USFS Basic Skills

The Figure Skating Club of Memphis is the home club of the Mid-South Ice House.  The MSIH Skating School is taught FSCM Pros and follows the curriculum of the U.S. Figure Skating Basic Skills Program and the United States Figure Skating Association rules and tests.  The USFSA is the national governing organization for figure skating in the U.S. that also oversees the U.S. World and Olympic teams.  The USFS Basic Skills Program is endorsed by USA Hockey as the curriculum of choice for learning foundation skating skills.

The FSCM and MSIH serve all of your Learn-to-Skate needs, whether you want to skate recreationally or competitively, with the Basic Skills Program, MSIH Homeschool Program and Skate Academy.  The USFS Basic Skills curriculum is designed to keep skaters enthusiastic about learning while they progress and develop strong fundamental skating skills that will enable them to participate with confidence, in the sports of ice hockey and figure skating.

Program enrollment in each 8-week session is $125 plus an annual USFSA/Figure Skating Club of Memphis Basic Skills membership registration fee of $25 (required for insurance).

Register for Classes!
Register NOW for the new Basic Skills Session!
Tuesdays: 6:00-6:30 PM, 6:30-7:00 PM
Thursdays: 2:00-2:30pm [Home School]
Saturdays: 10:15-10:45 AM, 10:45-11:15 AM

Please see below for a class description that best suits you.  All classes meet for 30 minutes.

Snowplow Sam | Ages 2-5

Snowplow Sam levels are designed to help the preschool age skater develop preliminary coordination and strength necessary to maneuver on the ice. Snowplow Sam 1 skaters will be learning basic balance, proper falling and getting up, beginning forward skating and two foot glides. Snowplow Sam 2 & 3 are progressive in completion and skill mastery. Students work on forward marching with speed, simple turns, beginning backward skating and stops.  USA Hockey endorses the use of figure skates for beginner hockey skaters. Helmets, skate or bike styles, are optional.

Basic Skills 1-8 | Ages 6+

The “Basic Skills” are the fundamentals of skating skills. Once a skater has completed the first two levels, they may choose to enroll in Junior Figure Skating Academy.  The Basic 1 & 2 skill progression includes basic balance, proper falling and getting up, beginning forward skating and backward skating, two-foot glides, crossovers and stops.   The Basic 5-8 skill progression includes edge techniques, introduction to jumps and spins, three turns and mowhawks, power stroking, and much more! Skaters in Basic 5-8 can also opt for the Junior Figure Skating Academy supplemental classes.  Upon mastery of the “Basic Eights”, skaters progress to Free Skate classes and may enroll into the Elite Figure Skating Academy supplemental classes.

Free Skate 1-6 | Ages 6+

Skaters are always excited to graduate from the “Basic Eights” to the Free Skate levels divided into 6 levels.  The Free Skate levels are designed to give skaters a strong foundation on which to build their skills.  In Free Skate 1-6, skaters build on their basics, progressing in more advanced footwork, jumps and spins.  Upon completion of Free Skate 6, skaters are strongly encouraged to set and practice towards achieving United States Figure Skating tests and competition goals. Skaters in Free Skate 1-6 can also opt for other Elite Figure Skating Academy supplemental classes.

Hockey 1-4 | Ages 6+

The Hockey curriculum are designed to teach the fundamentals of hockey skating.  Basic Skills Hockey 1-4 classes are for children who have never ice skated before and are enthusiastic about hockey.  In four badge levels, skaters will learn balance, basic forward & backward skating, glides, stops, turns and beginning crossovers.  Skaters will learn to maneuver faster and be more agile on the ice.  Proper skating techniques are the primary focus of the levels.  All elements are taught without a puck or stick.  Skaters will learn the basic fundamentals to be successful in game situations. These skaters must complete and master the skills in Hockey 1-2 before becoming eligible to enroll in the Hockey Department’s Learn-to-Play-Hockey classes.  Helmets, bike or skate styles, are optional. USA Hockey endorses the use of figure skates for beginner hockey skaters.

Once enrolled in Learn-to-Play-Hockey, skaters are encouraged to continue enrollment in Basic Skills Hockey Level 3-4 classes to further improve their of skating skills along side learning the ins and outs of the actual game of Hockey.

Adult 1-4 | Ages: 17+

It is never too late to learn to skate! Do you dream of flying across the ice or gliding with the grace of Dorothy Hamill? The Adult curriculum is designed for the beginner adult skater.  It will promote physical fitness as well as improve balance and coordination while learning proper skating techniques.  Divided into four levels, adult skaters will progress at an individual rate, while being challenged and motivated.  This is an exciting program for people who look to skating as an enjoyable way for a fit and healthy lifestyle.  Included in the Basic Skills Adult Level 1 skill progression are: balance, proper falling and getting up, beginning forward and backward skating, glides, and stops.  The Basic Skills Adult Level 2-3 skill progression, for skaters who are already comfortable on their blades, will improve technique, agility and edge usage while learning combination foot work sequences integrating forward and backward crossovers, advanced turns and power skating moves.

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