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KIDS' QUESTIONS

February 2005

Kids' Questions with Tammy Gambill

Tammy Gambill coaches several up-and-coming talents, including Dennis Phan, 2004 Junior Grand Prix Final champion; Sandra Rucker, 2005 U.S. junior ladies champion; and Austin Kanallakan, 2005 U.S. novice men's champion.

What types of off-ice training should I do to become more flexible?
Sarah Sprouts, 14, Brighton, Mass.

I think a good ballet class is very important to becoming more flexible. Also, if you have a stretch class geared toward skaters in or near your rink, it would be helpful.

I have been skating for two years now and have just gotten my Axel consistent, but my spiral is still not great. What exercises are good for a spiral?
Mary Coin, 15, Palos Verdes Peninsula

Once again, a good ballet class is wonderful for developing a great spiral. You can stretch at home by working on your splits. Have your mom or dad help you by lifting your leg up to the spiral and then slowly releasing your leg. Try to see how high you can keep your leg without their help. Repeat 10 times and then remember to switch legs.

As a coach I'm sure you have dealt with many different types of skaters who were at different levels and different ages. Do you feel there is a certain age that I should have all my triples in order to make it in the top ranks?
Kaitlyn Veilleux, 13, East Haven

No, I feel that everyone is different and some skaters develop a little later. Don't get discouraged if you don't get your triples right away. Keep working hard and don't give up.

How much, on average, do top-level skaters train each day?
Jennifer Wang, Sugar Land, Texas

Most of my skaters train 2-3 hours a day on the ice. They also do some off-ice training such as ballet, strength training, Pilates, etc.

I can't get low enough for my sit spin, my free leg won't stay during my camel spin and I can't jump high enough during my jumps. Any advice?
Jessica Cruz, 11, Lodi, N.J.

It sounds like you need a strength-conditioning class. Ask your coach about a good certified trainer or check out the local gym for a good certified trainer.

I was wondering if you and your students get into arguments or fights? How do you handle the situation at that moment?
David Smith, 16, New York City

An open line of communication is an important factor between a coach and a skater. I strive for this between my skaters. If they are being too argumentative, I stop the lesson, period.

What do you think is the most important thing to do to prepare for a competition or testing?
Faith Lincoln, 14, Sault Ste. Marie, Mich.

Hopefully, you have trained hard and are physically ready. Now, make sure you are mentally ready. Close your eyes and go through your program in your mind and make it perfect. This is great to do in bed before you go to sleep every night. Practice breathing exercises such as long breaths in and out. When the day of your competition or test arrives, remember how much you love skating and have fun.

What is your favorite part about working with skaters?
Alyssa Neph, 15, Waterford, Mich.

Watching the kids develop and succeed at something they have worked so hard at.

Do you ever think that a skater spends too much time on the ice? What about too little? How much time is just enough?
Allison Noyes, 12, Tewksbury

Yes, I tell my students they should not spend more than three hours on the ice a day. They also have to take one day off a week.

I have my first artistic short program coming up. How can I work on "feeling" the music and "conveying the story" to the audience better?
Jordan Rheanne Murphy, 8, Fresno, Calif.

Good for you for knowing that “feeling and conveying the story” is important. Have your coach explain the story to you first. If you are skating to a movie theme or ballet, see if your parents can rent it so you can watch it. Practice your routine in front of a mirror with the music by yourself until you feel comfortable.

Did you skate competitively when you were younger? If so, why did you decide to begin coaching?
Kelly Rogers, 14, Arvada, Colo.

Yes I did. I knew early on in my career that I wanted to teach. I always enjoyed helping my friends and felt so good when they got better at something.

How do you make it to the top?
Samantha Chan, 12, Beaverton, Ore.

It takes hard work and a great support team. I am really lucky to be able to work with Phillip Mills, who is a wonderful choreographer. It's not always the most talented who make it to the top, but the most determined.

How do you help your skaters that are close to the double Axel and just not landing it?
Mariyah Thurston, 12, Moreno Valley, Calif.

That double Axel is such a big step. I have my students do a lot of walk-through exercises into a back scratch spin. I also put them on the harness when they are close to get the feeling of the landing.

How do you condition your skaters so they can get through their long programs with ease? Do you have them do double run-throughs?
Garrett Kling, 14, Watertown, Minn.

A few weeks before a competition, I have them add sections to their programs until they are doing double run-throughs.