JoJo Starbuck begins her Cool Workouts today

Today was the first day of JoJo Starbuck's Cool Workouts at Rockefeller Rink. The three-time U.S. pairs champion (with Ken Shelley) holds her group classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7 - 8:30 a.m. Each new month begins a new series. Classes are $50 each. For the month of October, there will be six classes, so the October series is $300 ($50x6). If you can't do all of the classes, there is a minimum registration of 50% of the classes for each series. (So for October, it would be $150 minimum for three classes. You can choose to do either Tuesdays or Thursdays).

To register, e-mail JoJo at jojostarbuck777[AT]gmail[DOT]com and let her know that you are interested in her Cool Workouts! AND, if you are a NY Health and Racquet Club member, you get a discounted rate for this season, so another reason to join her classes.

JoJo's been doing her Cool Workouts at Rockefeller Rink for over 20 years now! I had a chance to chat with her after her class this morning and she has quite the tie to this rink...

What's the allure of Rockefeller Rink?

JoJo Starbuck: Ever since my Mom first took me to skate at Rockefeller Rink as a little girl, it’s held a special magic for me! I skated here at age seven, when all I could really do was throw myself down into the splits and throw my arms up into the air. Ken and I skated here for fun during our competitive career whenever we passed through New York City -- It was a rare treat to skate outdoors for two kids from California. As professionals, we often skated in the Christmas Tree lighting show when it was simple and sweet.  There were stars like Lily Tomlin and Glenn Close hosting, fabulous choirs and David Rockefeller lighting the tree. After retiring from Ice Capades, we started a production company and produced quite a few skating shows here, often in concert with stage performances from Broadway’s brightest stars. We’ve  seen many changes in the world since first skating there, but the joy and magic of skating in the heart of Manhattan has never faded! Also, my husband and I got married there one June, inside the Sea Grill, with the reception outdoors, which IS The Rink in the winter. (Photos at right, JoJo greets and signs autograph for skater Elle visiting from Florida)

What's the best thing about teaching your Cool Workouts? You have quite a commute from New Jersey to here.

JoJo Starbuck: I love teaching adults! First, you know they’re here because they really want to learn. Sometimes with children, you wonder if this is their choice? Adults listen to you, ask questions and are truly delighted and amazed when they achieve a move they never dreamed they’d accomplish. It’s great to share that journey with them. Plus, my students at Rockefeller Center have become a beautiful part of my life. Each person entering the class has so much to give. They come to learn a sport or hobby but end up sharing a part of themselves with me and many others in the class. It becomes a real win/win in many other ways as well. While I hate my alarm going off so early, walking down those stairs to the Rink is always a charge and I’m full of anticipation, knowing the feeling of pure bliss I’ll soon have as we float across the clean, perfect, empty Rink!

JoJo also told me that she is excited about her new website jojostarbuck.com which is still in development, and promises that there will be a lot more information on it in the near future. Can't wait!

What is the most important quality a coach should have?

I wanted to pass along a bit of advice that coach Gary Shortland shared with me. Gary is a former British competitive ice dancer (with partner Charlotte Clements, they were two-time senior British National Dance Champions, see right) who currently teaches at the Extreme Ice Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. I asked him, from a student's perspective, what qualities should a skater look for in a teacher/coach?

Gary named three that he felt were at the top of the list. First, professionalism. It goes without saying, right? Time is money for both sides so respecting the role of coach and student is very important for a productive relationship. The second aspect that Gary felt the student should focus on was the level of the coach. Granted, not everyone needs an Olympic-caliber coach to be a good skater and get great basics and foundation under their belt. I personally choose instructors based on a combination of my own observations of how they teach, how they skate, word-of-mouth from fellow skaters and in some stances, without knowing anything and just wanting to experience a different teacher.

And the third quality that Gary wanted to emphasize was something I had never thought of, but of course, it makes the most sense. And that is: Choose a coach who looks like he/she enjoys being at the rink. I just thought that was the most profound statement I had heard in a while! So simple and yet so much in the statement about being happy with your work environment, which comes across to your students, which makes them appreciate their surroundings, makes them more receptive to learning, and I can go on and on. Am I reading too much into Gary's third quality? Who know but it's something to keep in mind if we're ever searching for an instructor!

JoJo Starbuck and her Cool Workouts at Rockefeller Rink

Raise your hand if you want to get up earlier than necessary. And I mean real early. Hey look at this -- all the adult skaters have their hands up! Take me for example. Couldn't get to work by 9:30 a.m. to save my life and I lived 45 minutes away door-to-door! But a 7:30 a.m. freestyle session? I was at the rink by 6:30 a.m. to warm up a little in the locker room, put on my skates, sip coffee, solve Word Jumble, etc. It must be the anticipation thing happening. Looking forward to something makes your whole being ready to go.

So all you adult skaters in the area should check out JoJo Starbuck's early morning Cool Workouts at Rockefeller Rink. JoJo (see right), with pairs partner Ken Shelley, won the U.S. title three times, and they are also two-time Olympians. JoJo was recently named Artistic Director of the new Ice Capades, continues to coach and choreograph, and is also a full-time wife and mother of 13-year-old twin boys. I last saw her perform at Rockefeller for the unveiling of Mia, the 2008 American Girl Place Doll of the Year, and she looked amazing, graceful and athletic. She's been holding her Cool Workout skating clinic at Rockefeller for over 20 years so this rink and it's skaters hold a very special place in her heart!

If you want to treat yourself and learn skills, develop friendships and I think also, see Rockefeller Rink in a different light (because contrary to what some say, you can have substantive lessons there), why not join in the Cool Workouts? Here are the details:

• WHEN: The classes are every Tuesday and Thursday from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. JoJo conducted the first class on Tuesday, October 14. When she's not available, Rockefeller Rink instructor Emily substitutes for her and the quality of the classes does not waver one bit. Both are accomplished skaters, verryy patient, and can explain moves ten different ways (which is a quality I personally appreciate).

• WHERE: The Rink at Rockefeller Center of course! Skaters meet in the Skate House between 7 and 7:30 a.m. to stretch, enjoy a complementary continental breakfast from Cucina Cafe, and put skates on. (Skate rentals are included if necessary).

• FEES: Each new month begins a new series. Classes are $50 each. For the month of October, there will be 6 classes, so the October series is $300 ($50x6). If you can't do all of the classes, there is a minimum registration of 50% of the classes for each series. (So for October, it would be $150 minimum for three classes. You can choose to do either Tuesdays or Thursdays). Payment is due the first day of each new series.

• OTHER INFO: They'll need to know in advance if you're coming. If you need rental skates, tell them your street shoe size and they'll have rentals sharpened especially for you. If there is rain predicted, everyone is notified via e-mail the night before at around 6 p.m. The make up classes are usually on the following Monday or Friday mornings, at 7:30 a.m. For more information, call (973) 377-7011 or send an e-mail to jojostarbuck777[AT]verizon[DOT]net. 

And finally, very important -- all levels are welcome! Everyone learns at their own level and pace. From the years that I've observed JoJo's Cool Workout classes, I think the level ranges from beginner to intermediate and everyone gets something out of the classes. And plus, it's kind of cool to share Rockefeller Rink with a group of like-minded skaters for an hour.

JoJo works with a student from her Cool Workout class:

Instructor Emily (far left) with students from JoJo's Cool Workout class:

 

Developing your coaching philosophy

The current issue of Professional Skater Magazine had a great article about coaches and their philosophy. Do you know your coach's philosophy? I don't think we ask that question enough. I certainly know what my goals are because my coach asks me. I guess I don't really ask of her, "Enough about me...What's your philosophy?" Heidi Thibert (see right) is the Sport Science Chair at the Professional Skaters Association and she discussed some important factors for coaches to consider in her article "Developing your coaching philosophy." The article was very interesting too for me as a student, to know where my coach was coming from.

(Used with the permission of Professional Skaters Association and the author. Reproduction of all or any part herein may be done for educational use only.)

Developing Your Coaching Philosophy
By Heidi Thibert

The first week of June, US Figure Skating and the USOC sent me, and PSA sent Kelley Morris-Adair and Carole Rossignol to the National Coaching Educator’s Conference. We attended many wonderful presentations designed to create programs within sporting organizations with the purpose of continuing education for coaches in all sports. The National Association for Sport and Physical Education has published the National Standards for Sport Coaches "to provide direction for coaching educators, sport administrators, coaches, athletes and their families, and the public regarding the skills and knowledge that coaches should possess.” Over 100 sport organizations agreed that a core body of knowledge existed from which to develop coaching expertise. The 37 Standards, grouped into eight "Domains," identified the scientific and practical competencies.

The first Domain identified is Philosophy and Ethics. The National Standards state that “it is imperative that the coach establishes a coaching philosophy that focuses on the safety, development, and well-being of the athlete. As a key leadership figure, the coach must model and teach appropriate behavior in all aspects of coaching and maintain ethical conduct during practice and competitions.” This article will focus on the development and implementation of an athlete-centered coaching philosophy, which is the first Standard.

The National Standards Benchmarks for developing a coaching philosophy are:

• Identify and communicate reasons for entering the coaching profession.
• Develop an athlete-centered coaching philosophy that aligns with the organizational mission and goals.
• Communicate the athlete-centered coaching philosophy in verbal and written form to athletes, parents/guardians, and program staff.
• Welcome all eligible athletes and implement strategies that encourage the participation of disadvantaged and disabled athletes.
• Manage athlete behavior consistent with an athlete-centered coaching philosophy.

A coaching philosophy that is well-thought out clarifies many aspects of the coach's delivery and presents a consistent and positive message to the skaters being coached. Coaches carry out our roles based on our experience, knowledge, values, opinions and beliefs. With that in mind, each one of us that coach skating needs to take the time to think through and formalize our personal coaching philosophy. So how do we develop a coaching philosophy?

START AT THE VERY BEGINNING, A VERY GOOD PLACE TO START

According the experts in the field of coaching, to develop a formal coaching philosophy, start by creating a coaching philosophy document that states the goals of: improving coaching skills, improving coach/athlete satisfaction, and improving athletic results.

The late great Canadian coach, Frank Reynolds teaches us that, to be successful in the coaching field, use three components to guide you, and  adapting them to skating, they would look like this:

• Know yourself as a coach: your strengths, weakness and areas requiring improvement.
• Know what you are up against and the obstacles you may encounter in coaching.
• Understand your skaters, their personalities, abilities, goals, and why they are in skating.

WHAT KIND OF COACH AM I?

It takes an honest self-assessment to admit to having weaknesses, but of course, we all have them. It is just best that they do not interfere with good coaching judgment. If you emphasize your strengths, you will be able to identify consistent ways to coach that best utilizes those strengths. To find out what your coaching strengths are, you can ask yourself a few questions: Are you:

• A former athlete, a natural teacher, or dynamic motivator, or efficient communicator?
• Easy going, energetic and dynamic, serious and strict, or outgoing and friendly?
• Perceived by others the same way you perceive yourself?

The opportunity to make a full assessment of your strengths and weaknesses and recognizing your morals, values and beliefs, you are better able to adjust your style of coaching to the skaters you are coaching. At the same time, you will answer the important questions on why you chose to be a coach, how you communicate and produce as a coach and what goals objectives you have as a coach. The saying is that “Self-knowledge leads to self-confidence”, and you want to radiate what your values are.

WHO AM I COACHING?

With regard to your background and experience and the skaters you work with, it is equally important to understand the perimeters of your coaching context. You need to have a good understanding of the age, gender and training level of the skaters you work with. You can ask yourself several questions to answer those questions:

• How much time do you have to devote to coaching?
• What is your coaching commitment level?
• How much time do your skaters have to devote to train and compete?
• What is the level of commitment that your skaters have?
• What are the stages that your developmental clientele currently in?
• What resources do you have available to help your skaters by enhancing and incorporating other aspects such as sport psychology, nutrition education or sophisticated technique analysis (i.e. Dartfish, etc.)?
• What are your short-term, intermediate and long-term goals for your skaters?

Undoubtedly, there may be other restrictions that will affect your coaching effectiveness, such as competition with other sports, school pressures and outside activities, even parental interference. Knowing what else is out there enables you to create your annual training program to the specific needs of the skaters you work with. By understanding the outside influences that will affect your coaching, you can incorporate into your coaching some policies on safety, training habits, and behavior, and adapt to the fact that others make decisions that affect you and your skaters. Relationships with parents can be stressful, and a clear plan on how to deal with an irate or manipulative parent will minimize or avoid a reaction that might make matters more difficult for you. By developing your coaching philosophy to encompass the coaching environment you are in, you can become more effective, productive, and minimize obstacles and other difficulties.

Communication is a vital aspect in your relationships with your skaters. It is very important to talk to your skaters individually to determine what their values and beliefs are, what their goals are and why they are participating. As a coach, you are a powerful role model and can have a tremendous influence on your skaters if you and your skaters are on the same page. Just as you examined your own values, beliefs and habits, take the time to get to know each of your skaters. Once you know and understand each of your skaters, their strengths, weaknesses abilities and skills, then develop an approach to coaching them. Will you focus on the stars? Will you treat everyone equal in terms of your attention and help? Are you into the team coaching approach, or do you prefer to be a solo act? Questions like these are important to identify your unique style of coaching.

THE JOURNEY IS THE PRIZE

How you as the coach view the results of both training and competition should be a major point of every coaching philosophy. Not many skaters are realistically “Olympic-bound,” and educating skaters that it is more important to focus on their process of development and how they performed in the competition, rather than the results that they achieved, cannot be emphasized enough. In a skating competition there can be only one first place. Does that mean everyone else is a loser? Of course not! Therefore, to build confidence and to see measurable progress, and to learn positively from mistakes made, coaches should focus on the process and not the outcomes with skaters. Encourage the skaters and parents follow your lead. Because the outcomes are obvious, it takes extra effort from the coach, parent and skater to see the benefit and results of the process of preparing for the competition.

CONCLUSION

Whether we take the time to design a coaching philosophy or not, all coaches operate under a coaching philosophy of some kind that is defined by our actions and beliefs. It can happen by default, or it can happen by a plan that will create a coaching roadmap for you that is realistic and rewarding for both you and your skaters in the form of improved performance. Coaching is all about helping skaters achieve their dreams. It should be done positively, intelligently and with dedication. The positive coach and role model, following a well defined coaching philosophy will be a key ingredient in the success of his or her skaters. For that reason alone, the development of a formal coaching philosophy statement is an essential first step for all coaches.

If you have questions about the National Standards for Sport Coaches, you can e-mail Heidi Thibert at: thi[AT]frii[DOT]com. Please replace [AT] with @ and [DOT] with .

**CLICK HERE FOR MORE GREAT ADVICE FROM PROS!**

Helpful tip on camel spins

I've been working with my coach Denise on camel spins. I love Denise. She can explain anything ten different ways, she can demonstrate anything you need or want, and she's very good at emphasizing proper body alignment from the minute I step onto the ice. Yesterday, we went over camel spins, which has been the bane of my skating existence for a while.

I've always warmed up for the camel spin by doing several forward spirals down the ice. Off the ice, I like to practice the camel and spiral positions as well (see above right). Whether on or off the ice, when I hit the position, I'm putting a lot of pressure towards the middle-to-back of my skate/foot. I'm usually thinking, "Press on the heel, arch and chin up!" Denise agreed that doing forward spirals was a good warmup to stretch out the back and the arms in preparation for the camel spin, but also made me aware that a forward spiral does not put the proper emphasis on the part of the blade that I'll be spinning on once I'm in the camel position.

Instead, practice the camel position from a back spiral on a shallow back inside edge. She explained that that is the part of the blade that I will ultimately be spinning on, so why not get used to the feel early on. I tried a few during our lesson and it was a completely different feeling -- for one thing, I was pressing on the ball of my foot and not the heel. I'll continue to practice the camel position both ways -- forward spirals and back spirals (on a shallow back inside edge) now that I'm more aware of all the elements that go into it. For those of you attempting this, please please make sure to try this at an empty session. It's hard to keep looking back!