LONG-TERM ATHLETE DEVELOPMENT - Skate Canada

Coaching Education and Certification
NCCP Competition–Development
On–Ice Training
Training must be year round, with high intensity (40
to 45 weeks per year). Athletes should be spending
up to eight hours of on-ice training with the team. An
additional two to four hours of on-ice training should be
included in order to improve individual skills.
Off–Ice Training
Fitness programs must be an integral part of the training
program, and should be individualized to the needs
of each team member. A team warm-up and cooldown
should be integrated into the schedule. Given
the importance of flexibility, stretching is an extremely
important component of this team training. Training may
be done together or individually, but should be designed
to meet individual team member needs.
L o n g - Te r m A t h l e t e D e v e l o p m e n t
Off–ice training should be a minimum of three hours per
week. However, to be competitive, an optimal amount
of four to 13 hours per 865 week Sheord is Road, recommended. Ottawa, Ontario This K1J 1H9
can be lighter during the competitive season. Off-ice
classes should include lifts and the development of skills
required for basic lifts.
Phone 613.747.1007 I Toll Free 1.888.747.2372 I Fax 613.748.5718 I Toll Free Fax 1.877.211.2372
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Competition 11
Sport Specific Skills - Train to Compete Stage for Synchronized Skating
Performances are to be evaluated on all components
as per ISU regulations. Double and triple peaks can be
introduced at this level as national and International
competitions are included in the calendar. All
competitions are to be externally evaluated (judging
panels, etc.). Note that in this stage, competition
includes competition-specific training. Given the current
constraints of the competition calendar, this should
include at least four to five competitions per year. Until
the system can create a calendar which allows for the
ideal, the deficit should be made up with simulations
and performances.
The following chart represents the skills participants should be able to demonstrate at the exit point from Train to
Compete.
Motor Skills
• Agility, – coordination, balance
• Spatial/time orientation
• Rhythm (acceleration/ deceleration)
• Kinesthetic awareness
• All general motor skills well developed through the previous training stages – either in the synchronized skating
discipline or other skating disciplines
Technical Skills Edges
• Increased control on edges
• Demonstration of knee rhythm in edge work
Turns
•
Stroking
Mastery of rockers, counters and double + twizzles
•
Jumps
Ability to demonstrate enhanced power, speed and flow in stroke
• Sufficient proficiency in the basic skills to be able to adapt to the creative
designs of the program, tactical needs of the scoring or changes introduced
through ISU regulations
Spins
• As above, for Jumps
• Mastery of all spins at Groups 1, 2, and 3*
Field Moves
• Mastery of all moves at Groups 1, 2, and 3*
• Flexibility should be well developed at this point
• Ability to adjust field movements to allow for unison with proper tracking
Artistic Skills • Skaters are able to perform all ranges of expression
* Difficulty groups of features as defined by the ISU
• Skaters are sharp in their movements and can express any musical
highlight or nuance
11 See Appendix C for the Long-Term Athlete Development Synchronized Skating Competition Overview.
S Y N C H R O N I Z E D S K A T I N G