As a parent, you want your child to excel in everything they do. You may have a little one who loves to skate, and you're wondering how you can help them progress so they can one day compete. Here are 5 steps that will help your child progress in ice skating.

Get them skating regularly

The first step is to get your child skating regularly. This means finding a local rink where they can skate often. If there is no rink near you, consider joining a club or taking group lessons. This will help them develop their skills and become more comfortable on the ice. You can take them to public skate sessions or enrol them in beginner lessons. The more often they skate, the better they will become at it. In addition, skating regularly will help them burn off energy and stay in shape.

Check their equipment

The second step is ensuring your child's equipment is in good condition. This includes their skates, blades, helmet, and any other protective gear they may need. It is important that their equipment fits properly and is comfortable to wear. In addition, it should be well-maintained so that it does not break down during use. Checking their equipment regularly will help ensure that they are safe while skating and have the best possible chance of success. 

Get Them into Conditioning

If your child wants to progress and compete in ice skating, they need to be physically conditioned for the sport. You will want to get them into an off-ice conditioning program as they start skating more. This means ensuring they're eating a nutritious diet and getting plenty of exercise, which will help them build the stamina and strength they need for ice skating. Physical training will help build their endurance and strength, which is important for skating.

Choose the Right Competitions

When your child is ready to start competing, you must choose the right competitions for them. There are a variety of competitions available, ranging from local ones up to national and international events. Make sure you pick competitions appropriate for your child's skill level so they can have the best chance of success. If your child is starting out, it might be best to start with smaller local competitions. This will allow them to build their confidence and learn from their mistakes without the pressure of competing against more experienced skaters. As they become more experienced, you can start looking at larger competitions.

Work with a Professional

The last step is to work with a professional coach who can help train your child and get them competition ready. A good coach will be able to help your child develop their skills and technique and will also be able to provide guidance on choosing the right competitions. They will also be able to help with developing a training schedule and sticking to it. A coach can make a huge difference in your child's progress and should not be underestimated.

These five steps will help your child progress in ice skating so they can eventually compete. It's important that you get them skating regularly, check their equipment, get them into conditioning, choose the right competitions, and work with a professional coach. By following these steps, you'll set your child up for success in the world of competitive ice skating.

Photo by LOGAN WEAVER | @LGNWVR on Unsplash