Overcoming Fear & Building Confidence
Conquer your fears and skate with confidence
🎯 You're Not Alone
Fear is completely normal in figure skating! Whether it's fear of falling, fear of jumps, fear of backward skating, or fear of looking foolish, every skater—from beginners to Olympians—experiences fear. The difference is that confident skaters have learned strategies to manage and overcome their fears. This guide provides practical, proven methods to build confidence and conquer fear on the ice.
Common Skating Fears
Fear of Falling
The most common fear, especially for adult beginners. Worry about getting hurt, embarrassment, or hitting your head.
Fear of Backward Skating
Not being able to see where you're going creates anxiety and loss of control.
Fear of Jumps
Launching yourself into the air feels dangerous and unnatural.
Fear of Spins
Dizziness, loss of balance, and rotating quickly trigger fear responses.
Fear of Looking Foolish
Worrying about what others think, especially when learning new skills.
Fear of Injury
Concern about getting hurt and being unable to work or care for family.
Fear of Failure
Anxiety about not progressing or not being "good enough."
Understanding Fear
Why We Feel Fear:
- Survival instinct: Your brain is protecting you from perceived danger
- Past experiences: Previous falls or failures create fear memories
- Adult awareness: Adults understand consequences better than kids
- Lack of control: New skills feel unpredictable and scary
- Comparison: Watching others makes your struggles feel worse
Fear vs Caution:
- Healthy caution: Keeps you safe, prevents reckless behavior
- Limiting fear: Stops you from trying, prevents progress
The goal isn't to eliminate fear—it's to manage it so it doesn't control you!
Building Confidence Strategies
Confidence comes from competence. Build a solid foundation before advancing.
- Perfect basic skills before moving to advanced ones
- Don't skip steps in progression
- Repetition builds confidence
- Celebrate small victories
Each skill you master is a rung on your confidence ladder. Don't try to skip rungs! Master edges before crossovers, crossovers before jumps. Each success builds confidence for the next challenge.
Gradually expose yourself to feared skills in manageable steps.
Example: Overcoming Fear of Backward Skating
- Step 1: Stand still, look over shoulder
- Step 2: Push off boards, glide 5 feet backward
- Step 3: Backward wiggling for 10 feet
- Step 4: Backward wiggling across rink
- Step 5: Backward stroking
Break scary skills into tiny, manageable steps. Master each before progressing.
Your brain can't tell the difference between real and vividly imagined experiences.
How to Visualize:
- Close your eyes and imagine performing the skill perfectly
- Include all senses: what you see, feel, hear
- Visualize success, not failure
- Practice daily, especially before skating
- See yourself confident and in control
Replace negative thoughts with positive, realistic ones.
Negative → Positive:
- "I can't do this" → "I'm learning this"
- "I'll fall and get hurt" → "I know how to fall safely"
- "Everyone's watching me fail" → "Everyone's focused on themselves"
- "I'm too old for this" → "Adults learn skating every day"
- "I'll never get this" → "Progress takes time"
Shift focus from results to effort and improvement.
- Celebrate trying, not just succeeding
- Track progress, not perfection
- Value learning over landing
- Recognize effort as success
Practical Fear-Busting Techniques
When fear strikes, count down from 5 and go. Don't give fear time to grow.
- 5-4-3-2-1-GO!
- Commit before overthinking
- Action defeats fear
Deep breathing calms your nervous system.
- Inhale for 4 counts
- Hold for 4 counts
- Exhale for 4 counts
- Repeat 3-5 times before attempting scary skills
Make the scary thing less scary by starting tiny.
- Afraid of jumps? Start with tiny hops
- Afraid of spins? Start with one rotation
- Afraid of speed? Start slow
- Build up gradually
Repeat a confidence-building phrase.
- "I am strong and capable"
- "I've got this"
- "Fear is temporary, regret is forever"
- "I trust my training"
- Choose one that resonates with you
Building Confidence Over Time
Week 1-2: Foundation
- Master falling safely (see our falling guide)
- Build basic skills
- Establish positive self-talk
- Start visualization practice
Week 3-4: Small Wins
- Attempt one scary skill in small steps
- Celebrate every attempt
- Track progress in journal
- Notice confidence growing
Month 2-3: Momentum
- Tackle bigger challenges
- Fear becomes manageable
- Confidence becomes habit
- Help other beginners
Month 4+: Transformation
- Fear no longer controls you
- Confidence is your default
- You inspire others
- Skating feels natural
Getting Support
Sources of Support:
- Coach: Professional guidance and encouragement
- Skating friends: Shared experiences and mutual support
- Online communities: Connect with adult skaters worldwide
- Family: Share your journey and celebrate wins
- Yourself: Be your own biggest cheerleader
When to Seek Professional Help:
- Fear prevents you from skating at all
- Panic attacks on the ice
- Fear interferes with daily life
- Past trauma related to skating or falling
There's no shame in seeking help from a sports psychologist or therapist. Many elite athletes work with mental coaches!
Confidence-Building Tips
- Dress the part: Wearing great practice wear boosts confidence
- Film yourself: See your progress objectively
- Set achievable goals: Small wins build confidence
- Practice during quiet sessions: Less pressure, more focus
- Remember why you started: Reconnect with your love of skating
- Be patient: Confidence takes time to build
- Celebrate everything: Every attempt is a victory
- Comparison is the thief of joy: Focus on YOUR journey
Skate with Confidence
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