A comprehensive skating instructional sequence focusing on turning technique, edge manipulation, and progressive maneuverability across multiple sessions. Skaters advance from wide controlled turns and C-cuts to inside/outside edge control, the Figure 8 Challenge, and beginner crossovers.
Carve skate outward in a wide semi-circle. Power comes through midfoot and ball.
Phase C: Snap Return
Snap toes inward smoothly back parallel. Skates return shoulder-width apart.
"Follow the Path" Circuit Setup (3 Lanes)
Lane 1: Gentle Waves LEVEL 1
6 cones in single file, spaced 15 feet apart. Skaters weave in gentle, sweeping S-curves.
Goal: Glide around all 6 cones without touching any cone.
Lane 2: Sweeper Slalom LEVEL 2
8 cones offset left and right by 6 feet, spaced 10 feet apart. Skaters execute wide staggered turns.
Goal: Lead with inside skate + execute 1 C-cut per turn.
Lane 3: 360 Carousel LEVEL 3
4 cones arranged in a 16-foot circle. Skaters maintain continuous arc carving around the perimeter.
Goal: 2 continuous revolutions left, then 2 revolutions right.
Differentiation & Intervention Matrix
Skater Level
Observed Tendency
Coach Modification / Cue
Emerging
Stiff upright knees, wide turning radius, hesitation to lean.
Use Lane 1; hold a 2-foot PVC noodle forward for stability; focus on knee bend only.
Developing
Completes turns but drags outside toe or loses speed on curves.
Introduce C-cut pulse at apex of turn; ensure inside foot staggers 3 inches ahead.
Advanced
Effortless wide turns; looking for tighter control and speed.
Compress cone spacing to 8 feet; perform one-foot gliding turns around select cones.
Spacing & Traffic Protocol:
Release skaters in 5-second staggered intervals. Skaters who fall must tuck fingers into fists, roll onto hands and knees, and step up one foot at a time. Cones must be placed with soft weighted bases.
Carve & Glide Instructional Sequence • Coach Field Resource Page 2 of 2
Beginner Crossovers: 3 Key Moves
Step-by-Step
Phase 1
Set the Inside Arc
Skate along a marked circle. Bend knees deeply and glide on the inside skate's outside edge.
Hold Base Arc
Phase 2
Step Across
Lift outside skate slightly and step it cleanly across in front of the inside skate. Plant flat.
Front Cross Step
Phase 3
Under-Push & Return
Underneath skate pushes out and untucks, returning smoothly to parallel. Repeat with rhythm!
Slide Out & Reset
Coach Tip: Start stationary on gym mats or holding the rink barrier before trying while moving!
Maneuverability Masterclass
Week 5 Review
Wide Turns
Look, lean, and lead with inside foot around every obstacle.
Edge Control
Seamlessly shift between inside and outside edges across the Figure 8.
Crossovers
Optional superpower for ready skaters to accelerate through tight turns.
Carve & Glide Sequence Complete • Ready for Maneuverability Assessment
Figure 8 Mastery & Crossover Safety
Week 5 Maneuverability
Figure 8 Challenge Station Layout & Teaching Script
Set up pairs of cones 18 to 20 feet apart across the rink. Skaters execute an "8" pattern around both cones.
1. The Approach Loop
Carve around Cone A. Knees deeply bent, inside skate staggered forward, eyes on the center line.
2. The Center "X" Switch
At the midpoint between cones, momentarily flatten skates, rise 1 inch, switch weight, and lean opposite.
3. The Reverse Loop
Enter Cone B in opposite rotation. Engage the new edge and accelerate with 1 gentle C-cut exit.
Crossover Readiness Gate & Spotting Protocol
OPTIONAL ADVANCED
Crossovers should ONLY be attempted by skaters demonstrating all three readiness benchmarks:
Benchmark 1: Stable 4-sec one-foot glide without flailing.
Benchmark 2: Smooth Figure 8 without touching cones.
Benchmark 3: Confident deep knee bend (no locked joints).
The 3-Phase Crossover Progression:
Stage 1 (Off-Skate / Mat): Side-stepping across on foam mats or carpet to memorize the cross pattern.
Stage 2 (Wall-Assisted): Skaters hold the rink perimeter rail and step the outside foot over inside foot while static.
Stage 3 (Circle Glide): Gliding along a 20-foot circle at slow speed, executing 1 single crossover per half-lap.
Coach Spotting & Common Fault Interventions
• Boot Clack / Wheel Tripping: Skaters don't lift the outside skate high enough. Fix: Cue "Step up and over like stepping over a soda can."
• Upright Pop: Skaters stand up straight right before the cross. Fix: Keep hips low: "Stay in the tunnel — head doesn't rise!"
• Coach Spotting Technique: Walk backwards on the inside of the circle holding the skater's leading hand to provide instant stability.
Formal Assessment Next: Use the Skating Maneuverability Rubric to evaluate turning form, Figure 8 transitions, and crossover attempts.
Carve & Glide Instructional Sequence • Coach Field Resource Page 2 of 2
