Level 6

WHAT YOU ARE LEARNING

Learn how to perform a Forward Inside Three Turn from a controlled start using an inside edge, knee action, and coordinated upper-body rotation.

COACH'S POINTS

1. Begin with the opposite arm to the skating leg. For a right inside three turn, lead with the left arm.
2. Push onto the inside edge and bend the skating knee before beginning the turn.
3. Rotate the arms and shoulders as you rise through the turn.
4. After the turn, control the rotation by bringing the arms into the backward exit position rather than allowing them to continue turning.
5. Keep the arm on the skating-leg side back after the turn to help stabilize the exit edge.
6. Keep your eyes looking along the direction of travel after the turn.
7. Practice the backward exit position by itself. Learning the second half separately can make the complete turn feel more controlled.
8. Practice both left and right Forward Inside Three Turns.

WHAT YOU ARE LEARNING

Learn how to move from a backward outside edge onto a forward outside edge by rotating your upper body before stepping into the new direction.

COACH'S POINTS

1. Establish a controlled backward outside edge before beginning the step.
2. Keep your weight clearly over the backward skating leg.
3. Rotate your arms, shoulders, and head toward the direction you are about to travel.
4. Complete the upper-body rotation before lifting the stepping foot.
5. Once you have rotated, you should already be able to see where you are going.
6. Lift the free foot and step forward onto an outside edge.
7. Do not try to step forward while your upper body is still facing backward. This can make the movement feel blocked.
8. Practice the step in both directions.

WHAT YOU ARE LEARNING

Learn how to use your backward edges, pushes, and weight transfer to cross one foot behind the other while traveling around a circle.

COACH'S POINTS

1. Use your Backward Chasses first to establish the circle, edge, and upper-body position.
2. Keep the arms positioned around the circle and continue looking where you are traveling.
3. Push with the outside leg while maintaining the outside edge on the skating foot.
4. As the pushing foot returns underneath you, guide the heel inward so the foot can cross behind.
5. The foot does not simply slide straight underneath. The heel must turn as the leg crosses.
6. Transfer your weight onto the crossed foot and establish the new outside edge.
7. Keep soft knees and allow the body to move down into the legs rather than leaning forward.
8. Practice one crossover and hold the crossed position before trying to connect several together.
9. As your control improves, point the toe during the crossover extension.

WHAT YOU ARE LEARNING

Learn how to move both skates from side to side while traveling backward and controlling opposite edges across the two feet.

COACH'S POINTS

1. Begin with a Backward Lemon if you need help generating the first backward movement.
2. Bring the feet closer together as you enter the slalom.
3. Keep both feet parallel as they move from one side to the other.
4. One foot will be on an outside edge while the other is on an inside edge through each change of direction.
5. Use the outside foot to help create the push through each side of the slalom.
6. Use your knees continuously. Bend and rise through the side-to-side rhythm instead of relying only on the feet.
7. Aim to stay on the center two wheels. You may move slightly toward the front or rear two wheels, but return to the center as your reference.
8. It is normal for the feet to separate more while learning. Gradually bring them closer together as your balance improves.
9. Add more upper-body movement only after the basic backward slalom feels controlled.

WHAT YOU ARE LEARNING

Learn your first spin by creating controlled rotation on two feet and gradually building toward two complete revolutions.

COACH'S POINTS

1. Begin with your arms open and keep the knees soft while creating the initial rotation.
2. Practice bringing the arms inward across the chest. Do not pull them too high.
3. Use small pushes around the circle to create rotation rather than trying to force the spin immediately.
4. One option is to spin with both skates balanced on the center two wheels.
5. Another option uses the EDGE pick and front wheel on one foot while the other skate remains on the center two wheels.
6. Avoid sitting back onto the heel. This creates a less stable spinning position.
7. If using the EDGE pick position, practice the small pivoting action on the EDGE pick and front wheel before trying to add more rotation.
8. Build the spin gradually. Aim first for half a revolution, then one, one and a half, and finally two.
9. Try spinning in both directions before deciding which direction feels more natural.
10. Stop and recover between attempts if you begin to feel dizzy.