Practice, Patience and Perseverance

Yesterday's Lesson: August 23, 2012

Practice:

I had a great lesson my MIF have improved significantly and I feel much more confident on the ice. Coach and I re-caped on salcows and Toe loops as well as the backspin/loop which we're working on a corrective entry and takeoff. Sort of like: a forward outside back pivot for the toe loop (take off) a strong backward left inside edge for my salcow (like a "C"), a bit different and hard to describe but this will set the tone for doubles jumps (no doubles yet).

I did manage to get low on my sit spin and my loop jumps are finally showing its light. My flip jump is another story for another day...It seems I am under-rotating, but with more practice, one day I will wake up and it will be a "light bulb moment"!! My determination will not stop, I'll continue to practice, practice!!

Haven't practiced on my axel jumps since I began testing USFS, I've had to put on hold my ISI Open Silver level elements and programs until all Adult Bronze testing is complete. Axel still needs to get a bit higher and more control of my arms, they seem to be all over the place (still working progress). I need to practice and focus on my testing the less distraction the better for my performance.

This video was taken May 13, 2012 my very first axel attempt

Patience:

In skating it seems that every entry whether its a spin or a jump a mohawk or 3 turn is involved. I have an appreciation for the 3 turns and mohawks they create not just entries for jumps and spins they give you style and grace when skating a program such as footwork or a dance sequence. Some skaters tend to have fear for these elements and even myself was always hesitant in my early years of skating.  As I've progressed in my skating, so has my form and presentation thanks to proper 3 turns and mohawks.  With patience anything is possible.  3 turns whether they are forward or backwards, they take a time and patience to master - just like we practice on our free style programs we cannot forget to practice these important elements as well.

Perseverance:

I haven't given up on my back 3s since they're Silver level moves and I am pleased to say that I am working really hard and get ready for my next testing level Adult Silver MIF in 2013.  My backward 3 turns and double back 3s for quite sometime now and actually they're not so bad.  If I can keep my momentum and persistence, I can implement my dbl 3s in a flowing movement in my Free Skate.

FYI:
The main focus is to put your back and/or shoulders to the outer part of the circle lobe, bend knee and turn same time with your arms.  I like to ride the edge and down and up then turn.

Backward 3 Turns:  I really like back 3 turns, though I need to get them clean and implement stronger knee bend and keep my free leg in front.

• Backward left inside
• Backward right inside
• Backward left outside
• Backward right outside

Keep going, focus and it will happen, not looking for perfection but sense of being an elite skater!!!

My 3 "Ps" Practice, Patience and Perseverance.
Everything and Anything is Possible

My 5 steps to a Jump:

I remember when passed my LTS class first thing I told my coach was "I wanted to do jumps".  My very first jump was my waltz jump in '07, wow!!  I really felt like a skater - was so excited when I landed that waltz jump, I can still remember even till today!!.

Whether you're are a beginner or an elite skater these 5 steps is the foundation to all jumps from Waltz jumps to doubles and triples.   I want to share these five elements with you because I am implementing them as I am learning new jumps in my journey.  I am not the best jumper!!  However, what ever tips that works I want to share with you.

There are two categories in jumps: 1. Edge Jump and 2. Toe Jump
Edge Jumps: Waltz, Salcow, Loop and the Axel
Toe Jumps: Toe Loop, Flip, and the Lutz

Remember:
If you follow these 5 steps in your skating, most importantly in your free skate program, it will help you achieve the GOE (grade of execution) get you the most points in your jumps - by the execution: pattern, position, take off, air position and the landing.

Lets look at it one by one:  (I will make it short and precise)
1. Pattern:  sometimes this element is omitted - but it is important to keep it in mind when starting your jump. What pattern will you be skating your jump: corner, axis or in a step sequence or in combination. This will determine your setup for the jump.

2. Position:   Correct position of your upper body (shoulders, arms and hands) as well as your skating foot is in the correct entry edge position before your take off.

3. Take Off:  the take off must be precise entry (never altered) correct entry edge (forward or backward 3s or mohawk etc.), strong knee bend and vault upward motion will give you rotation.

4. Air position:   when you have achieved the above three steps - here is where the rotation comes in. With the proper take off - you want to vault yourself up in the air and let your upper body and hip rotate, don't force the rotation - let physics do all the work for you.  Note: free leg and arms are cross in front (not to tight)  I am still working on that!!!

5. Landing: once you have executed your jump now its time for your landing.  Landing on an outside edge, strong knee bend and free leg well extended outwards.

I hope to shed some light to this topic - I am not a coach, merely a figure skater wanting to share my thoughts and experiences.  There is MUCH more to every jump and these are just some pointers to remember, consult with your coach when executing your jumps for safety reasons.  Note: If I missed anything or would like to share with me any of your pointers, please let me know.

You're Never To Old To Learn Something New

Skating Season Begins

August 2012 to June 2013 marks the beginning of the next skating season for all those amazing, champions and elite skaters.  It's what  they've been training for months.   As for myself its just the same routine; practice, testing and most likely compete USFS Competitions in the local level.  Completely new territory for me competing USFS for the very first time will be challenging.  I've competed ISI for 6 1/2 years which it has helped me compete with confidence, mentally and emotional which will play a heavy role in this new endeavor of mine.

SO glad to be back at my home rink after a week off (vacation).  I was a bit rusty but after I warmed up, it felt real nice to be back.  Like the saying says; "with a good skate - you have to have some falls to make it right".  

Unavoidable:
Of course, I manage to hit the ice a couple of times today.  Fell really hard on my flip jump that sucked the air out of me!! but got up and kept on going.  Fell on my sit spin trying to get lower and I landed on wrist and my left hip "not good", I thought I sprained it but no, its ok "I'll live" other than that, it was a good skate.

Today's recap:
We worked on my adult bronze moves of course. I practice these moves so much, that I see them in my dreams - geeez!!  My power 3s and pattern are real good just have to work on my down and up rise on my right and left mohawk sequence.
Finally:
My Free Skate - which I've been working really hard to get lower on my sit spin - its getting there but sometimes its so frustrating .  The back spin that I lost 2 years ago is showing its light.  Yes!!! finally my backspin is back!! even though its a hit or miss, but today it was a "HIT".
Test: Adult Bronze MIF 

• Forward and Backward Perimeter-Power Stroking
• Forward Power 3 Turns
• Alternating backward crossovers to backward outside edges
• Foward Circle Eight
• Five-step Mohawk Sequence

Test: Adult Bronze Free Skate

• Three different single jumps: Salcow, Toe Loop,  Loop or Flip
• One combination jump: waltz/toe loop jump
• Back spin (3 rev)
• Sit spin (3 rev)
• Connecting moves, steps and edges, foot work

It's sad that summer is almost over!! I have to say, had a great summer.  Now my training and focus begins, testing is in the works.  Hope and praying for a Pass!!

Patience, Prayer and Perseverance is the Key to Success.