How to prepare for an ice skating test

The earlier you start to prepare for an ice skating test the better. It may be that you are nowhere near test standard at the moment, but are setting a goal. Give yourself ample time to get to the level required for the test.

How long before to start training for an ice skating test?

You may have been training towards an ice skating test for a while and have only just been given the date. Start to train and prepare for the test as soon as you you know.

Depending on your skating level, it can take anything from a month to a year to prepare for a test. The sooner you start training towards it, the sooner you will be ready and hopefully have time for some final polishing before the test.

Keep your test in mind when you are skating

When ever you get the chance on the approach to a test, practice the requirements for your test. That’s not to say that you forget all other elements of figure skating, you still need to keep on top of what you have learned. Skate elements of your test each time you skate, take the opportunity practice for your test whenever you can.

Does you coach think you are ready to take/start preparing for an ice skating test?

It is important to talk to your coach about tests. Sometimes we are not the best judge of our own abilities. Some times we think we are better than we are. More often than not we think we are worse than we are, especially adult skaters.

If you think you are ready to take a test or start to prepare for a test, then speak to your coach. Ask if they think you are ready. If they don’t think you are ready, then ask if it is something you can aim towards.

More often than not, your coach will tell you that you are ready to apply for your test, when you don’t think you are. Allow for the fact that they have taken and seen many more tests than you and that they would not put you in for your test if they did not think you could pass.

Do you think you are ready?

Your coaches opinion on whether yo are ready to take your ice skating test is very important, but so are yours. You need to feel at least partially ready for your test. I don’t think many people feel totally ready for their test, but you should feel like there is a chance of you passing.

If you feel that you are not ready for your test, you should discuss this with your coach.

Talk to your coach about nerves/reservations regarding your ice skating test is great preparation

Before my first ice skating test I was very anxious. Although my coach knew that I was a little nervy, I do not feel that she knew just how anxious I was.

I took time to explain that I was very nervous and that I was worried about the test. My coach was very understanding. Just telling her was a weight off my shoulders. If you are very nervous, telling your coach can be great preparation for your ice skating test.

Know your program for your ice skating test in preparation

This sounds obvious right? So if you are taking a field moves test (or moves in the field in the USA) then you need to know all of the elements and the order that they are skated in. If you are doing a free program, know your program inside out. The same goes for an ice dance test, whether it is free dance or pattern dance. You need to know your program upside down, back to front, with your eyes closed.

How can you tell if you you know your program well enough?

You may find that when you come to the day of your test, you are worried that you might forget the steps. This is normal. The best way to get rid of some of this fear is to learn your program really well.

When you have trained a figure skating program over and over again, eventually it becomes second nature. We have all heard of muscle memory right? Well it sort of works like that. When you are in the moment of your test and your mind is all over the place, you can rely on the ability of your body to do it, without any conscious thought.

The best way to get to this point is to practice your program over and over again. But how do you know whether you know it well enough?

A good way to tell, is if you can start the program from any point. We all know the next move from how it links into the move before, but can you start your program at the half way point or from a a quarter or three quarters of the way through? If you can think of any move in the program and pictures what come before and after it, then you know the program well.

Feeling like this is the best you have ever skated is great preparation for an ice skating test

OK, so you don’t always get the feeling ‘I am, at the moment, skating the best I have ever done in my life’, but if you put the work in before a test in preparation, you can begin to feel that you are skating really well at the moment.

In terms of confidence for your test, to give you a mental boost, training and planning for your test can make you feel like you are ready, or at least you have a fighting chance of passing. It is a lovely feeling to be approaching your test and feel that, ‘OK, I might not pass, but I am certainly skating better than I ever have, so I am going to give it a good go.

Practice, practice, practice to prepare for an ice skating test

I once heard that there are three techniques to becoming a great figure skater, practice, practice, practice. Its true, there is no substitute to loads of practice. So get the hours in on the ice and it will pay dividends when it comes to your test.

When to sharpen your skates before a test

Don’t have your skates sharpened too close to your test. If your skates are really sharp for your test, you will be mindful of them, you may also have issues stopping.

You do want to have your skates in tip top condition, so its not a bad idea to get them sharpened, but allow plenty of time for them to wear in, so they are just right for your test. for me this is about six weeks before my test, four weeks at the latest. This allows for for the blades to wear in, so they are just right for me. This is based on me skating for 1 1/2 hours, three times a week.

This depends on the person, how they like their blades to feel, how often they skate, their weight and more. I have written an in depth article on how often to sharpen your ice skates, you can check it out here.

Plan the preparation for the 2 – 3 week period before your ice skating test

So coming up to the test, things are going to ramp up a little. There will be areas that you feel you need to go over more. Areas that you you may need advice or extra coaching in, allow for the last push towards your goal.

Extra ice time on the run up to your test

In the last couple of weeks approaching the test, you may want some extra ice time. You can plan for this by putting some extra money aside earlier in preparation. Leave some annual leave days spare at your work, just in case you want some extra practice on quieter ice in the week.

Extra coaching to prepare for an ice skating test

Have a word with your coach to check their availability in the couple of weeks before your test. You may not need the time, but check and make your coach aware just in case you do need a little extra help.

Prepare what you are going to ware for your ice skating test

Its a good idea to figure out what you are going to ware for your ice skating test before the event. This will help minimize stress on the day. Sort out an outfit in advance. Different tests may require different types of dress. If you are not sure then ask your coach, as they will most likely have been present and taken part in many tests.

Rest in preparation for your ice skating test

Now I know that I have been going on about practice, practice, practice and how important it is to train for your test, but it is equally as important to rest. Working with your body, your mind, your emotions and your skills all require rest. Improving comes in many stages, not the least of those are work and rest.

If you don’t rest then you are going to burn out and definitely will not be getting the most of your training. Get plenty of sleep before a training day and then on the evening of that training day. Try to incorporate a good regime of good nutrition, good hydration, plenty of rest and some downtime away from skating.

Don’t burn out on the run up to the test

Its tempting as the test approaches to think that more is more. More training, more off ice training, more coaching and constantly listening to your music and going over it over and over again in your head. This is not a good idea.

If you do need a few extra sessions before the test, then fair enough, but don,t start living at the rink. That will not help. Concentrate on quality of practice rather than quantity. If you are well rested, well hydrated and ready to go before each practice session, you will get more out of it than going a loads of times in the couple of weeks before your test.

I might go four times a week instead of the usual three in the couple of weeks before a test, if I need it, but no more. What works for me doesn’t work for everyone and always listen to your coach. I have just found that going really often doesn’t work for me.

Get plenty of sleep two days before in preparation for your ice skating test

A good nights sleep before the test is a great thing to have. However, not everyone sleeps well the night before something that they are nervous about, so get some sleep in the night before, the night before. That way, if you do struggle to sleep, you at least have plenty of sleep form the night before under your belt.

Plan relaxation the night before your test

What chills you out? Maybe a nice bath and a read of a book, maybe some yoga and essential oils. Lavender helps most people chill out or a milky drink before bed. What ever calms you down, feet up in front of your favorite show, plan to chill out the night before your test.

Have your music ready for your ice skating test

It goes without saying that if you are doing a test that involves music, you will need it for the test. You can’t have too many copies of your music. OK you can if you take it to the extreme. But on the whole, you need a few copies.

Give your coach a copy of the music ahead of the date of your test. Take a copy yourself. It is a good idea to have it on CD for many rinks, but having a digital copy on a device may not be a bad idea as a back up. Check out what form of media will be used on the day and take a spare copy.

Go to see an ice skating test in preparation for your own

Some rinks and skating organizations allow this and some don’t, so you may have to ask your coach or your test organizer. But if you can go along to a test, then it might be a good idea.

If it is your first test, you might be wondering what it is like on the day. What is the order of things? You might be building it up in your head to be worse than it is. Going to have a look at someone else’s test could help put you at ease in terms of how the day runs. You might also be surprised that the judges are not as scary as you thought.

Maybe take a friend to a test

There’s nothing like a bit of moral support right? If you are allowed to, maybe take a friend with you to see a test. They will probably find it interesting. It will also take the edge off for you too. No one really likes going to new things on their own.

Whilst you are at it, maybe have a think whether you would like someone at your ice skating test with you. You might be one of those people who are better at flying solo. You might be someone that would appreciate a bit of moral support.

How to prepare for your ice skating test by eating

Get yourself some nice food in the night before the test. Obviously don’t take it too far and have a five course meal and then not be able to move the next day. What I mean is, have something nice to eat the night before, something that you fancy. It will help you to eat if you are nervous and is generally a good idea in preparation for an activity the next day.

Plan your breakfast on the day of the test.

Its a good idea to have something to eat on the day. OK, not too close to the test, but having a decent breakfast will set you up for the day.

Think what you would like to eat, what you find easiest to eat if it is early in the morning. If not then maybe take a snack to the rink. Plan ahead and get in what you need. The more preparations you make beforehand, the less stress on the day.

How to prepare for the day of your ice skating test

Well, the day is here. Relax and know that it is only a test right? Besides you will be well prepared on the day.

Get there early

You don’t want to be stressing about getting there late. If you allow plenty of time to get to the rink, you can have a relaxed journey. You will also get chance to familiarize yourself with your surroundings, find a seat and chat to other skaters.

Other useful items for the day of your ice skating test

• Skate guards
• Spare laces
• Your music
• A drink
• A snack
• Your friend

How to prepare to relax for your ice skating test

Keeping your cool before the test can make all the difference. Stressing right before the test probably isn’t going to help you. Why not prepare to relax instead?

Take some music to your ice skating test

Take your test music to listen to on your phone or Mp3 player

You can go through the steps in your head, skate it out on the floor and generally get used to listening to your music.

Take some different music to distract you

Listening to a great tune can take you miles away and get you in the mood to chill or to party, either way it can help put you in your happy place.

Dance

Have you ever listened to that ‘Sun screen’ song by Baz Luhrman. I cant say the word dance without following with the lyrics, ‘DANCE, even if you have no where to do it but in your own living room’ (I advise you to listen to that song anyway, it’s a good tune and has some good life points in).

Anyway, I digress, the point is dance while you are listening to music before your test. Maybe to your own music, maybe to music that is playing in the ice rink. You don’t have to bust out some big moves, just have a bit of a gig. People will probably think you are going the steps to your program anyway.

Sometimes when I get nervous, its like I have extra energy that I need to use up. So I tend to have a bit of a dance to some music. I found this very true right before a competition.

Besides dancing keeps you warm, which is a good idea anyway before skating.

Chat to your coach in preparation for your ice skating test

There used to be an old British Telecom advertisement that said ‘It’s good to talk’ and it was true. Your coach will put you at ease before your test. They might be testing with other students that day, so be courteous, but have a chat when you can.

Remember, they wouldn’t have put you in for the test if they didn’t think that you were ready. Coaches have many skills, it takes more than just being a good ice skater to become a coach. Talk to them, their advice is indispensable and they are great resource on the day, so use it, don’t suffer in silence. The test is going to be fine, pass or fail it’s all good experience. Talk to your coach, they can help.

Talk to other skaters

If it helps, chat to other skaters. If it freaks you out that other people are nervous then give it a miss, but it might be a help. Knowing that other people are nervous can make you feel normal. Its perfectly normal to be nervous before a skating test. Some times a bit of camaraderie with those in the same situation can be of help. Conversely, if it doesn’t help, take yourself off for a bit of piece and quite. Find what works for you.

Keep warm in preparation for your ice skating test

So you might be hanging around for a while, whilst you wait to be called. Keeping warm will really help keep you loose and stop you from stiffening up which could affect your performance.

Warm up exercises

No need to reinvent the wheel here, just do what you normally do to warm up. Maybe you are a runner, you like to have a jog around the rink before you skate, may its squats or stretches. What ever you are comfortable doing, do that, but do some kind of warm up to get your muscles warm and supple in preparation for your ice skating test.

Take some warm clothes on the day of your test

You might be in a skating dress, but that doesn’t mean you cant take a warm top. A warm fleece zip top is a great accessory for the day of your test.

Some people take blankets too. Blankets are good because you can put them over your legs to keep warm or wrap them around your shoulders if you want to walk around.

Keep moving

If you have warmed up but still have a while to wait before your test, then keep moving. Maybe a walk around, maybe you are stepping through your program. You could even be dancing around a little to music in your headphones. It does help to keep moving before your ice skating test.

Getting on the ice for the warm up part of your ice skating test

You will most likely have a set amount of time on the ice right before your test to warm up. Again there is no need to reinvent the wheel here. Just do the warm up you normally do when you get on the ice.

You may want to go through some or all of your program, that’s fine. Just get your legs in, get the feel of the ice. You will probably feel a bit better once you have had your warm up.

Don’t worry if your legs are a bit shaky at first, its just the adrenaline. You will be fine once you have got into the ice a little bit and have found your feet.

Time for your ice skating test

O.K, it’s time for the test. Chill out, it’s only a test. If you fail, you can retake it. There are thousands of skaters that never make it to tests, because for the main part they can’t face it and they are worried about failing. It takes courage to take a test. Be proud of yourself.

Approaching the judges on your ice skating test

In my tests in the UK, before you start your test, the judges call you over. If this doesn’t happen in your country, fair enough, but it does here in the UK. They ask you if you are ready for your test and usually tell you to relax and enjoy it.

Don’t forget that the judges don’t get any pleasure in failing you, they want to pass you. They are looking for reasons for you to pass, not reasons for you to fail.

Relax and enjoy – as much as you can

This is easier said than done. Particularly for me, but not everyone is me. So if you can, relax and enjoy. It always shows through in your skating if you can relax and really enjoy your skate.

Re-skating elements of your test

Depending on where you are and what test you are taking, they may be a provision to re-skate certain elements that you have failed on. You get another chance to pass by giving certain elements another go.

This has happened to me. The judges may wait for the end of your test or call you over after that particular element. They will ask you to skate the element again. Don’t worry, you are being given another chance. Listen carefully to what they say. Sometimes they will give you a sneak preview of what they are looking for. So if they say, skate it again and consider your timing, that means you were out of time before, so really concentrate on keeping it it time this time. Listen for these helpful little words, remember they want you to pass.

In conclusion

Skating tests are great for giving you something to aim towards and setting a benchmark for your skating. After passing one, you will be elated and your confidence will blossom.

For some, they can be scary, but remember, its only a test, you can take it again if you fail. Be proud of yourself for giving it a go and good luck.

Useful links

US Figure Skating test structure

British Ice Skating test information

If you enjoyed this article, you may enjoy reading ‘How to choose figure skating music’

There are many things to consider when choosing your music for your figure skating program, like the regulations, the tempo, mood, meaning, nuances and more. Check out the full article here.