Relative Importance of Training Stages

In the following diagrams the size of the circles indicates their relative importance; the larger the circle, the greater the importance in that stage. In the centre of each diagram the main components of performance are listed- heredity, personality and training. The quality that impacts that stage the most appears in larger, bold print.

Stage 1: THE LEARNING YEARS Beginner, Junior, Intermediate, Senior - Focus on participation - Basic skills and drills - Develop good work habits - Compete but focus entirely on    performance - Emphasize fun - Include a variety of fitness activities - Heredity will greatly influence   performance

Stage 2: THE TRAINING YEARS Advanced - Focus on process - Develop competitive strategies - Compete more selectively - Emphasize quality skills - Figure skating dominates all other sports   and physical activities - Develop all aspects of mental training - Personality will greatly influence   performance

Stage 3: HIGH PERFORMANCE - Focus on product as well as process - Maximize psychological and physiological   factors - Attain maximal performance capacity - Figure skating dominates almost all other   activities - Training will greatly influence performance

* Please refer to the Free Skating Performance Chart for detailed descriptions of heredity, personality and    training.