Hi Everyone,
I would like some advice. When do coaches start using the harness with their skaters? Waltz jump, single salcow, axel, or double jumps? I have always waited until my skaters are on axel. And I like them to be able to do an axel off ice first. I feel it's important for them to learn all the single jumps up to axel on their own to build confidence, body awareness, how to self correct when practicing, strength, and like them to learn through the single jumps that it is not scary to fall down when learning a jump. It also gives my younger skaters something to work hard for.
Am I way off base??? Should I be putting my skaters on the harness at waltz jump? There is some discussion among the parents at our rink. And I really don't want to short change my skaters if I am waiting too long or my coaching theories are outdated, or wrong.
Thanks!