process will require a lot of free time.

Attention! On average, the cost of one lesson in a private school is 1 thousand rubles, a monthly subscription is 8 thousand rubles, an hour of individual lessons is up to 3 thousand rubles.

How much does it cost to buy equipment?

It is better to train in a thermal suit with water-repellent properties. Advantages of clothing:

preventing excessive sweating;
getting wet;
hypothermia.

Wear a light hat to cover your throat. Wear thin gloves with inserts to prevent hands from slipping and getting wet when falling. Roller gear to protect your knees and elbows will come in handy at first.

Skates

The main element of uniform. There is no saving when purchasing. Double-slide skates are sold for two-year-old children, which allow them to maintain balance. Inexpensive, will cost 800 rubles. For older children, choose professional skates. Boots and blades are purchased separately. The starting price is 6,500 rubles. Pay attention to the fact that the boot secures the foot, but is not excessively rigid. Sliding skates made of plastic are not a suitable option for a baby:

heavy;
uncomfortable;
hard.

They prefer products from Wifa, Jackson, Graf.

Properly selected boots fit tightly around the ankle, do not put pressure on the toe and back of the foot, and do not slow down movement on the ice.

Costume for competitions - from 10 thousand rubles.

How are classes going?

In the first year, lessons are held twice or thrice a week. They begin with general preparation, which includes several stages: warm-up, choreography, mastery of basic movements. The duration ranges from 30 to 45 minutes. Next up is training on the ice. It lasts about the same as preparation.

When the coach notices the child's potential, the lessons move to a new level. The student spends 1.5 hours on the ice. The frequency of training increases, the number reaches 5-7 times weekly. During the pre-competition period, classes are held 2 times a day.

What is included in the first year of study
The purpose of the initial stage of training:

mastering the basics of skating, the ability to move the center of gravity;
coordination of legs and body;
familiarization with sliding on an edge.

During training, the load is related to age due to:

immaturity of the bone skeleton;
lack of muscle corset.

Overload will negatively affect the functionality of the musculoskeletal system.

The general physical training program includes tasks for coordination of movements and balance:

birch and swallow;
pistols and bridge;
bends and somersaults;
jumping and running with acceleration over short distances.

Exercises performed on ice are learned gradually. By the end of the year, the child masters them to one degree or another. Performing figures associated with sliding along spirals, arcs, curves, circles.

Martin

They accelerate before execution, transferring their body weight to the placed right leg. Take your arms to the sides, lift your left leg back and turn your toe. At the knees, legs straight. The body is lowered forward when the left leg is pulled back and raised all the way up, and the back bends. Beginners practice the exercise at home in front of a mirror.

By the end of the first year of study, the quality and speed of sliding are determined in students. The child knows how to maintain balance and glide in a swallow. The completion of circle No. 1 is checked. Control tests for children 8-10 years old differ. The jumps are controlled by the combination of the loop and the flip, as well as the top.

Individual training

A reliable method to quickly master the basic elements in order to further study in a group or ride independently. Training allows you to develop your level of skating.

With individual training, the trainer deals with one student, which makes the training effective and successful. Such training is required in preparation for performances or competitions. The trainer corrects inaccuracies in performing elements individually, which is excluded during group training.

Individual lessons with a specialist are suitable for those who want to correctly master the basics of figure skating in adulthood. Suitable for children who do not adapt well to a new team. The skater has contact only with the coach, is not distracted by conversations with the group, and concentrates entirely on the training process.

The training costs are quite high. An alternative is training in small groups of 4 people, where the price of classes is lower.

Advantages of classes:

maximum attention and acceleration of learning;
reducing the risk of injury;
convenient mode.

Training with a trainer

When training, the trainer uses the program and makes adjustments based on the development of motor skills, the characteristics of the students and physical fitness. Students must master edge glide.

Technical training is aimed at mastering balance and feeling the skate. Under supervision, children learn to ride in a straight line and in a circle, to feel their body in space. Then the lessons become more complex: students learn to push with one or two legs, in circles, turns, and crosses. The basis at this stage is edge sliding along arcs. Training on the ice, in groups for beginners, takes place in a playful way to keep things interesting.

In choreography lessons, dance steps, leg and arm positions, and ground exercise are learned. Task:

development of musicality and sense of rhythm;
revealing artistry.

General physical training classes are also held in the form of a game and contain elements of gymnastics. The coach works seriously to improve the flexibility, agility, and jumping ability of students.

Figure skating is chosen as a hobby or for health improvement and relaxation. Adult men and women will not refuse the idea of riding. Suitable age for classes is 4-5 years. Professional passion for sports will affect the reduction of the family budget. Scheduled classes do not leave time for meetings with classmates, going to the cinema and discos for teenagers.

However, the personal and physical development of children is one of the advantages of figure skating.

How many times have you said to yourself: “I can do this, today I will ride!” Then for some reason they put it off, or maybe they gave up? Learning to skate takes some persistence, but you can do it. All you need to do is learn some basic skills and you will be prepared for the incredible thrill that awaits you while riding.

Steps

Part 1

Building skills

Prepare yourself. Before you go on the ice, you need to put on your skates. Don't worry about buying your own gear right away. You can rent equipment until you are sure you want to skate for a long time.

Make sure you rent skates that fit you. They should fit snugly, but should not cause your feet to tingle or hurt.
You also need to be sure to lace them tightly enough. You shouldn't be able to twist your ankle.

Learn to fall. The very first thing you must learn as a skater is to fall. You'll fall a lot, and it's important to know how to fall without hurting yourself. Practice falling. If you feel like you are falling, squat into the falling position so that you land softly backwards or on your side. Don't land on your hands.
- You must also learn to get up, or at least get back on your way quickly. You don't want other people to run over you.
Relax your knees. The next thing you should practice as a skater is how to keep your knees straight and free. When you're new to skating, you'll be unsteady on your feet and your muscles will be weak, so you'll naturally want your knees to be locked and stiff. However, loose knees that can move easily are very important for figure skating, not only allowing you to move around but also keeping your legs from hurting.
- Practice letting your muscles relax by shaking your legs. You can also release your knees by squatting slightly.
Learn how to move forward. Now that you can stand on your skates comfortably and safely, you can learn how to skate forward. With one leg pointing forward, push the other leg back and to the side very gently, with your toes at a slight angle to your body. This back leg should propel you across the ice. Place your back foot on the ice, and then do the same push, but with the other foot.
- Although the way you balance is different, you can try learning this basic move on street skates before learning it on ice. It's easier and can prevent you from harming yourself.
Learn to stop. Of course, once you start moving forward, eventually you will want to stop. You can't just drive into the wall every time! The most basic stop is made by bending your knees ever so slightly and tilting your body to the side so that both of your blades are tilted away from the direction of travel.
- You can also do a T-stop, which is done by turning one of the blades perpendicular to the other blade and tilting it away from the direction of travel.
Learn how to stroke. This is one of those basic moves you need to learn. Stroking is when you make the same motion to move forward, but longer and more graceful. Push your leg harder and keep that leg behind you longer before switching to the other leg.
- Practice this to achieve a graceful and natural movement. This will be the main movement between all the tricks and movements that you will do during figure skating, so you have to do it well.
Part 2
Learning Basic Movements
1. Learn to move backwards. The very first "trick" you learn as a skater is how to move backwards. This trick leads to many other tricks in figure skating and is an important skill to learn and master. It requires coordination and practice, but be patient: you will get the hang of it.
  - To begin with, if you want to move in the opposite direction, imagine the movements being reversed in relation to the forward movement. Shift your weight to one leg and move the other leg like you're drawing a lemon on ice, pushing yourself back and rounding the curve of the lemon.
2. Learn to turn. Creating sharp turns or even just a gentle turn on the rink are important skills for a skater. Another skill you'll learn is how to make turns that are a little more complex than the simpler ways you've probably taught yourself. There are two main methods for turning, which you will learn in the beginning:
  - Forward crossovers are used to make big turns and create momentum for jumps. Essentially, you'll be doing the same movements you do to move forward, but your legs will be crossing over each other, slowly turning you. You can also do this same movement in the opposite direction, although you should start by moving forward.
  - Three turns is another turning method used for sharp turns and changes of direction. It's more difficult, but still quite doable for a beginner.
3. Try learning to spin. There are many different types of spins in figure skating, and some of them are not as difficult as they seem. You'll probably be ready to do spins after about a year of mastering the other moves.
  - Basic rotation is rotating in a circle in one place.
  - The spiral is made by twisting one leg and upper body parallel to the ice.
4. Master the sequences. There are some series of moves or tricks that are standard in figure skating. This is called footwork and typically consists of a lot of twists, turns, and jumps. Different sequences have different names, and you should learn some of the most basic sequences.
  - For example, a mohawk and a waltz turn by three.
Part 3
Sharpening your skills
1. May you be comfortable. You must work to achieve comfort in all basic skating movements. Every time you learn a new movement, spend a good amount of time doing it before moving on to the new movement. This will allow your muscles to switch on a “memory” of how to move, allowing you to easily perform those movements without thinking about them. This is necessary for many difficult tricks, as you can't always think about every little movement you make.
2. Build muscles and get in good shape. You need to be strong and healthy if you want to be successful and feel comfortable when you skate. Exercise a lot, try not to sit around or watch TV all day, eat a lot of healthy foods.
  - Your body will need plenty of protein to function well while you're skating. Try eating protein that doesn't have a lot of fat, such as turkey, fish or nuts, so your body doesn't feel weighed down.