Off-ice class for figure skaters

Disclaimer: Please note that the positions and jumps and other contents of this page should not be attempted without the guidance of a qualified ice skating coach or other qualified person such as a dance teacher.  No responsibility is taken for results if you try these positions and jumps at home without any qualified guidance or coaching,  these positions cannot be achieved overnight,  it takes years of training from an early age to achieve some of these positions,  for example Sasha Cohen was a gymnast from the age of 4.

Contents of class :

Stretch / spiral class

The class consists of 15 minutes of beginner stretching including 6 different spiral positions (classic (as below), Beilman, mount, fan, Kerigan and fan),  this is to help skaters do lovely spirals on the ice, once they have mastered the positions and their skating skills are strong enough,  with some guidance from their coach they should be able to do the spirals on the ice nicely.

The Spiral positions covered in this class include :-

Why is it important for girls to be able to do nice spirals?

At preliminary level and above the International judging system (IJS) is used,  marks are awarded for the spiral sequence,  the spiral sequence is a required element for girls.  The IJS awards 1.8 marks for a level 1,  2.3 for a level 2, 3.1 for a level 3 and 3.4 for a level 4,  this is the base mark,  extra marks can be awarded for above average execution.  Most preliminary and elementary skaters will be able to do a level 1 spiral sequence and receive 1.8 marks for it.  So this makes the Spiral sequence worth 2.25 times more than an axel jump which is only worth 0.8 base marks.   If the skater can properly execute (on good edges etc),  a Mount spiral with at least 170 degrees split then the spiral sequence could be awarded level 2 and receive 2.3 marks,  if the skater can also properly execute a Beilman spiral then a level 3 may be awarded.  A higher level may also be awarded for the Fan spiral if it is considered by the judges a "difficult variation",  there are also several other features that can earn a higher level including a change of edge properly executed,  a change of direction (ie., forward to backward) or a change of position (Fan spiral to back classic, catch hold or Beilman).

See video of Sasha Cohen performing her spirals,  each video is about 500k so please be patient while they download and open.

Classic spiral

Charlotte spiral

Fan spiral

Spiral sequence linking all 3 spirals together.

Video won't play,  try right clicking the link above and then select "Save target as",  download it and then open the file.

Jump class

The class also consists of 15 minutes of jumping,  this helps develop the jumping skills that they will eventually use on the ice to execute jumps like axels (1 1/2 turns) and double jumps (2 turns),   basic jumping technique is covered including arms for takeoff and landing,  air position and takeoff posture.  The class also helps to build core strength (muscles that support the spine) and leg explosive strength.   Basic single jumps such as the 3 jump,  Loop and Salchow are also covered.  The beginners class is limited to single rotation jumps and there is more of an emphasis on fitness rather than skills.

This class helps accelerate skaters on ice jumping ability,  for those who wish to progress to higher levels such as Pre Primary and above.   Many of the jump drills and techniques used in this class are thanks to Kathy Casey (World and Olympic coach) who ran such fantastic seminars here in Sydney in 2006 and 2007,  also thanks to the Kitchener Waterloo skating club (KWSC) in Ontario Canada for allowing me to attend their off ice classes summer of 2006/2007, at the KWSC it is compulsory for skaters above skate school level to attend 2 off ice classes a week,  read more about off ice classes in Canada click here..

My qualifications

I am a level 1 figure skating coach accredited by the Australian Sports commission,  my experience with off ice classes dates back to my competitive years when a dance teacher visited the rink where I trained at each week,  she taught us basic jump training,  stretching and dance,  later as a coach I started teaching the stretching and jumping components and learned from other coaches,  recently Kathy Casey came to Australia in 2006 and 2007 and ran a week long seminar which included daily off ice classes which I attended and took notes,  I also visited the KW skating club in Canada for 6 weeks over Xmas 2006 and attended their off ice classes and took notes.

Please note that off ice jumping classes are not taught to coaches as part of any coaching course or accreditation and very few coaches have experience with them,  unless a coach has attended the Kathy Casey seminar off ice classes several times and taken notes as I did,  or attended off ice jump classes run by other coaches as a skater or a coach,  have studied ballet jumping,  or gained considerable experience running these classes,  then they may not be qualified to run such a class,  in which case quality is an issue and the risk of injury is greater.

If your club would like one or more of these off ice classes run in a seminar format perhaps during a school holiday,  I am happy to travel and hold these for skaters and coaches to learn from.  Classes can be graded into 3 or 4 levels according to skaters levels/abilities.

FAQ

Q.  Am I insured?

A.  Yes all APSA members are insured with public liability insurance for on ice and off ice classes.

Q.  Is there any risk of injury in this type of class?

A.  Yes a small risk such as rolling or twisting the ankle doing jumps,  all care is taken but no responsibility.  Jumping is done on a rubber mat or with good quality running shoes on wooden floors,  this provides excellent impact absorption.

Q.  Who gets the $5 fee for this class?

A.  I keep it.