THE NEW CANSKATE PROGRAM
Program overview
The revised CanSkate program consists of:
• Stage 1 to 6 badges (same as current badges)
• The current fundamental movements plus four new components (Speed, Extreme, Spins
& Spirals and Hockey/Ringette) that have been reconfigured into three Fundamental
Areas called Balance, Control and Agility (the ABCs of skating!):
- Balance: Skate Forward and forward moving Extreme, Spins & Spirals and
Hockey/Ringette skills
- Control: Stop, Skate Backward and backward moving Extreme, Speed, Spins & Spirals
and Hockey/Ringette skills
- Agility: Turn, Jump and turn and jumping skills from Extreme, Spins & Spirals and
Hockey/Ringette skills
Technical changes
• More emphasis on speed and flexibility - In accordance with LTAD philosophies it is
important to build in components that address the development of speed and flexibility
in a more concrete way. Speed is more of a focus with features such as the Fast Track
and specific speed-related drills. Activities highlighting flexibility are incorporated into
the sessions to ensure appropriate development of this skill.
• Earlier introduction of edges, turns and stroking basics - Upon reviewing the program it
was determined that these basic skills that are the foundation of quality skating should
be given more emphasis. Therefore, more focus is placed on edges, turns, strong pushes
and glides. Sport-specific skills are introduced later in the program.
• Emphasis on skill progression and repetition– Better skill progressions are reinforced as
the skaters develop skills. Skills are repeated at various stages throughout the program
with gradually increasing performance requirements.
• Learn-to-skate for all - In addition to ensuring that CanSkate meets LTAD principles we
also want to ensure that CanSkate provides the opportunity for clubs to reach all
prospective clientele including hockey and ringette players and speed skaters in the
community who are looking for a quality generic learn-to-skate program.
Awards
Additional awards in the form of ribbons that correspond to the new Fundamental Areas have
been added to provide skill bench marks and to help motivate skaters. Once a skater achieves
the Balance, Control and Agility ribbons for a certain stage, they are awarded the badge for that
stage.
What will a new CanSkate session look like?
We are very excited with the changes that are happening on the ice. With the colourful teaching aids, signage, circuits, station rotation, Fast Track, Fun Zone and upbeat music, there is a great deal more movement, action and fun! If your club has already adopted these concepts then it will be a smooth transition to full implementation. Our pilot clubs, coaches and parents are also noticing remarkable progress in basic skating abilities and speed as well as a decrease in skater absenteeism and an increase in CanSkate membership.