Practice Every Day:
Ice skating is a skill that involves much practice. Figure skaters really do need to practice every day. Also, one on-ice practice session is not enough; serious skaters need to be on the ice for at least two or three practice sessions per day.
Some serious skaters skate six days a week, but many ice skaters practice four or five days a week.
Off-Ice Training:
It is best to supplement on-ice sessions with off-ice training in ballet, dance, and conditioning. Also, every figure skater should spend some time practicing figure skating jumps off the ice.
Private Lessons:
At least one to two private lessons a week is necessary. One private lesson per day is really the ideal option; however, private ice skating instruction is quite expensive, so that ideal may not be possible for many skaters.
Don't Skip Practice Sessions or Lessons:
Very little progress will occur if a skater skips practices and lessons. Commit to a skating schedule and stick to it.
Sample Figure Skating Training Schedule:
A sample Monday through Friday schedule for a young skater could be as follows:
- One forty-five minute freestyle practice session before school
- One forty-five minute freestyle practice session after school
or - Two freestyle practice sessions after school or one two-hour public session after school
- Off-ice ballet class on Saturday
- Two to three twenty minute private ice skating lessons per week
