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Figure Skating Posture
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  Proper posture is essential for being a successful figure skater. Problems with posture should be corrected immediately so they do not become bad habits.
   
  The most common problem is that a beginning skater tends to look down at their feet. Looking down leads to all sorts of problems so you should try to avoid this right from the start, It is also important that you keep your knees bent, and torso upright. There seems to be a natural defensive tendency to crouch down, bend forward and look down at the ice. If uncorrected, this leads to a recurring problem which manifests itself as poor balance - it will show up every time your are uncertain or let your mind wander.
   
  The problem is that you need to keep your weight over the "center" of your skates. Any time you lean forward or let your head drop, you tend to shift your weight towards the toes of the skates. The way skates are designed, the rear of the skate has a large curvature and is relatively stable, while the front has a smaller curvature and is relatively unstable or eager to turn, not to mention the toe picks in figure skates.
   
  As far as improving balance -- start with posture. Get an instructor or more experienced skater to watch you both as you skate and as you prepare for the moves you're having trouble with. Have them tell you the instant you start to lean, or your head/eyes drop. Ask them to help you correct the position - saying "that's good" or perhaps a little press upwards on the chin when you slip...
   
   
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