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In episode 329 of the Glass and Out Podcast we welcome friend and Coaches Site collaborator, skating coach Victor Kraatz.
With the Olympics being top of mind, we reflect on Kraatz's experience on the world stage and discuss the evolution of skating as he is over a decade into his journey as a skating coach.
Kraatz and his partner Shae-Lynn Bourne dominated ice-dancing in Canada, winning 10 national titles during their 13 year skating partnership, participating in 3 Olympic games and in 2003 captured the ice-dance World Championship.
Today, he spends time on the ice with some of hockey’s top talents and is in a constant state of finding new ways to elevate how his students perform on the ice.
We developed a skating course with Kraatz that provides you with all the fundamental skills, drills, progressions, and teaching points. It will ensure that you’re equipped with the knowledge to develop your players to their full skating potential. Check it out here.
Listen as he shares Olympic memories, the evolution of hockey training and how to improve skating fundamentals.
Video Timestamps:
- 0:00 Olympic memories
- 10:25 Mental toll of the Olympics
- 24:50 Mental focus/overcoming mistakes
- 32:45 Skating fundamentals/Allowing kids to find their sport
- 42:05 Players with drive to improve
- 50:35 Skating focus areas
- 58:50 Introducing the puck
- 1:01:25 Dissecting skills as a skating coach
- 1:08:05 Identifying mechanics
- 1:12:20 Building relationships
- 1:22:00 Teaching skills is planting seeds
- 1:27:55 TCS course
