How Do I Know If My Child Is Improving in Skating?
One of the most common concerns I hear from skating parents is:
“How do I know if my child is actually getting better?”
Unlike sports where progress is measured by goals scored or games won, skating improvement can be subtle — especially once the basics are mastered.
But don’t worry. As a coach who’s guided hundreds of skaters from their first steps and wobbly glides to confident competition programs, I can tell you: progress is always happening — even when it’s hard to see! You just have to know what to look for…
Progress Looks Fast at First — Then Slows Down (And That’s Normal!)
In skating, the first year brings the most visible improvement. Your child may go from barely standing to stroking confidently, spinning in a circle, and even trying small jumps.
But after those initial gains, progress naturally becomes:
• More technical
• More gradual
• Less obvious to non-skaters
That’s because each level introduces more complex edge work, posture, and timing — all of which take time and repetition to master.
I always remind my students (and their parents):
“Practice makes progress — aim for 1% better each day.”
7 Signs Your Skater Is Improving (Even If It Doesn’t Look Like It)
1. They’re Falling More — and Getting Up Faster
Yes, really! Increased falls often mean they’re trying harder skills, pushing limits, and learning what their edges can do.
2. Their Posture and Balance Are Improving
Watch how they carry themselves on the ice. Are they standing taller? Are they more centered over their skates?
3. They Need Less Help from the Coach
A skater who once needed hands-on guidance might now respond to verbal cues, correct themselves mid-pattern, or complete exercises independently.
4. Their Strokes Are Getting Stronger
More power = more confidence. You’ll see longer glides, bigger swizzles, and more control across the rink.
5. They Remember More Each Week
Improvement isn’t just physical. If they’re remembering warm-ups, terminology, or full skill sequences, that’s growth!
6. They Start Setting Their Own Goals
If your skater says, “I want to pass this level,” or “I’m going to land my Salchow this month,”—that’s a huge leap in maturity and motivation.
7. They’re Having More Good Days Than Frustrating Ones
Skating can be tough. But if your child leaves the rink smiling more often than not, they’re adapting, growing, and gaining resilience.
Progress in Skating Is Not Linear (And That’s Okay)
Every skater hits plateaus. It’s part of the learning curve.
A new skill might click instantly — or take weeks of repetition before it “locks in.”
Some days feel like breakthroughs. Others feel like setbacks.
That’s why tracking small wins is so important. Look for:
• Stronger edges
• Longer one-foot glides
• Tighter turns
• Better spin positions
• Cleaner transitions
Those are all major wins, even if they don’t show up on a test badge just yet.
How You Can Support Their Progress at Home
• Celebrate effort over results. Did they work hard today? Great. That’s a win.
• Ask what they learned after each session. It reinforces growth.
• Watch videos from a few months ago. Nothing shows progress like a side-by-side comparison.
• Remind them of the 1% Rule. One step better each day is the path to excellence.
Use our FREE printable progress tracker for Basic 1/2
How to Use Our Progress Tracker
This tool is designed to give you a clear, visual way to track your child’s skating progress—especially during times when improvement might not be easy to spot just by watching.
To get started, simply enter the date your skater is first introduced to a new skill in the “Learned” column. As they continue practicing, watch for when they can perform the element successfully three times in a row—that’s your cue to record the date in the “Practiced” column.
Next, use the “Test Ready” column when your skater can perform the element at least six times in a row with solid quality and consistency. This means the move is approaching the standard required to pass a skating test.
The final column, “Comp Ready,” is reserved for when your coach believes the element is ready to be showcased in a competition. Keep in mind that every coach has their own criteria for determining competition readiness. At Edge Up Ice, we look for two key indicators: strong performance quality and the ability to execute the element correctly at least 80% of the time before including it in a competitive program.
Now check out your skaters chart! You will see how quickly they improve their skills! This tracking system is a great way to celebrate progress, build confidence, and stay aligned with your skater’s goals—both on and off the ice.