Average skill acquisition timeline for child that switched sports? | Golden Skate

Average skill acquisition timeline for child that switched sports?

zeit_hexe

Rinkside
Joined
Jun 9, 2024
I was just wondering if there is somewhere that there is an average timeline for learning figure skating skills for a transferring athlete between 10-12 (from another competitive sport)? I have looked everywhere but can't really find any info.

For example, how long should the basic 6/learn to skate/entry level program take, and how long does it take to learn the basic singles?

Is it normal to be already on some preliminary/pre-juv level skating skills after 3 weeks and have several basic jumps (waltz, toe loop, salchow, shaky flip) and spins?
I know that is quick for a beginner, but for a transferring athlete is it maybe just normal?
 

Ic3Rabbit

Former Elite, now Pro. ⛸️
Record Breaker
Joined
Jan 9, 2017
Country
Olympics
I was just wondering if there is somewhere that there is an average timeline for learning figure skating skills for a transferring athlete between 10-12 (from another competitive sport)? I have looked everywhere but can't really find any info.

For example, how long should the basic 6/learn to skate/entry level program take, and how long does it take to learn the basic singles?

Is it normal to be already on some preliminary/pre-juv level skating skills after 3 weeks and have several basic jumps (waltz, toe loop, salchow, shaky flip) and spins?
I know that is quick for a beginner, but for a transferring athlete is it maybe just normal?
No. It's not normal, and while every person is different. Switching to figure skating isn't like just switching from soccer to football or something of that nature. Some are lucky to even reach jumps.
 

zeit_hexe

Rinkside
Joined
Jun 9, 2024
No. It's not normal, and while every person is different. Switching to figure skating isn't like just switching from soccer to football or something of that nature. Some are lucky to even reach jumps.
thank you, that is good to know. I agree it is a very specialised skill set.
 

FlossieH

Record Breaker
Joined
Dec 2, 2022
Country
United-Kingdom
Is it normal to be already on some preliminary/pre-juv level skating skills after 3 weeks and have several basic jumps (waltz, toe loop, salchow, shaky flip) and spins?
I know that is quick for a beginner, but for a transferring athlete is it maybe just normal?
If your son/daughter is already doing these skills after 3 weeks, I would be concerned that they were being pushed too quickly. It takes time to build the basic skating skills and correct strength needed to do them safely. Even when transferring from sports which might superficially seem similar (e.g. rhythmic gymnastics), there are differences in how the body and muscles are used. If you don't build the strength needed, you significantly increase the risk of injury.
 

zeit_hexe

Rinkside
Joined
Jun 9, 2024
If your son/daughter is already doing these skills after 3 weeks, I would be concerned that they were being pushed too quickly. It takes time to build the basic skating skills and correct strength needed to do them safely. Even when transferring from sports which might superficially seem similar (e.g. rhythmic gymnastics), there are differences in how the body and muscles are used. If you don't build the strength needed, you significantly increase the risk of injury.
thank you, I also agree on the importance of safety, 100% correct!
 
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