I’ve been learning figure skating on my own…

[Ic3Rabbit]

Online coach seems to be the only realistic option, though some comments have said that online coaching isn’t valid. But I guess I can at least try. Can you recommend where to look for online coaches?

No, by online coaching we were talking about youtube videos and such teaching you, not an actual REAL legit coach having a zoom session etc with you.

 

[LolaSkatesInJapan]

Because an in-person coaching can see your entire body whereas an online coach can only see as much as the camera shows them. Unless you have a cameraman moving along with you, it is quite challenging for the coach to pinpoint the issues.

I have no idea if this is available worldwide, but they have these sticks that transform your phone in a AI camera which will follow you around. You set it outside the ice (at least in the rink I train at, no phones allowed inside the ice - you may have your phone in your pocket, but not out taking photos and filming from inside the ice) like a tripod and the thing follows you around, full body. I'm sure you could make an integration to make it work for a ZOOM meeting. I've seen skaters in my rink filming themselves like that. Edited to add: I want to buy this thing too, but keep forgetting and instead use a live, human cameraman=husband

 

[everette]

I wouldn't say it is not valid, more like "less ideal". Because an in-person coaching can see your entire body whereas an online coach can only see as much as the camera shows them. Unless you have a cameraman moving along with you, it is quite challenging for the coach to pinpoint the issues. Another usual issue is the connectivity, lag and (uncommon but important) real sound. What do I mean by real? Well, my trainers (the first one taught me how to skate, the other - current one, is teaching me figure skating) can literally hear if I am not using the correct part of my blade. I was practicing my jumps and my coach said to do it again because he can hear me landing on the wrong part of the blade and that could be bad for my knees. Minor things like using the wrong part of the blade when stroking, or landing on the wrong part of the blade etc can lead to you developing bad and harmful technique.

If you don't mind sharing which country you are in, maybe we can help with the options. For example, I live in Moscow (Russia) and we do have coaches that offer online lessons along with in-person coaching. But, depending on where you are, you may find it difficult to arrange time (timezones) and payment (no visa or mastercard here for obvious reasons) for the lessons.

I actually live in eastern europe, so timezones are really not a problem. Are russian coaches willing to coach eastern europeans besides the political situation, almost all connections to russia are blocked. And does their online coaching have any requirements?

Also, does sending videos to coach for feedback work the same as a real time zoom class?

 

[hope_skate]

I actually live in eastern europe, so timezones are really not a problem. Are russian coaches willing to coach eastern europeans besides the political situation, almost all connections to russia are blocked. And does their online coaching have any requirements?

Also, does sending videos to coach for feedback work the same as a real time zoom class?

To be honest, money is money and I don't think they care as much. Maybe language can be an issue but if you speak Russian, it shouldn't be an issue. I use English mixed with Russian with my coach.

I never have any online lessons but I would reckon that it's best to have live online lessons rather than sending pre-recorded videos for feedback. You can DM me if you want more details on this )

 

[everette]

To be honest, money is money and I don't think they care as much. Maybe language can be an issue but if you speak Russian, it shouldn't be an issue. I use English mixed with Russian with my coach.

I never have any online lessons but I would reckon that it's best to have live online lessons rather than sending pre-recorded videos for feedback. You can DM me if you want more details on this )

Left a message in your DM. Or I hope so, I’m not very familiar with this forum

 

[FlossieH]

I actually live in eastern europe, so timezones are really not a problem. Are russian coaches willing to coach eastern europeans besides the political situation, almost all connections to russia are blocked. And does their online coaching have any requirements?

Also, does sending videos to coach for feedback work the same as a real time zoom class?

So if you are in Eastern Europe, you have free movement to other countries in the European area. I think you said earlier that you are in a small country, so the travel distance to neighbouring countries would not be that great. Another option which might be worth exploring would be having fortnightly or monthly in-person lessons in a neighbouring country with video sessions with the coach in between.