Glen Ellyn Speed Skating - Goals and Objective of Each Program Level
From Intro to Speedskating and Learn to Speedskate to the Full Regular and Advanced Club Programs
The levels and the goals/objectives listed below are designed to 1) give the skaters an idea of what they need to work on to progress in the sport, and where they stand in their progression ; and 2) give the club and the coaches a framework to group the skaters in order to organize and guide them in everything from groups at practice to maximize safety to individual goal setting and evaluation.
Intro To Speed – Introduction to The Fundamentals (Equipment, Safety, Fundamentals, Placement)
Get fitted for skates and get to know and become comfortable with the equipment
Learn the basic safety rules
Learn the 4 basic types of stops and show you can use one of them properly
Learn how to fall and get up properly
Learn the start commands and proper start technique
Learn what makes a speedskater go fast for a long time – increased pressure into the ice and efficiency
Learn the foundation of good technique and how to generate pressure efficiently – the basic position
Ask questions and get feedback, learn about the club and where to go from here including placement in LTS
Learn To Speedskate (White level) – Basic 1; The Fundamentals (Equipment, Safety, Starts, Basic Position)
Know the basic safety rules and equipment
Know the 4 basic types of stops and show you can use one of them properly
Know how to fall and get up properly
Know the start commands and proper technique
Be able to walk "heel to ball" with back to front pressure
Be able to penguin waddle with side to side weight transfer from one foot to the other
Be able to do a two foot basic position in static mode
Be able to do a two foot basic position dynamic glide from blue line to blue line
Learn To Speedskate (Red level) – Basic 2; Straightaways (Pressure, Control, Balance, Arms)
Two foot basic position glide with ankle and knee compressions from blue line to blue line
Two foot basic position slalom glide through 6 cones using all four edges
Triangle pressure drill with feet apart creating pressure and pushing it forward then across
Triangle pressure drill load, carve, push, recover feet together
Straightaway push to the side and recovery back, around, then feet together
Straightaway armswing - 2,1,no arms
Left and right single leg basic position static with support
Left and right single leg basic position glide red line to blue line
Learn To Speedskate (Yellow level) – Basic 3; Turnstrokes (Edges, Position, Control, Balance)
Two foot turn glide in basic position on Left Outside Edge (LOE) and Right Inside Edge (RIE) with bucket
Two foot turn in basic position with right foot pushes with bucket
Turn with right foot pushes with bucket picking left foot up with each push
Left foot turn glide on LOE picking right foot up with bucket
Left foot turn underpush on LOE with right foot crossing over with bucket
Three consecutive crossovers with the bucket on any edges
Three consecutive crossovers without the bucket on any edges
Crossovers throughout the whole turn without the bucket with left foot on LOE
Learn To Speedskate (Green level) – Intermediate; Apply basics (Attitude, Awareness, Consistency, Control)
Know and demonstrate you can do a proper pre-ice warm-up
Know and demonstrate how to properly care for equipment
Demonstrate a consistent ability to follow the rules and skate safely and under control at all times
Demonstrate a consistent ability to follow directions and listen to the coaches for as long as it takes
Demonstrate a consistent ability to be a respectful, good teammate and training partner
Participate in at least one novice practice race
Skate a flying lap in 17 seconds or less
Skate three laps from a standing start in 1 minute or less
Advanced Club (Orange level) – Regular (Explore the sport/your potential; continue to develop/enjoy)
Learn, integrate and balance teamwork, sportsmanship, school/work, family, life-lessons with sport
Continue to learn, explore, apply and master the basic and intermediate technical elements of the sport
Develop and apply the ability to speedskate as a lifelong recreational and fitness activity
Develop the ability to compete in order to gain the technical, mental, social, and fun/excitement benefits
Continue to improve technical, strength, endurance, all-around athletic, physical and mental capacities
Begin and develop at your own rate through: Learning to Train, Training to Train, Learning to Compete
Demonstrate the commitment to use your unique gifts to give back to the club and the sport
Aspire to improve your personal best performance as defined by the goals you set
Advanced Club (Blue level) – Advanced (Strive to make a significant commitment to achieve your max potential)
To be able to skate in the Advanced (Blue) group you should be able to demonstrate all of the following: Skate - a flying lap in 13.5 seconds or less; a 500m in 1:06.00; 777m in 1:46.00; 1000m in 2:22.00; and, be able to consistently display a strong level of the necessary attitude including: awareness, character, discipline, focus, maturity, respect, and teamwork to be a safe & positive contributing member of the group.
Continue to learn the intermediate and advanced technical elements of the sport
Continue to show development in the following: Learn to Train; Train to Train; and, Learn to Compete
Learn and exhibit personal leadership qualities that will advance your ability to perform in sport & life
Learn and exhibit leadership qualities that will help advance the level of the club's growth & performance
Qualify to compete on a national level for peer group
Qualify to make finals at the national level
Qualify to make the podium at the national level
Qualify to compete internationally for the USA