Self evaluation.

[senorkevin 1]

What's the best way to evaluate yourself then learning to skate and doing drills?

[Chadd 916]

Are you able to do something easier or faster today than you could yesterday?

[x-axis 44]

videotaping yourself is the best, but you have to be fairly familiar with skating mechanics to understand if you are doing it correctly. consider purchasing a dvd from robby glantz and laura stamm. watch it in segments, choosing to focus on your forward stride and then self-evaluate yourself with video. if you have access to a decent power skating coach that would be most efficient in terms of time.

[senorkevin 1]

I meant about evaluating technique. I have been taking notes while watching Laura Stamm on youtube. Ice skating coaches in Mexico are mega money. For that reason I want to get the basics down perfect before moving up to ice hockey. From what I have found out is that I need to listen to the sound of my skates digging into the ice and not just gliding.

[Chadd 916]

I meant about evaluating technique.

I don't think you can fairly evaluate your own technique, unless you are watching recordings of your workouts.

[x-axis 44]

A lot goes into proper skating technique which is why coaches exist. Let me put it this way, I've worked at a number of rinks and have met a lot of beginning skaters during that time. With time constantly spent at public skate and stick time and pick-up, it's taken them roughly 1-2 years to skate somewhat decently with pointers from myself and other coaches. NONE of them have the basics down perfect because there are too many things that can be done wrong with body position, stride length, etc. That is the cost conscious, time irrelevant method.

Then there a couple guys I know who were beginners and did a handful of lessons with quality coaches or had friends who played at higher levels. Their technique and ability to cue in on what they were doing wrong was quicker. I'd say about 6 months to a year before they were playing decently with proper instruction.

It's near impossible to self-evaluate in the way you want, but good luck if you choose to do so. Make friends at the rink with people who know what they are doing. Goal setting is also important. If it is your goal to just mess around and have fun, self-evaluation or knowledge you may pick up on youtube may be enough.

[jonwalker36 4]

Simple self instruction one can do by looking at their skating I.E. VIDEO OR PICTURES. Also Look at certain cues on the board for how low you are going also where you start and stop for leg extension. It is all how much you make of your own practice time as well.