Level 7

WHAT YOU ARE LEARNING

Learn how to move from a forward inside edge onto a backward inside edge while maintaining continuous flow.

COACH'S POINTS

1. Understand the edge sequence first: forward inside edge to backward inside edge.
2. Keep your arms positioned around the circle and let the leading arm guide the direction of travel.
3. Establish the forward inside edge before bringing the second foot into the new backward position.
4. Stay on the center two wheels as you change feet. Moving too far forward increases the chance of catching the EDGE pick.
5. A small movement toward the rear balance zone can help while learning, but keep the body supported over the skates.
6. Use a clear down-and-up action at first if it helps you understand the weight transfer between the two inside edges.
7. As your control improves, reduce the size of the knee action and make the transition smoother.
8. Keep the feet tidier and closer together as the element becomes more comfortable.
9. Practice the Mohawk in both directions.

WHAT YOU ARE LEARNING

Learn the landing position used throughout figure skating by entering it directly from Backward Crossovers.

COACH'S POINTS

1. Begin with controlled Backward Crossovers.
2. Keep your weight over the backward outside edge of the skating leg as you prepare to move into the landing position.
3. Rotate the arms slightly as you leave the crossovers, but do not allow the body to continue rotating.
4. Bend the skating knee as you settle into the landing position.
5. Lift and extend the free leg behind you while maintaining the outside edge.
6. Aim to turn the free leg outward rather than allowing the toe to point directly toward the floor.
7. Stay on the center two wheels. Leaning too far forward can bring the EDGE pick into contact with the surface.
8. Hold the position after the crossovers rather than rushing immediately into another element.

WHAT YOU ARE LEARNING

Connect alternating forward outside edges along a straight line while coordinating your arms, free leg and weight transfer.

COACH'S POINTS

1. Use a center line as your reference and create alternating half circles on either side of it.
2. Begin each edge with the same arm as the skating leg forward.
3. Bend before the push and push from the wheels rather than using the EDGE pick.
4. After the push, allow the free leg to travel through underneath and then forward so it is ready for the next edge.
5. Rotate the arms gradually as the edge develops.
6. By the time you return to the center line, the opposite arm and leg should be prepared for the next push.
7. Finish the pushing leg with the toe pointed.
8. Do not leave the free leg behind you throughout the edge. Let it travel through with the body.
9. Prioritize clean wheel pushes and controlled curves before trying to increase speed.

WHAT YOU ARE LEARNING

Connect alternating forward inside edges along a straight line while coordinating opposite arm to skating leg.

COACH'S POINTS

1. Use the same straight-line pattern as your Continuous Forward Outside Edges.
2. Begin with the opposite arm to the skating leg forward.
3. Push from the wheels as you move onto the inside edge.
4. Allow the arms to travel through with the curve rather than keeping them fixed in one position.
5. Bring the free leg through as the edge develops so it is prepared for the next step.
6. Rolling on the rear two wheels may feel comfortable through the curve. Use the rear balance zone without collapsing backward.
7. You can also perform the pattern around the center balance zone. Compare the positions and learn where you feel most stable.
8. Return toward the line with enough control to step cleanly onto the next inside edge.
9. Keep the movement continuous rather than stopping at the end of every curve.

WHAT YOU ARE LEARNING

Learn how to step from one forward outside edge to the next while crossing the feet and moving your body weight across the skating line.

COACH'S POINTS

1. Prioritize control over speed. Cross Rolls are about clean outside edges and weight transfer first.
2. Push from the wheels rather than relying on the EDGE pick to generate momentum.
3. Step across onto a clear forward outside edge.
4. Allow your body weight to travel with the new skating leg rather than remaining between both feet.
5. Bring the free leg through as the outside edge develops.
6. Before lifting the free foot, allow the toe to rise slightly so the EDGE pick does not catch the surface.
7. Think outside edge, transfer, lift, then step onto the next outside edge.
8. If you need a very small push from the EDGE pick while first understanding the movement, recognize that it is temporary rather than the technique you are building toward.
9. Use knee bend and the movement of the free leg to create flow instead of chasing speed with the toe.
10. Let the free leg travel outward and through as your balance shifts onto the next outside edge.