Expert: gary beacom - 8/7/2009

Question
Hello, my names Katie. I'm 15 years old and I recently became a figure skating coach. I was wondering if you have any basic tricks or tips for teaching (levels: tots, pre-alpha - delta) I know it is difficult getting tots (aged 4 and under) to cooperate with you so if you know any good "games" to play with them so they could practice what they need to learn, please let me know.
Thanks,
Katie
(p.s. please email any responses to this question)  

Answer
Keep children busy and moving, Katie. No matter what they are doing on the ice, they will improve their balance and control. The trick is to mix up exercises they can do easily with ones that are more of a challenge. Try the following: stand away from a skater and ask him to come and visit you. "Come on Randy. I am over here. Come and see me. Yoohoo!"
Skate slow circles around a skater and ask her to keep her eyes on you.
I am not familiar with the alpha/delta terminology. What sort of skills can they do? Can they glide on one foot? How far? Can they walk on their toe picks? Can they do outside edges on the hockey goal crease semi-circle? What about a two-foot spin without letting the toe picks touch the ice? Races, forward or backward, are motivators. Play follow the leader. Use felt markers to draw paths on the ice.
I think personality and patience are more important than actual games. If you are having fun, the skaters will also.