Figure skating requires a lot of physical and mental strength.You have to have determination and flexibility beyond compare to be a top-notch figure skater.Discipline and resilience are required to get back up in the face of failure, competition and defeat.If you are prepared to start as soon as possible, train your body, and practice with help, you will be on your way to skating exquisitely.
Step 1: The decision must be made to begin.
Have you been playing ice hockey since kindergarten?Don't put yourself down if you're just starting, you can improve whatever your current skill level is.Start now!The majority of professional figure skaters started lessons at four years old.If you've started school, don't lose hope.Some athletes have achieved great success after starting at a young age.Group lessons are a great way to learn a new sport.If you want to continue with ice skating, you can give it a try this way.If you are a little more experienced, you should make regular practice a part of your life.You should go to the rink at least two or more times a week if you feel committed.
Step 2: It is appropriate to dress appropriately.
To perform as well as possible, you'll need the right equipment.To practice, wear appropriate clothing.Exercise makes you hot.It is good to wear layers because you will feel a range of temperatures over the course of a practice session.You can move freely if you wear stretchy clothes.Shop around when buying ice skates.If you want to find a pair that feels right, you need to try models from several different companies.Wear extra socks until you get used to them.Many skates will be uncomfortable for the first few sessions, but will soon be broken in.If your skates fit well but the breaking-in process causes blisters, you can wear bandages or moleskin patches.blade guards and soakers help your blades stay free of rust, and keep your skates from getting damaged.Don't wear your skates around the house.The skates will be damaged because the motions for walking and skating are not the same.The figure-skating tights should match your skintone.You don't need these until you start competing.To practice, don't wear jeans or long skirts.They can make it hard to move.baggy clothes are riskier than tight ones.Put long hair up.A bun is better than a ponytail.You can use a headband to keep your hair out of your eyes.
Step 3: Make sure you practice the basics.
When you are familiar with the basics of skating through a group class, you will want to practice them alone.Your national or local figure skating association probably has a list of skills to master.Stroke is a basic step that forwards and backwards.You should be able to flow between the two smoothly if you switch directions.Go forward on one foot and then the other.Continue practicing until you find it easier to balance on one leg than the other.It's similar to a grapevine movement when you're walking, and will come in handy for coming into jumps as you advance.
Step 4: Look for a good coach.
If you want to compete at a high level, you need advice from someone who has been there before.Look up coaches online, or ask around your rink for recommendations.You want to find someone who is experienced and works well with your style.
Step 5: Establish a practice schedule.
How often would you like to go to the rink?How frequently you have lessons, how often you can get to the rink, and what else you do during the week are some of the factors that will affect this.Shoot to practice at least once a week.If you have an idea of how often you'd like to practice, check in with your parent, guardian, or someone who drives you to do it.You can work with them to come up with a plan.Ask your coach or teacher how often to practice.Say something like "I'm trying to improve to compete in a state competition, what should I be focusing on, and how often should i be practicing?"
Step 6: Fall safely.
You will fall.You should get used to it now that everyone does.Get up instead of getting upset.Falling means that you are trying something new or taking a risk.Drop to one knee if you can tell you are going to fall.If you have done that, you can try to slow your fall with your hands.If you are surprised by a fall, try to do it as softly as possible.
Step 7: Cardio and strength exercises can be done together.
It's important to practice your skating, but other types of training will give you more power and endurance.Even if you don't like gym class, there are tons of other exercises that can help you.Running strengthens your joints and increases your lung capacity.If you run a lot, make sure you stretch as well.Your flexibility is helped by yoga and pliss.Weight training can help you get advice from a good trainer.
Step 8: Do balancing exercises.
These will help strengthen your core and lower body.You can do them without any equipment at home.Start with sneakers, socks, or barefoot.Stand with your feet hip-distance apart and your shoulders square, then follow these steps: Lift one knee until it's about the height of your hip.Lower your body until you are in an arabesque, or T-shaped position, with one leg planted and the other raised behind you.Bring your foot forward until you reach the knee-lifted position.Then switch to the other foot.If you feel strong enough, you can do this exercise several times a day.
Step 9: You can try a balance ball.
This hemisphere has a hard plastic bottom.It is a wonderful tool to perfect your balance because the top is not a stable surface.Skaters use balance balls in a variety of ways.Try these!The balance ball is two feet away.Put your front foot on the ball by lunging forward.Stay here for a while, then pull back and repeat.When your knee extends farther than your front foot, be careful not to overextend your lunge.Then switch to the other side.Start in a lunge position, then bring your back leg forward so that your feet are next to each other.If it helps you balance, you might want to bring your fists back to your hips.If you want to be in the starting position, kick the leg back.
Step 10: There is a stretch.
When you have a few minutes to yourself, you can stretch before and after your workout.You can stretch during commercials.The classics are some of the favorite stretches of your gym teacher or coach.To stretch your legs, sit on the ground with one leg extended.You should bend the other leg so that it touches the ground.You should bend toward your extended foot.If you want to stretch your legs, stand tall on one leg and bend the other back.If you can't balance, tighten your core.You can stretch your arms and shoulders by folding your hands.If you want your palms to face the floor, flatten your hands.
Step 11: Don't change your schedule.
As you practice skating on a timetable, you should also condition on one.Try to condition twice a week.If you're tired, don't work out hard, and do more exercise after you skate.
Step 12: Remember to drink plenty of water.
All that running around on the ice can make you sweat.The cold can make you feel thirsty, but you still have to drink.If you fill a bottle with room-temperature water, you'll be able to stay hydrated.
Step 13: You have to figure out your goals.
It's time to figure out where you want your skating to take you if you're getting stronger and better at the basics.Do I want to compete?What level?Is it possible that I will give up other sports to do this?What kind of commitment can I make?What are my family's limitations?For instance, your sister can only drive you to the rink once a week, or you may not be able to afford private lessons as often as you want.
Step 14: Keep practicing.
You still need to hone your skills even if you are being coached.For every fifteen minutes of coaching you receive, half an hour of practice is recommended.plateaus happen if you don't see consistent improvement.You should get better and better if you keep practicing.It is a good idea to take a day off from exercise once a week.Your body needs time to recuperate.
Step 15: An off-ice practice area can be set up at home.
If you can't make it to the rink, this will help.You can still improve the tricks that are giving you problems.Make sure to ask permission before setting up in the basement or garage.You can use gymnastics mats to practice jumps.If you wear your skates, you will tear them up.Try to practice on a soft surface if you can't get those.If you want to practice spins and jumps, you need to mark a spot on the floor with painter's tape.If you traveled a lot, look back and see if you did a trick.Keep stretching.
Step 16: Compete.
You will need to pass several skating tests to get to major competition level.Good fitness, flexibility, and professional coaching are essential for your country.Competitions will demand a lot out of you, even if they have slightly different requirements.You may be able to get assistance from your coach and rink.They should be linked to your national or local figure skating association's website.You can work with your coach to create a routine that will show off your skills and push you to learn new ones.Keep trying if you don't pass on your first try.The important thing is that you keep practicing and doing your best.