Unlike ballet, dance, or gymnastics, where learning occurs in a group lesson format most of the time, figure skating is mastered through private lessons.
So….if your child is really interested in mastering figure skating, your first step as a skating parent is to select a private lesson coach. Who you take private lessons from should not be decided in haste; your private lesson instructor will be more than just a teacher: he or she will be your child’s mentor, guide, and role model.
There are so many individuals giving skating lessons these days, so choosing the best coach for your child can be confusing, so take your time before making a commitment to one particular coach.
What Kind of Skater Does Your Child Want to Be?
First decide what kind of skater you wish your child to become: does your little one want to be a serious competitive skater, a semi-serious recreational skater, or just skate for fun? A coach that fits in with what goals you chose can be found, but may take time – yes, it is possible to make “a perfect match!”
Serious Competitive Skaters
Competitive skaters have made the decision to put many, many hours into practice on and off the ice, commit to several private lessons each week, and do give up “a normal life” to achieve the skating goals they desire. Champions are not produced by talent alone. Do you have the time and money to make your child a competitor?
If that is the route you choose, plan on being at the rink for two to three hours a day at a minimum. This will include at least two 45 to 60 minute intense practice sessions which are called “freestyles.” Freestyle sessions are more expensive than the public sessions that beginning skaters usually practice and have fun on. It is not necessary to have a private lesson on every freestyle session your child skates on, but normally, competitors have at least three to four lessons a week on these sessions. It is not unusual for competitive skaters to have at least one private lesson a day.
Are you willing to take the time to make sure your child is on the ice five to six days a week for at least two to three hours a day? Are you willing to commit to at least three to four private lessons per week? Are you willing to trust a competitive skating coach to make decisions regarding your child’s skating? Do you have the money to make such a commitment?
