Lesson

Introduction to Basic Balance and Stance

Welcome to the first step of your ice skating journey! Before you can glide, spin, or jump, you need to master the fundamentals of balance and stance. This lesson will guide you through the proper posture on the ice, basic movements for building confidence, and essential tips for feeling comfortable and stable. Remember, patience and practice are key!

The Importance of Proper Posture

Your posture on the ice is the foundation for everything else you will learn. A good stance provides stability, control, and reduces the risk of falling. Think of it as your anchor in a slippery world.

The "Ready Position": Your Starting Point

The ready position is your go-to stance whenever you're not actively moving. It's designed to keep you balanced and ready to react. Here’s how to achieve it:

1. Feet: Position your feet about shoulder-width apart, parallel to each other.
2. Knees: Bend your knees slightly. This lowers your center of gravity and allows you to absorb any unexpected movements.
3. Hips: Hinge at your hips, pushing your butt back slightly as if you're about to sit in a chair.
4. Back: Keep your back straight, not hunched or arched. Engage your core muscles to maintain a stable spine.
5. Arms: Extend your arms out to the sides, slightly bent at the elbows. This helps with balance, like a tightrope walker using a pole.
6. Head: Keep your head up and look forward. Focus on a point in the distance.

Practice this position off the ice first to get a feel for it. On the ice, maintain this position as much as possible between movements.

Finding Your Center of Gravity

Your center of gravity is the point where your weight is evenly distributed. On the ice, maintaining your center of gravity over your skates is crucial for balance. When you lean too far forward, backward, or to the side, you lose balance. The "ready position" helps keep your center of gravity aligned.

Basic Movements: Marching on the Ice

Marching is a simple way to get used to the feeling of the ice under your skates and to practice shifting your weight. Here’s how:

1. Start in the "ready position."
2. Lift one foot slightly and place it down a short distance in front of the other foot.
3. Shift your weight onto that foot.
4. Repeat with the other foot, alternating legs.
5. Focus on maintaining your balance and posture as you shift your weight.

Start slowly and gradually increase your speed as you become more comfortable. Keep your knees bent and your core engaged.

Scooter Pushes: Introducing Gliding

Scooter pushes introduce the feeling of gliding on the ice. This movement utilizes one leg to push you forward while the other leg glides. It is crucial to be able to do this while maintaining your balance and posture.

1. Start in the "ready position."
2. Choose one leg to be your gliding leg (the one that will stay on the ice).
3. Use the other leg to push off the ice, like you're riding a scooter.
4. As you push, extend your pushing leg behind you.
5. Glide on your gliding leg, maintaining your balance and posture.
6. Bring your pushing leg back to the "ready position" and repeat.
7. Alternate legs to practice both sides.

Focus on pushing with the side of the blade. Keep the gliding leg slightly bent and your weight centered over the blade. Don't be afraid to use your arms for balance.

Falling and Getting Up

Falling is a part of learning to ice skate. Knowing how to fall safely and get back up is essential for building confidence. The key is to avoid using your hands to brace yourself, as this can lead to wrist injuries.

How to Fall Safely

1. If you feel yourself falling, try to bend your knees and lower yourself towards the ice.
2. Aim to fall on your side or your butt, rather than forward onto your knees or hands.
3. Relax your body as much as possible to absorb the impact.

How to Get Up

1. Roll onto your stomach.
2. Get on your hands and knees.
3. Place one skate between your hands.
4. Push up with your hands and bring the other foot up, placing it on the ice.
5. Slowly stand up, keeping your knees bent and your weight centered.

Practice falling and getting up in a safe area, like near the boards.

Practice Drills

Here are a few drills you can practice to improve your balance and stance:

1. Standing Still: Practice standing in the "ready position" for increasing periods of time. Focus on maintaining your balance and posture.
2. Weight Shifting: In the "ready position," gently shift your weight from one foot to the other. Feel how your balance changes and adjust accordingly.
3. Marching Forward and Backward: Practice marching forward and backward, focusing on maintaining your balance and posture.
4. Scooter Pushes Around the Rink: Practice scooter pushes around the rink, alternating legs and focusing on gliding smoothly.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Looking Down: Looking down throws off your balance. Keep your head up and look forward.
• Stiff Knees: Keeping your knees straight makes you less stable. Keep them bent to absorb movements.
• Leaning Too Far Forward or Backward: This throws off your center of gravity. Stay centered over your skates.
• Using Your Hands to Brace Falls: This can lead to wrist injuries. Try to fall on your side or butt.

Staying Comfortable

Feeling comfortable on the ice is just as important as mastering the techniques. Here are a few tips:

• Dress Warmly: Wear layers of clothing to stay warm and dry.
• Wear Gloves or Mittens: Protect your hands from the cold and potential falls.
• Take Breaks: If you get tired or frustrated, take a break to rest and regroup.
• Have Fun! Remember that learning to ice skate should be enjoyable. Don't be afraid to laugh and have fun with it.

Conclusion

Mastering basic balance and stance is the first step towards becoming a confident ice skater. Practice the drills regularly, focus on maintaining proper posture, and don't be afraid to fall. With patience and persistence, you'll be gliding across the ice in no time! Good luck, and have fun!