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How To Find an Ice Skating Teacher

By Jo Ann Schneider Farris, About.com

Once you make the important decision between serious recreational or serious competitive skating, then begin your search for the coach that fits your needs.

Difficulty: Average
Time Required: This task does not have a definite time period.

Here's How:

  1. If you decide on recreational “just for fun” skating, your decision can be quite easy.

    Perhaps the instructor that has given your child group lessons already seems to inspire your child and make skating fun? Feel free to approach that instructor directly and ask if he or she has time to take your child on.

    Another way to find a private instructor is to ask your ice rink to recommend an instructor. The rink may give you a phone number to contact a coach directly. Some arenas may take down your contact information and the coach will contact you.

  2. Once a schedule has been set for lessons, plan on supplementing the time between lessons with some practice time.

    Piano teachers usually require daily practice and tell parents that no improvement will occur without practice; the same goes for skating.

  3. Plan on at least one practice session between each lesson.

    If you can squeeze in two practice sessions, that would be better – do what you think you can handle at first.

  4. As your child begins to enjoy his or her lessons and begins to skate more often, it is very likely that your coach will suggest he or she consider taking part in Basic Skills competitions and skating school exhibitions or shows.

    You may find yourself “naturally” becoming a serious recreational skater and want to increase your child’s practice and lesson time.

  5. Understand that your coach’s time is valuable.

    Stick to the schedule you’ve set. Don’t cancel lessons often and don’t skip practice time.

  6. Listen to your coach’s suggestions

    Allow your child’s skating to develop into something that makes both of you proud.

Tips:

  1. Always be on time for private skating lessons.

  2. Pay your instructor immediately before or after each private lesson.

  3. Expect to pay the ice rink an extra fee for ice time and skate rental.

  4. Do not cancel lessons often.

  5. Practice before and after each private figure skating lesson.

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