How to Choose a Private Figure Skating Coach

Last Updated: March 17, 2019

Figure skating private lessons can be a great, beneficial way to help a skater progress in their figure skating. However, you shouldn't just randomly pick a coach for your skater. Many factors are included such as costs, personality of the skater and the coach and the coach's experience.

Steps

1
Think of why you want a private coach. Do you want to compete? Do you want to just skate for recreational purposes? Heck, do you want to go to the Olympics? Share this info with some potential coaches and see which one is the most interested.
- Some coaches won't teach you if you are not interested in competing. Figure out how extreme of a skater you want to be.
- Also think about what type of figure skating you want to do. Ice dancing, freestyle, pairs, different coaches are needed for progressing in different areas.
2
Do some background checks on the coaches. I'm not talking about some major background info, but find out enough to know at least a little about them. During an interview, ask some of these questions: How long have you been coaching? How long and where did you skate before you decided to coach? What major skating accomplishments have you achieved? What is your skating philosophy? How many students do you teach? Any references? Write this info down or make a mental note of it.

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3
Find out how much they charge. Most coaches charge $25-$45 every 1/2 hour. An hour can range from $60-$75.
- Figure out how much time you need with your teacher. If you are a beginner maybe only once a week for 1/2 an hour. More serious skating means more ice time.
4
Watch the coach teach other students. Observe the techniques he/she uses to teach and also watch the skaters.
- Some coaches use strict, demanding techniques, while others try to be more relaxed and lighthearted in their lessons.
5
Ask parents of other skaters that use that coach. Ask the skater(s) and their parents how the coach is. Find out how the coach behaves and teaches from these sources.
6
Find out what the coach expects form her/his skaters. Does she/he want them to go to the Olympics or just try their best? Does he expect them to come in every single day and not fall once or learn from the mistakes? Compare this to how you want your son or daughter to do and what you expect from them.
7
Lastly, make sure the personalities of the coach, parents and skater don't clash. Make sure that the three have the same goals, expectations, etc.
- Make sure your kid really wants to skate. If the kid wants to do this just for fun and the coach is very strict about sticking with skating, it might not be a good match.
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Community Q&A

Question

How skilled should I be in skating before I get a private coach? Should I have a lot of moves under my belt? I learn best one on one, but I wonder if I should just continue group lessons for now.

Sophia Liu

Community Answer

The good thing about private lessons is that you work on the specific things you need to work on and at your own pace, which means that you can start private lessons at any level! You will be able to spend more time on the skills that you might not get to really work on in group lessons. Because of this, you might even finally get that move that you've been having trouble with. If you want more, and money isn't an issue, then go for it! I personally started taking private lessons when I started basic 4.

Warnings

Coaching fees DO NOT include ice time. For a private lesson, you have to pay the coach directly and the rink for the ice time.

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