How to Build a Pre-Competition Routine: The Secret to Success in Competition

Do you want to skate your best in competition? Then preparation is essential.

Preparation that starts early, not just two weeks before your event. The beginning of a new season is the perfect time to start.

A common challenge skaters face is to skate their competition programs at least as well as they do in practice.

You might have heard this before: “Practice the way you compete, compete the way you practice.”

So how do you do this?

How to Motivate Yourself to Practice When you Don’t Want To

Skaterdude has to practice a forward camel with a change of edge spin for his program, but hates doing it. He keeps falling, it’s difficult, and his body is sore.

It is so frustrating when he can’t get it right, but in his mind he hears his spin coach saying, “You need it in your program this year, for levels and points.”

In his mind, he knows that practicing it will make him better, but his heart is not in it. He would rather jump; he’s a jumper. Continue reading “How to Motivate Yourself to Practice When you Don’t Want To”

How to Rise Above the Fear of Falling

Our protagonist, “Skatergirl”, is at the mall with a group of her best friends. She was looking forward to this all month but now her mind is preoccupied. Instead of being filled with glee, she is filled with dread.

Did she miss a shoe sale? Nope, that’s not what’s on her mind. Continue reading “How to Rise Above the Fear of Falling”

The Wrong Mindset Can Kill Your Performance in Competition

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”

Your Power to Take Action is Now

You must be present to win. To make any improvements in your skills or in your performance, you need to make change in the here and now.

Here’s why being in the moment is critical for high performance athletes.

When is the best time to make a change?
Right now. Continue reading “Your Power to Take Action is Now”

How to Be More Consistent in Figure Skating

Are You Consistent?

*Audio version

A top complaint I hear from skaters is that they lack consistency during competition, in practice, or when they jump or do other difficult skills. When a skater lacks consistency, it is almost impossible to build confidence in their skills. Without confidence, a skater isn’t able to trust in their abilities.

Continue reading “How to Be More Consistent in Figure Skating”