Diploma skating

FSA offers Basic Skills diploma skating for recreational skaters based on the Learn to Skate USA® curriculum designed to help skaters of all ages and abilities master the basics of ice skating.

The Basic Skills program teaches the FUNdamentals of ice skating focusing on proper skill development taught in a positive, FUN, and social environment. The first stage of skills forms a strong foundation for skaters to explore the world of skating. All skaters will progress at their own pace from Basic Skills 1 – 6 levels working toward mastering each skill and demonstrating this.

Discover, Learn and Play – Basic 1 and 2: These introductory levels allow new skaters with no prior skating experience to build confidence while learning to skate.

FUNdamentals – Basic 3–6: These levels develop all of the fundamental skating skills on the ice. Focus is on learning the ABCs of basic athleticism: agility, balance, coordination and speed. Upon completion of these levels, skaters will be able to confidently advance to more specialized areas of skating.

Basic 1 skills
A. Sit on the ice and stand up (falling and recovering) B. March forward across the ice – 6-8 stepsC. Forward two-foot glide for 4  secondsD. Dip (Forward dip glide for 4  seconds on two feet)
E. Forward swizzles – 6-8 in a row
F. Backward wiggles – 6-8 in a row
G. Beginning snowplow (V-stop) stop on one or two feet
Bonus skill: Two-foot hop in place

Basic 2 skills
A. Scooter pushes – R and L

B. Forward one-foot glides for four seconds on each foot – R and L
C. Backward two-foot glide for four seconds
D. Rocking Horse (one forward swizzle + one backward swizzle) – twice
E. Backward swizzles – 6-8 in a row
F. Standing two-foot turns from forward to backward in place – clockwise and  counterclockwise
G. A full snowplow (V-stop) stop on one or two feet
Bonus skill: Curves – 2-4 in a row

Basic 3 skills
A. Beginning forward strokes using the blades correctly – 6-8 stroke in a row
B. Forward half swizzle pumps on a circle -clockwise and counterclockwise – 6-8 pumps
C. Moving forward to backward two-foot turns – clockwise and counterclockwise
D. Beginning backward one-foot glides for 4  seconds on each foot – R and L
E.  Backward snowplow (V-stop) stop – R and L
F. Forward slalom – 4-6 pumps
Bonus skill: Forward pivots – clockwise and counterclockwise – 3  in a row

Basic 4 skills
A. Forward outside edge glide on one foot on a circle for 6  seconds– R and L
B. Forward inside edge glide on one foot on a cirle for 6  seconds – R and L
C. Forward crossovers – clockwise and counterclockwise – 4-6 in a row
D. Backwards half swizzle pumps on a circle – clockwise and counteclockwise – 6-8 in a row
E. Backward one-foot glide for 4  seconds on each foot – R and L
F. Beginning two-foot spin – 2 rotations and exit
Bonus skill: Forward lunges for 6  seconds – R and L

Basic 5 skills
A. Backward outside edge glide on one foot on a circle for 6 seconds -R and L
B. Backward inside edge glide on one foot on a circle for 6  seconds– R and L
C. Backward crossovers – clockwise and counterclockwise – 4-6 in a row
D. Forward outside three-turn – R and L – holding 3 seconds
E. Advanced two-foot spin entrance  and exit –  4 – 6 rotations
G. Hockey stop – both directions
Bonus skill: Side toe hop – R and L

Basic 6 skills
A. Forward inside three-turn – R and L
B. Moving backward to forward two-foot turn – clockwise and counterclockwise – 2 times in a row
C. Backward stroking –4-6 in a row
D. One-foot spin out of backwards crossovers and exit – 2-4  rotations
E. T-stop – R and L
F. Bunny hop
G. Forward spiral on a straight line for 6  seconds – R or L
Bonus skill: Shoot the duck for 4 seconds – R or L