The Bottom Line
The Ankle Buzzer is a figure skating training aid that does work. Skaters can quickly attach the velcro sleeve to their landing foot's boot and hear pleasant sounds as they cross their feet in the air correctly during their jumps. Some skaters and figure skating coaches believe that Ankle Buzzers get rid of wraps and encourage correct foot and leg positions in the air every time a skater attempts a jump.
Pros
- The sound made when a jump is done well is fun to listen to.
- The Ankle Buzzer is easy to use.
- The item does encourage figure skaters to do jumps correctly.
Cons
- The price of the item may seem unneccessary or be too high for some budgets.
- The sound can alarm other people who may be around a skater.
- To avoid injury, a skater has to be careful that the item is attached securely.
Description
- Invented by World and Olympic Coach Audrey K. Weisiger
- Used at Grassroots to Champions figure skating seminars
- Three different sounds are available. The sound choices include a chime, a cow, or a monkey
- Replacement soundboxes are available
- Available only in black
- Sleeve attaches to a skater's boot with velcro
- Easy to attach to skate, but instructions must be followed carefully when first using the item
Guide Review - The Ankle Buzzer - A Figure Skating Training Aid
The Ankle Buzzer is a figure skating training aid that is really a velro sleeve that attaches to a skater's boot. A pressure sensitive soundbox and trigger is attached inside. A happy and pleasant noise is made when a skater makes ankle contact while doing figure skating jumps. If the skater does a jump with the incorrect leg and foot position, no sound is made.
The product is easy to attach to a skate. First the skater lines the seam of the ankle buzzer to the laces of his or her skate and secures the ankle strap with velcro. Then, the instep strap is wrapped under the boot and also secured with velcro. The buzzer box should be on the outside ankle bone of the landing foot. Velcro tabs secure the buzzer pocket.
The skater then jumps and practices as usual. Since the skater wants to hear the happy sound, he or she will try hard to make ankle contact during jumps. Most young skaters do find that their jump positions improve by using the Ankle Buzzer product. Although the Ankle Buzzer is not an essential figure skating item or training aid, it may help in an ice skater's training.
