The Bottom Line:
U.S. Figure Skating released a Skate Coach App series especially for the iPhone, iPod Touch, and iPad in November of 2011. The series includes twelve different digital Apps that are available in the iTunes App Store.The U.S. Figure Skating website states that the U.S. Figure Skating Skate Coach App Series includes videos, diagrams and written instructions that will help basic skills ice skaters and coaches. Perhaps each individual App will eventually include all that is listed, but at this time, most of the Apps, except the Ice Dance App, only include videos.
The videos are very high quality and should assist any skater and coach. More than 400 skating video clips are included.
Pros:
- Once the US Figure Skating Basic Skills Apps are downloaded to an iPhone, iPod Touch, or iPad, everything a basic skills ice skater needs to make the skating experience more enjoyable may be in one handy and neat place.
Cons:
- Most of the Apps include only videos without any actual instruction on how to do the elements.
- Some of the skills shown on the Dance App are not done at standard US Figure Skating test quality, but are acceptable for Basic Skills ice dancers.
Description:
- U.S. Figure Skating teamed with Rink Tank Interactive LLC to develop the Skate Coach App Series.
- Twelve different Skate Coach Apps are available that cover several different ice skating disciplines.
- Each Skate Coach App costs $1.99.
- Apps available include: Basic 1-8, Freeskate, Dance 1-6, Pairs 1-6, Theater On Ice, Hockey 1-4, Adult 1-4, Snowplow 1-3, Artistry, Synchro, Speed 1-6, and Special Olympics 1-12.
- More than four hundred video clips are included.
- The Ice Dance App includes diagrams and important information about ice dancing. The steps and the complete dances are demonstrated with music by a solo ice dancer.
- Ice dance music is included with the Dance App.
- The quality of the high definition videos and the skating in US Figure Skating's Skate Coach App is excellent.
- Compatible with iPhone, iPod Touch, and iPad (requires iOS4.3 or higher).
- Developed by Mark Fitzgerald, the owner of Rink Tank Interactive. Fitzgerald is a former World-level skater with a degree in New Media Journalism from Northwestern University.
- Released in November, 2011.
Guide Review - Review Of US Figure Skating's Skate Coach App Basic Skills Series For iPhone or iPod Touch or iPad
U.S. Figure Skating's Skate Coach Apps are meant to guide basic skills skaters, parents and instructors through the badge curriculum that is the U.S. Figure Skating Basic Skills Program.New ice skaters can take the Skate Coach App with them to the ice rink and can look at the required skills in high resolution videos. Most of the Apps include only video demonstrations; little instruction is given.
The Dance App is by far the most complete App since it includes ice dance diagrams and information. Also, each ice dance in the Basic Skills curriculum is demonstrated by a solo ice dance skater to music, and the Dance App also includes the music that goes with each ice dance.
The name "Skate Coach" may be misleading to users since no instruction is given in most of the videos, but perhaps the Apps will be updated with some instruction in time.
The price of each App is only $1.99.
A similar product that may be much more comprehensive is SK8 Sports Figure Skating iPhone/iTouch/iPad App. That App also includes everything a skater, parent, or coach may need to learn and know about ice skating in one neat place, but includes more instruction and information. The total price of the SK8 Sports Figure Skating App comes out to be a bit less than if all twelve of US Figure Skating Skate Coach Apps are purchased.
There is a disclaimer that states that US Figure Skating's Skate Coach App is not meant to replace professional skating instruction. It is also recommended that individuals do not try to do the elements and moves demonstrated while holding an iPhone, iPod Touch, or iPad.
