Welcome to Part 2 of Your First Figure Skating Competition Series!
If you missed Part 1, go check it out—it covers everything from deciding if you’re ready to how to register online without losing your mind. Now, let’s talk game day strategy!
Practice Ice & Warm-Ups: Be Ready for Chaos
Unlike your peaceful home rink sessions, competition ice can be wild—especially the 20-minute practice sessions that are often over crowded and include skaters of all levels. I recomend practicing a few of these at home first – seriously, I set a timer on my phone and go through exactly which elements I need run through, in which order, and what I need to accomplish to feel ready.
And don’t count on that six-minute warm-up! It’s not always guaranteed in adult skating, especially at the lower levels. I’ve seen it cut down to just 2–3 minutes if the event is running behind. I highly recommend you practice your warm-up at home so you know what works and what can be done quickly when nerves are high.
Do a Dress Rehearsal
Plan a full dress rehearsal at home in your complete competition outfit—including hair and makeup—to make sure everything stays secure and feels comfortable. It’s also the perfect time for an equipment check: tighten your blade screws and ask yourself if it’s time to swap out your skate laces. If your skates are due for sharpening, book that in with your skate tech and plan do it with at least 2–3 hours of skating time before your event.
What About Your Mental Game?
This might be the most important part of all.
Start by chatting with your coach about your goals. Focus on what you can control—like completing a successful warm-up, holding your jump landings, or debuting a new element versus a medal or score which is highly dependent on that particular judging panel and which other competitors are in your division. (More on that here)
Dealing with nerves? Join the club. What helps me most is being prepared. I like to arrive early, in case schedules have changed but also to allow myself time to find everything, stretch, and warm-up. I don’t want to feel rushed. I visualize my program, complete my off-ice warm-up, and take a few deep breaths before stepping on the ice. Some skaters feel more at ease watching others, while some need quiet time alone to focus—I definitely fall into the latter camp. Take the time to figure out what works for you.
Packing, Check-In, and Day-Of Details
Think of packing in categories:
- Off-ice warm-up gear
- Practice ice essentials
- Competition outfit and makeup
- Cozy clothes for afterward
Here’s a packing checklist to help you out.
When you arrive:
- Head to the check-in desk to pick up your credential (your access badge).
- Ask if there have been any schedule changes.
- Find your locker room (usually grouped by age and gender).
- Scope out where your ice sheet is (if more than one) and where you can warm up off-ice.
- Check in with the ice monitor at your rink for your practice session and event.
If your coach is with you, great—they’ll help guide you. But even solo, you’ve got this. Ask the ice monitor if the six-minute warm-up is still in place or has been shortened, so you can adjust your plan accordingly.
If you skate first in your group, plan to finish your warm-up early enough to remove your jacket, breathe, and get into your mental zone.
Go Time
You’ve done the work. You’ve trained, prepared, packed, and practiced. Now it’s time to smile, breathe, and enjoy your moment on the ice. You only get one first competition—make it a good one.
Free Packing List
Here’s a handy check list for your off ice warm-up, practice session, competition and the times in between.
Love it… Uber helpful and appreciated the details AND checklist (bonus)! The only other item I would add is words of inspiration ( either poetry/ quote etc that the athlete wrote 9or notes from friends / family. While one is on the ice alone… there are several that are mentally cheering on the athlete as well (sometimes helps to have that ‘little reminder’ in the pocket too !! Thanks for both part 1&2!!