Skating First provides a comprehensive instructional model that incorporates basic teaching methodology and  “class handling” techniques with a thorough skill building    approach to the core hockey skating skills. 

Through incremental progressions, players and coaches will have  a better understanding of the core hockey skating skills and be able to ”problem  solve” and improve  incorrect or inefficient technique.   Each skating progression emphasizes  the basics of proper body alignment, balance and edging which when consistently implemented allow for a strong skating foundation to be built.

Since most teams are made up of players of varying abilities coaches are often faced with the dilemma of how best to motivated and challenge all players on the team. 

Skating First will cover the basics of how to best teach children and adults of all ability levels and how to implement various guidelines that will encourage safety, fun and learning as well as an appreciation for being able to skate great!

Skating Firstcoaches training programs are open to all who coach or are interested in coaching players at the developmental level.

Skating First skill development is open to players of all ages who want to  improve their understanding and execution of skating skills for more confidence and advantage on the ice.

Skating First on-ice and off-ice conditioning programs can be tailored  to specific needs and are available to players and teams that are interested in improving cardiovascular conditioning, speed, muscle strength and endurance, and overall flexibility.

Level 1 is for the coach who wants to further their knowledge of the fundamentals of instructing  skating and other team building related skills for coaching at the   developmental level  The basics of  striding, stopping and turning are covered and  coaches will learn a proven format of  class handling skills and teaching progressions as well as basic skating and hockey related terminology. 

Program includes the following: 

•   Level 1 Coaching Manual
• Instructional Skill Development Program
•   Instructional theory
•   Field instruction by Skating First Director
• Written and Practical Examination

  Skating skills covered include forward stride, stopping, basic backward skating, forward to backward transitions, cross-overs, and hockey turns.  Contact the Skating First office for eligibility and a complete listing of skating skills covered.  Must be 15 years or older.

Level 2

Coaches Training

Skating Skill Development Programs are open to coaches and players that want to develop stronger hockey skating skills.  Based on enrollment groups will be divided according to age and skill level.

Instructional Skill Development Program Includes: 

• Beginning-Intermediate Hockey Skating Skills

• Advanced Hockey Skating Skills

Please contact the Skating First office for a complete listing of skating skills covered at each skating skill  level.

Program Cost:  $12/hour/ player with an 8 player minimum.  Maximum number of players 12 per session.*  Depending on session location, an additional ice  fee per player may also apply.

* For groups larger than 12  players,  coaching staff is available for an additional fee of $40/hour.

On-ICe
Conditioning Session
Sample 1 Hour 

Warm-up-5 minutes    Focus:  Muscle Development & Flexibility

Stride Technique-10 Minutes  Focus:  Stride Development, Explosive Starts

Skill Development-20 minutes Focus:  Stopping, Backward Skating, Turning & Transitions

Conditioning-25 minutes  Focus: Building Endurance

Program Cost:  $12/hour/ player with a 8 player minimum.  Maximum number of players 12 per session.  Depending on session location, a additional ice fee per player may also apply.

* For groups larger than 12 players,  coaching staff is available for an additional fee of $40/hour.

Off-ICe
Conditioning Session

Sessions are created based on number of session offered as well as age and athletic ability.
Sessions can include the following: