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Practicing - How much?  You have started lessons & have seen some improvement. Do you want to see your skater improve more quickly? IS there a certain skill that you would like to master? Skating is a muscle memory sport that requires regular practice to see improvement.
For the Snowplow Sam 1 - 3, Basic 1 - 3 and Basic Hockey 1 & 2, skaters can (not always, though) move through each level in 8 weeks by coming to the lesson and practicing on the 15 minute session after the lesson.
Basic 4 - 8, Basic Hockey 3 & 4, skaters will need to utilize the Wednesday practice session and practice for approx. 30 minutes. Basic 7 & 8 and Basic Hockey 4 would also benefit from coming to an extra public session each week as well. It is very common for skaters in these levels to spend 16 weeks or more (in each level) mastering these skills.
As skaters progress into Freeskate 1 - 6, Hockey Stars and Leagues, skaters can expect to skate at least 3 days a week to improve - Group lesson, Wednesday practice and one additional session. League skaters will skate 2 times a week with their team and can benefit from attending a stick & shoot once a week. All skaters at this level can also benefit from private lessons (once a week or every other week) to boost their skills.
Private lessons can be taken either in conjunction with group lessons or by themselves. If private lesson are your only lessons, skaters should skate at least 2 other times during the week.
If you have any questions regarding practice or private lessons, please contact Gaby Corcoran ( gaby@richmondicezone.com) or |
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What Does Skating offer after the Basic Skills Lessons? 
You come to the rink every week to practice and move up the levels - now what?
For hockey players: After completing the 4 Basic Hockey levels, skaters are encouraged to take the Hockey Stars program. This will help skaters to improve their skating skills and also teaches them the stick & puck skills needed to play on a team. Once a skater is comfortable with the stick & puck, they can then play in the House League (MYHL) or try out for a travel team.
For those interested in the Figure Skating, skaters can take group lessons for as long as they desire (highest level offered is Freeskate 6). At anytime, a skater can add private lessons (or switch completely to private lessons) to continue improving. Skaters interested in competing will also need to take private lessons to learn a routine set to music. Skaters also have the option of testing through the US Figure Skating's Moves in the Field and Freestyle levels (which come after the Basic Skills levels) and competing at those levels).
Competitions are also offered for skaters who want to have fun and do character - type programs and programs with their friends. A good starting place is the annual Spring Splash, held every year in May at the Ice Zone. Skaters can also participate in the annual Holiday Show in December.
Private lessons coaches can help lead you through the different options that are available. |
