Relative Importance of Training Phases

Phase 1: Training To Train Initiation- Ages 10 and under - 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

Phase 2: Training To Compete Athletic Formation Phase- Ages 11-14 Specialization Phase- 15-17 - 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

Phase 3: Training To Win High Performance Phase- 18 and up - 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.