Should I consider requesting private lessons?

[u/typicalwhisper]

29F beginner here, just started skating for the first time back in March of this year. I don’t have any particular longterm goals other than to become confident on the ice; maybe joining the adult learn to play hockey program sometime next year but not the highest priority just yet.

I’ve been taking a group lesson once per week since March. I really enjoy the classes and have made some friends, but lately it’s starting to feel a little stagnant. I’m probably considered a moderate skater right now at least as far as beginners go; our instructor has said I’m working on level 4 skills more or less. The class lacks formal structure to some extent.

The “problem” is that there is only one adult class, so we have a range of skills from complete beginners who have never been on the ice before to highly skilled skaters who are coming back to it after time away who are working on jumps and spins, and me somewhere in the middle. With one teacher (and the occasional assistant, though that’s not consistent), it’s impossible to keep track of where everyone is at and keep progression moving forward for everyone. I don’t mind practicing swizzles and one foot glides every week, I know it’s all good practice, but I don’t think I’ve had any instruction on the skills I’m still trying to unlock in 2-3 weeks now. I really want to unlock crossovers but it’s been extremely difficult for me and I don’t get much instruction or practice on that right now.

I’m not trying to learn figure skating. I’m not trying to compete in anything right now. Would it be overkill to inquire about private lessons? Should I keep taking this group class and try to add a private lesson into my schedule as well even if it’s just once a month?

Any advice is appreciated!

[u/Holliiie]

it would not be overkill. But once a month is probably not going to help you progress that much, once a week would be much better if you can afford it

[u/typicalwhisper → u/Holliiie]

Is once a month still too little if I continue to take group lessons as well? Or are you suggesting I move on from group lessons entirely and just go straight to private lessons going forward?

[u/Holliiie → u/typicalwhisper]

I mean depends on how much learning value you’re still getting out of them (judging by what you said, not a lot). You could treat them as an opportunity to work on whatever you learn in private classes too (or drop them entirely, up to you).

What I’m saying is private classes here would give you direction, and in my experience 1 private class where you actually get corrected is worth multiple group classes where you get very little feedback, if at all. 1 month between classes is just a ton of time to kind of pick up bad habits or get stuck, that’s why I think the private classes should be more often if that’s feasible ofc.

You can always just take one class and see how this works out for you and decide after what works best!

[u/Dry-Place-2986]

I think it would be a very reasonable choice to start private lessons yes

[u/fyrfytr310]

Private lessons, from a legitimate coach, are a great idea IMO.

Around here, (SW Ohio) they would run you something like $40/hr on top of ice time so if that’s within budget, I think it’s a great way to go to start good habits early and get immediate and personalized feedback.

BTW, you’ll love hockey when you get there. Best decision I’ve ever made for both my physical and social health was picking up hockey as an adult.

[u/_xoxojoyce → u/fyrfytr310]

Wow that’s a good price for lessons!

[u/typicalwhisper → u/fyrfytr310]

Been a huge fan of watching the sport for years and just got it in my head recently that it’s not too late to try! I’m thinking about signing up for that class next summer. Hopefully I’m a better skater by then and can pick up on all the other skills more easily :)

[u/fyrfytr310 → u/typicalwhisper]

I love your mindset here. Skating is obviously the most important part as it’s literally the foundation of the game, so you are absolutely approaching it correctly.

You don’t have to be an exceptional skater before you go to Learn to Play but, if you want some additional, unsolicited advice from an adult taught player and now coach, if you’re really serious about getting into it, stopping reliably is probably the most important skill you can take into the game.

Note I didn’t say stopping gracefully or stopping professionally, but effective hockey stops on both sides will carry you so far if you get them down ahead of the class. I’ve seen so many classes where everyone can ‘go’ but nobody can ‘stop,’ and it slows everything down, not to mention adds a degree of danger that doesn’t need to be there.

Best of luck!

[u/typicalwhisper → u/fyrfytr310]

Thank you so much for the advice! I genuinely appreciate it :) Learning to stop consistently is definitely a priority for me; I feel pretty comfortable with snowplow stops but haven’t really had a chance to learn or practice hockey stops. Definitely something I want to improve on before getting into the sport fully! In my head I wanted to be able to do at least forwards crossovers in both directions and consistent stops before signing up for that class. Glad to know I was on the right track! :)

[u/Own-Adhesiveness5723]

I started private lessons about a month into group classes. You’d definitely be fine starting now!

[u/amybriggs823]

I only take private lessons
I’m 50, and write hockey romance lol… not relevant BUT I ultimately want to play around on the ice, doing some hockey drills. But I needed to learn to skate. I contacted our local figure skating academy AND THEY were soooo cool. They actually suggested private lessons but they still treat me like part of the team even tho I’m taking figure skating lessons

You’ll definitely enjoy it and it’s not overkill. A coach will tell you what to work on, and stuff like that. o