I was recently interviewed for an article in Professional Skaters Association magazine about how coaches can help skaters take their best into competition.
Continue reading “The Wrong Mindset Can Kill Your Performance in Competition”
Do You Get Caught up in the Pitfall of Comparisons?
Focusing on competitors will not help you skate your best. Do this instead:
Skaters and parents can go the whole season in a bubble. Skaters practice at their own rink for most of the year, compete against many of the same skaters at their local competitions, then get a dose of reality when they travel to a larger competition or reach their first qualifying competition.
What do you do when you get on practice ice and see skaters at your level doing higher level tricks? Continue reading “Do You Get Caught up in the Pitfall of Comparisons?”
Competition and Comparisons: How to Manage Your Mind and Emotions
Podcast here.
A skater asks:
How do I manage my mind and emotions when I am being compared to others in a competition?
I want to thank this skater for a great question! This skater is already aware that she can make a change in the way she thinks and feels in a competitive situation that involves being compared to other skaters. Continue reading “Competition and Comparisons: How to Manage Your Mind and Emotions”
How to Handle Nerves in Figure Skating
Audio found here.
How can mental skill training help me to stop being so nervous?
When the competition is on, athletes describe a wide range feelings. From mild butterflies to feeling “sick” to their stomach.
Nerves before a competition or a test can be alarming if you are new to mental skills training. Anxiety or worry often takes the form of butterflies in the stomach. Continue reading “How to Handle Nerves in Figure Skating”
Skating a Clean Program: Learn from the National Championships
Listen to the audio version.
I was fortunate enough to attend the Canadian National Championships this year. I went as a part of my work, not as a casual spectator. I was there for the all of the Senior short and free programs in all disciplines. I learned much and would like to share some observations I hope you will find helpful. Continue reading “Skating a Clean Program: Learn from the National Championships”
How to Skate Consistent Programs in Competition
To listen to the audio version of this article click here.
Practice the way you compete so that you can
Compete the way you practice.
You finished a competition. Once again, you wonder why you can’t skate consistently in competition. You know you have the potential to skate well because you do it in practice. Continue reading “How to Skate Consistent Programs in Competition”