Private Lessons

In order to begin testing the disciplines, and to improve overall skills through individualized training, a skater must have private lessons from a coach. The number of private lessons per week will depend on each skater’s goals. The more lessons a skater has, the faster they will progress. However, skaters also need to learn to train independently, so it is important they not rely too heavily on private teaching.

Choosing A Coach

Coaching of figure skating in Canada (and most other countries) is done on a professional basis. Individuals make their coaching services available for a fee. Skate Canada Professional Coaches normally coach as their vocation, either on a full- or part-time basis.

Like most other clubs in Canada, Markham Skating Club offers group lessons at the KidSkate, CanSkate and Intermediate levels. This means you do not have to decide who will teach your child’s sessions. However, once a skater is in the Intermediate level (above Stage 7) private coaching is mandatory in addition to group lessons. At this point you need to make a decision about which coach you want to hire from among the available coaches in the club. The coach should be someone the skater feels comfortable with, and one you respect both as an individual and a teacher.

Be sure to inquire about the certification level the coach has attained. The coach’s Skate Canada Professional coaching Membership card will display their coaching certification level and the club should have this information on file. It is a good idea to speak directly with the coach to regarding their coaching and skating background. You may also want to determine what training they have completed in order to increase coaching skills and to stay current with trends and developments in the sport. A more knowledgeable and educated professional coach will help ensure you are getting the best value for the investment you are making in your child.

It is not unusual for a skater to change coaches during his/her career. Skaters often seek specialized attention form different coaches at different times to help them meet their skating goals. When and if the decision to change coaches has been made, certain common sense and ethical procedures should be followed:

  • Notify your current coach of your decision privately;
  • Pay any outstanding account balances;
  • Seek a new coach, although informal and discreet inquiries in this area may start earlier;
  • Be discreet and courteous throughout.

When looking for a coach, get information directly from the potential coaches or your club about his/her coaching qualifications, coaching experience, formal education, tests passed as a skater, competitive experience, etc. Talk to other parents and skaters and watch how the potential coach interacts while teaching others. After all, you may end up paying this coach a fair amount of money over several years, so take the time to find the right coach for your child.

Adapted from Skate Canada’s: Figure Skating: What Every Parent Needs To Know.