This article will help you become the best figure skater you can be. Figure skating requires considerable training, dedication and financial means. Becoming an elite figure skater is very difficult. To become a professional figure skater you have to be very determined, want to push hard to improve yourself, be very strong in all areas of figure skating and have unparalleled flexibility. Endurance is the key to good performance
Steps
Step 1. Start small
Most professionals started around the age of 4.
Step 2. Buy yourself a pair of skates
When shopping for skates, make sure you try on different models from different manufacturers until you find the one that fits you best. If the skates aren't comfortable, wear multiple layers of socks just at the beginning, until you get used to it. Many skates are uncomfortable during the first few workouts, but will soon adapt to your feet.
Step 3. Don't wear skates around the house to try them on before hitting the rink
Although it seems useful to adapt them to the foot, in this way they adapt to walking, which is a different movement from skating.
Step 4. Try using a medicine ball; many professionals use it to train balance
Step 5. Stay in top shape so your muscles are strong enough to jump
Step 6. Take lessons from a good coach you get along with or sign up for group lessons
Step 7. Practice everything they teach you well and be patient
Step 8. To get to higher competitive levels, you will probably have to pass several exams
These will vary from country to country, but professional training, lots of practice, good physical activity and flexibility are essential.
Step 9. Decide how much effort you want to put into practice and training time
Consider that there are many other things in life than skating, and that without friends and intelligence you will go nowhere in life. Decide how many times a week you want to skate.
Step 10. Surround yourself with people who love you, who are interested in your sport and who want to support you in achieving your goals:
everything becomes easier when friends are with you. These friends don't necessarily have to be skaters, they can be friends from school, family, or neighbors! Choose from people with whom you can freely talk about skating and who ask you for updates on your workouts.
Step 11. Write a list of goals
You should write: in a month I want to: perfect the low top, the high spirals, pass the FS (Free Style) exam, etc. Make a detailed list of your goals.
Step 12. When you wake up in the morning, massage your feet focusing on your heels and sole
Then while jogging in place jump as high as you can, crossing your legs in the axel position. Then do all the leg stretching exercises that your trainer has explained to you. Stretch as often as you have time.
Step 13. Set up an area dedicated to your skating training at home
It could be in the basement, or in an unused garage. If you are using an unused garage, spread an exercise mat on the floor. In this space you can practice all the jumps whenever you have time. You could also do some stretching.
Step 14. Read up
Learning from sports veterans can help you understand the sport better!
Step 15. Watch some "figure skating" on YouTube
They are a precious help and explain many movements in a simple way.
Step 16. When you are on the ice, there are many things you need to remember to do
No matter what level you are at, always do at least one warm-up lap with simple skating, with your toes outward as you push. Also do all the warm-up that the coach has indicated to you!
Step 17. Remember to always carry a bottle of water
Step 18. When skating remember not to work only on jumps, as many skaters do today
He also practices spinning tops, skating and stances.
Step 19. If you can afford it, invest in a spinner, or spinning tool
It will help you find your "correct" spot to spin. Remember not to use them on a rough surface, otherwise the spinner base will wear out. Don't use it on wooden floors either, or it will scratch the wood. You can use it in the garage after cleaning the floor.
Step 20. Find sponsors
Figure skating is an expensive sport. Professional skates alone can cost thousands of euros.
Step 21. Remember never to give up
Step 22. Wear appropriate clothing
One day it might be quite cold, while another might be quite hot. You have to be ready either way! I would suggest dressing in layers. You may also need special skating tights to wear under a skirt or shorts.
Advice
- Don't give up on an item just because it's difficult. If you practice enough and are patient you will be successful.
- Pay attention to what the coach tells you. During training he / she may see problems that you are not aware of.
- Practice as often as possible.
- Don't be discouraged if you're not good at first. Many of those who have problems at first become good skaters!
- You are never too old to skate; * You can learn a lot by watching others. Focus on their arms, their positions, etc.
- Don't listen to those who tell you you can't do this activity. It doesn't mean you should ignore the advice of a doctor (or your coach), it instead means don't let others put you down because of age or jealousy. Follow the advice of your doctor or coach, but remember that only you know your limits. Learn to listen to your body.
- Try not to encourage the stereotype of skaters being bad. Talk to the children (they will come and talk to you especially if you jump or spin) and smile or help people if you are not teaching. You shouldn't teach if you're not qualified, but that doesn't mean you can't help others or make suggestions (but save them if you're not a professional).
- Doing dance can help you skate.
- A good way to stop traveling on your spinner is to draw the shape of a box on the garage floor. Draw a point in the center of the box. Start rotating at the point in the center of the box. This will show you how far you travel!
- Do not skate on indoor artificial rinks during the hottest season. You may feel a sudden change in temperature which can be bad for your health.
Warnings
- Do not rush to try difficult tricks, ask the coach for help and work on it.
- Everyone learns at different speeds, don't rush.
- Protect your wrists, knees and ankles - ALL SKATERS FALL! When you fall, try to relax as you land. While it seems difficult to do, it will help you land painlessly. Your coach will have to teach you how to fall well and how to get up as soon as possible from the ice. You don't have to stay on the ice, in the middle of the rink and think about giving up, unless you are seriously injured.
- Skating can be a very strenuous (however rewarding) sport… make sure you want to get involved before you start.
- Don't overlook the help or advice of other skaters.
- Remember that there is so much more to life than skating! If you can only think about skating, call a friend and talk about the nasty teachers, or the assignments they've given you, or how beautiful "Sandy's" hair is! Or what you'll wear when you get home! The list goes on!
- If you decide to compete, the songs must have no words (except for ISI, for galas and performances), so get used to listening and skating to classical music.
