Golden Skate Forums (2024)

FAQs

How do I become a confident ice skater? ›

Confidence means thinking that they can and will achieve their goals. “If I think I'm a great skater, I can perform a great program” is an example of the type of thinking confident athletes engage in. Discard negative thoughts and replace them with the positives. IDENTIFY A POSITIVE EVERY DAY.

Remind yourself of how ready you are and why you love to skate. Remain concentrated on your own performance. You can't control how other skaters perform, only yourself. Take one element at a time, and focus on each skill, not the whole program.

Figure skaters competing at the highest levels of international competition are not "professional" skaters. They are sometimes referred to as amateurs, even though some earn money. Professional skaters include those who have lost their ISU eligibility and those who perform only in shows.

You do not want to be able to slide your toes side to side in the skate. If your toes slide sideways in the skate, this is a good indication that the boot is too wide and a narrower width is needed. Another way to determine if the skate is the incorrect width: look at the boot when laced up with firm lace tension.

Overcoming fear

Don't worry if you are still afraid the first few times out. As long as you keep getting back out there, eventually you will get over it. Try wearing hip and knee pads and other protective gear. It will give you a sense of security.

To become a better ice skater, you need to make time to stay active during your everyday life. Many people take skating lessons once a week, and it would hurt your progress to be inactive for the rest of the week. Practice proper posture and movements in your downtime, and make time each day to stretch your muscles.