Technology and coaching?

[jjane45]

Instant replay video camera definitely changed how the skater's technique is reviewed and analyzed. Youtube and message boards provide abundant collection of videos and tips. Will Dartfish become more common place and affordable? Will "distance learning" or "internet critique" become a feasible option some day?...

How has technology changed coaching figure skating (especially on non-elite levels) and what are your thoughts about the future?

[FigureSpins]

We definitely use video as a learning and analysis tool at the lower levels, but a simple video camera (even an inexpensive flip video version) with zoom, slomo and replay features suffices for lesson reviews.

Dartfish is really expensive to implement, so it's not as widespread as one might think.  At a lot of rinks, there are one or two coaches who provide the service for a fee, so it's not as if every coach buys the hardware and software for Dartfish.

I don't really see "How To" videos replacing live skating instruction.  A video can tell you how that person teaches/performs the element, but it can't look at the skater attempting elements and say "you're dropping your shoulder, the free leg isn't behind you, that arm position isn't working; let's change it to prerotated." 

Video review is one-way communication.  Live instructors provide two-way conversations since they answer questions and provide specific feedback.

There are online "distance coaching" services such as www.mysk8coach.com.  I'm not sure about the timeliness of the feedback since I don't know anyone who uses those sites.  For a lower-level skater, it might be best to get the immediate feedback that a private coach provides during a lesson.

[Sk8tmum]

Dartfish is a great tool - but it doesn't replace the coach who tells you what needs to be changed in the technique that is being analyzed, and the camera and software certainly can't get on the ice with you and work with you to achieve that goal. We've had great success with video replay done on things as simple as a cell phone ...

[jjane45]

I certainly don't think real-time, on-ice coaching could be replaced in... this century, LOL. But it could be complemented in many ways.

For example, I fancy a flat-rate service that maintains complete skater profile monitored by professionals regarding which training goals are met and to what extent, off-ice training results, minute technique changes and their success rate. Or reviewing a series of uploaded practice videos and providing feedback / critique by various specialists after a reasonable time span.

Well I am half daydreaming now

[Sk8Dreams]

I use my iPhone video all the time in coaching.  We all think our knees are more deeply bent than they are, and even at the very lowest basic skills level, a little video can help in that respect.  It's also nice to be able to show a student how well they are doing.