Skating First's Coaching Skating Skills Program 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 First coaches training programs are open to all who coach or are interested in coaching players at the developmental level.

Skating First's Skill Development Programs & Camps are 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's 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 on and off the ice.

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 is for the experienced Level 1 coach* to further enhance class handling skills, problem solving and advanced hockey skating skill development.

Program Includes the Following:

Instructional Skill Development Program-Advanced Skills

Intermediate Theory and Advanced Problem Solving

Introduction to On-Ice & Off-Ice Conditioning Techniques

Field Instruction by Skating First Director

Written and Practical Examination

Product and Industry Updates

Must  have completed  Skating First’'s  Level 1 Training Program, hold a teaching related degree or have 5 or more years of teaching developmental hockey.   Coaches must show a solid command of edges, backward crossovers, and other advanced hockey skating skills. Contact the Skating First office for a complete listing of skating skills covered.

Program Cost:  TBA

Skating Skill Development Programs are open to players and coaches 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:  $15/hour/ player with a 10 player minimum.  Maximum number of players 15 per session.*  Depending on session location, an additional ice fee per player may also apply.

On Ice Conditioning Sessions

Sample 1 Hour Session

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: 

$15/hour/ player with a 12 player minimum.  Maximum number of players 15 per session.  Depending on session location, a additional ice fee per player may also apply.

* For groups larger than 15 players additional coaching staff is available for an additional fee of $60/hour.

Off Ice Conditioning Sessions