For Skaters Pre-school Through Age 6 Snowplow Sam classes help new skaters build confidence while learning the basics of ice skating. Classes are divided into groups based on ability.
Before stepping on the ice, coaches and teaching assistants will review:
- Proper fit and lacing of skates
- Appropriate skating attire
- Safety equipment
- Practice falling and recovering
- Marching in place
- Dips and one-foot balances
Snowplow Sam 1
- Sit and stand up with skates on (off-ice)
- Sit and stand up (on-ice)
- March in place
- March forward (8-10 steps)
- March, then glide on two feet
- Dip in place
Snowplow Sam 2
- March followed by a long glide
- Dip while moving
- Backward walking, toes turned inward, shifting weight (4-6 steps)
- Backward wiggles (6 in a row)
- Forward swizzles (2-3 in a row)
- Beginning snowplow stop motion – in place or holding onto barrier
- Two-foot hop, in place (optional)
Snowplow Sam 3
- Forward skating (8-10 strides)
- Forward one-foot glide, two times skater’s height (R and L)
- Forward swizzles (4-6 in a row)
- Backward swizzles (2-3 in a row)
- Moving forward snowplow stop (two-foot)
- Curves
Snowplow Sam 4
- Forward skating
- Backward two-foot glide, length of skater’s height
- Backward swizzles (4-6 in a row)
- Rocking horse – one forward, one backward swizzle, repeat twice
- Two-foot turns from forward to backward, in place (both directions)
- Two-foot hop, in place
