✨ The Power of Summer Goals: How to Help Your Skater Set & Stick to Them
Encourage Progress—Without the Pressure
Summer offers something magical for figure skaters: time.
Time to grow.
Time to explore.
Time to improve without the constraints of homework, school bells, and rushed afternoons.
But too often, this “off-season” can glide by without direction. That’s why setting age-appropriate summer goals can turn idle weeks into meaningful progress, without pressure.
As a coach, I’ve seen young skaters of all levels thrive when they’re given small, exciting, and achievable goals. Summer goals don’t need to be overwhelming, they can be fun, creative, and confidence-building.
Here’s how to guide your skater through it…
🎯 Why Set Goals in the Summer?
Without the demands of the school year, summer gives your skater space to:
Try new things
Improve foundational skills
Build strength or flexibility
Gain confidence in specific areas (like power, posture, or expression)
Stay connected to skating—without burnout
Summer break is the perfect time for growth, improvement, and even play.
But here’s the key:
✅ Progress should feel fun & exciting—not stressful.
📚 A Coach-Approved Framework: SMART Goals for Skaters
A great place to start? The SMART goal framework, adapted for young athletes.
S – Specific: Choose one clear focus (e.g., "hold spiral for 6 seconds" not "be more flexible")
M – Measurable: Track progress (reps, seconds, checklists, etc.)
A – Achievable: Pick a challenge that’s just above their current level
R – Relevant: Connect the goal to something they care about (like an upcoming level test or show)
T – Time-Bound: Set a time frame—like “by the end of July”
💡 You don’t need to use this exact wording with younger kids, but the structure is great for creating focus without frustration.
👧 Ages 5–8: Make It Fun and Visual
At this age, goals should be simple, visible, and rewarding. They thrive with visual tracking, encouragement, and play-based learning.
Sample Goals:
“Hold my balance on one foot for 10 seconds!”
“Stretch for 5 minutes after skating”
“Learn the bunny hop”
“Follow a list to practice”
Parent Support Ideas:
✅ Create a Coloring Goal Tracker – A visual chart with ice skates, stars, or progress bubbles
✅ Create a Sticker Sheet – One sticker per completed goal step
✨Use our “Edge Up Ice Printable Goal Cards” to teach your skater about goal setting by tracking one goal at a time!
👧 Ages 9–12: Let Them Lead (With Support)
This is a great age to introduce more structured, yet still fun, goal setting. Kids this age love independence, so let them choose goals with light guidance.
Sample Goals:
“Improve my spiral by holding it 3 seconds longer”
“Master all my Pre-Preliminary Skating Skills patterns”
“Stretch every day for 10 minutes”
“Do 15 minutes of jump rope 3x a week for cardio”
Parent Support Ideas:
✅ Editable Weekly Goal & Habit Tracker
✅ Printable SMART Goal Worksheet for Skaters
✅ Set a small reward for every 2–3 completed weeks (e.g., picking music for practice)
🧑 Ages 13 and Up: Tie Goals to Bigger Dreams
Teens may resist structure—but when they see how goals help them level up, they’re in.
Let them set personal goals tied to performance, competition readiness, artistry, or strength.
Sample Goals:
“Build consistency: Land clean axel 3x/week”
“Improve flexibility: Touch nose to knee in spiral by August 15”
“Choreograph a new 20-second footwork sequence”
“Track sleep & hydration for 3 weeks”
Parent Support Ideas:
✅ SMART Goal Planning Template with Progress Journal
✅ Monthly Self-Check In Worksheet
✅ Printable Summer Performance Journal – Reflection prompts for training, mindset, & wellness
📝 Tip: Give teens autonomy. Ask what they want out of summer, and show how clear goals help them own their progress.
☀️ Encourage Progress, Not Pressure
Let’s be clear: Summer goals should feel inspiring—not like a chore.
A few ways to keep it low-pressure:
Celebrate progress over perfection
Keep goals flexible if motivation shifts
Use visual tools that encourage ownership
Include non-skating goals, like reading, art, or gratitude
Reward effort over Progress
🛠 Free Printable Tools from Edge Up Ice:
🖨️ ✨ Print our “Edge Up Ice Printable Goal Cards” Today and teach your skater about goal setting by tracking one goal at a time! ❤️ ⛸️
🆓 Coming Soon to our Freebie Library:
Goal Trackers for Tots (Color the skate)
SMART Goals Worksheets
Skater Goal Planner + Monthly Self-Check
Practice booklets for all levels
✨ Want to be notified when they launch?
Join our newsletter or follow us on Instagram @edgeup_ice!
Need personalized advice, were happy to help! just email me at Traci@edgeupice.com
🧊 Final Thought:
Setting summer goals helps your skater stay connected to their love of the sport—while developing life skills like consistency, resilience, and follow-through.
⛸️ Big jumps start with little steps & Summer is the perfect time to take them!
