Parent Guide
Supporting Your Young Athlete's Coordination Development
Welcome to CARS!
Thank you for entrusting us with your child's athletic development. This guide will help you understand what to expect and how you can best support your young skater's journey in competitive artistic roller sports.
Understanding Coordination Development
What is Coordination?
Coordination is the ability to use different parts of the body together smoothly and efficiently. In artistic roller skating, this means combining balance, rhythm, edge control, and body awareness while moving to music—all at the same time!
Why Does It Matter?
Strong coordination development provides the foundation for:
- Safe, controlled skating at all levels
- Technical skill mastery
- Artistic expression and performance quality
- Injury prevention and long-term athletic health
What to Expect by Age Group
Ages 5-9: Foundational Stage
Focus: Play-based learning, building confidence, basic balance and rhythm
Your child will:
- Learn to feel comfortable on skates
- Develop one-foot balance and gliding
- Begin moving to simple music
- Explore edges through play and games
- Have FUN and want to keep skating!
Ages 10-13: Development Stage
Focus: Technical foundation building, edge mastery, musical awareness
Your child will:
- Master all four edges (LO, RO, LI, RI)
- Learn complex turns and footwork
- Skate to different time signatures
- Work with partners on synchronized skating
- Build stamina for longer sequences
Ages 14-17: Pre-Competitive Stage
Focus: Performance readiness, artistic expression, competition preparation
Your child will:
- Execute advanced technical sequences
- Interpret music through movement
- Perform under pressure with consistency
- Develop their unique artistic style
- Be fully prepared for competition
How You Can Support Your Skater
1. Attendance & Consistency
- Regular attendance is crucial for skill development
- Communicate absences in advance when possible
- Help your child arrive on time and prepared
2. Positive Encouragement
- Focus on effort and progress, not just results
- Celebrate small victories and improvements
- Use phrases like "I noticed you worked really hard today" vs. "You were the best"
- Avoid comparing your child to other skaters
3. Trust the Coaching Process
- Avoid coaching from the sidelines during practice
- Allow coaches to provide technical feedback
- Ask questions or share concerns with coaches directly (not during practice)
- Remember that progression may not always be linear—plateaus are normal
4. Support Physical & Mental Health
- Ensure adequate sleep (9-11 hours for children, 8-10 for teens)
- Provide nutritious meals and snacks
- Encourage hydration before, during, and after skating
- Watch for signs of overtraining or burnout
- Maintain balance with school, family, and social time
5. Communication
- Keep coaches informed of any injuries, illnesses, or concerns
- Share relevant information (school stress, family changes, etc.)
- Use appropriate channels (email, scheduled meetings) for discussions
- Be open to feedback about your child's progress
Common Questions
Q: How long does it take to see progress?
A: Every child develops at their own pace. You may see dramatic improvements in some areas quickly, while other skills take longer. Consistent practice over months and years builds the foundation for long-term success.
Q: Should my child practice at home?
A: Off-skate activities like jump rope, balance exercises, and listening to music can be helpful. However, avoid trying to coach technical skating skills at home—this can create confusion or reinforce incorrect technique.
Q: What if my child gets frustrated?
A: Frustration is a normal part of learning! Help your child understand that challenges are opportunities to grow. Encourage them to talk to their coach about what's difficult, and remind them that everyone struggles sometimes—even elite athletes.
Q: How do I know if my child is ready to compete?
A: Your child's coach will provide guidance on competition readiness based on technical skills, maturity, and personal goals. Competition can be a great motivator, but it's not required for all skaters.
Important Reminders
- This is your child's journey. Let them own their goals and celebrate their achievements.
- Fun and safety come first. We prioritize athlete well-being over competitive results.
- Development takes time. Trust the process and enjoy watching your child grow.
- You're part of the team. Your support, encouragement, and partnership make all the difference.
Questions? Contact your CARS coaching staff anytime.