Youth and Adult Development Guides

Development Overview

Whether you're just starting out or looking to advance your skills, these guides provide structured pathways for development in artistic roller sports. Our programs are designed to be age-appropriate, progressive, and athlete-centered, focusing on coordination, rhythm, timing, balance, and movement control.

This content is based on research and best practices from USA Roller Sports (USARS), World Skate, the Long-Term Athlete Development (LTAD) Model, and principles outlined by the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee (USOPC).

Youth Coordination Development Plan

Our comprehensive Youth Coordination Development Plan provides detailed progressions for young skaters from ages 5-17. This plan is based on research from USA Roller Sports, World Skate, the Long-Term Athlete Development Model, and SafeSport guidelines.

View the complete Youth Coordination Development Plan →

Program Overview

Primary Focus: General coordination, balance, and rhythm

Training Frequency: 2-3 sessions per week, 30-45 minutes

Key Philosophy: Play-based learning with high repetition and positive reinforcement

Objectives

• Develop gross-motor control and full-body awareness
• Introduce rhythm and timing through music and movement
• Build confidence and posture on skates through playful exploration
• Establish basic skating vocabulary and spatial awareness

Key Activities

• Balance Development: Floor line walks, hop patterns, scooter pushes, one-foot glides
• Rhythm & Movement Control: Circle skating with music, follow-the-leader games
• Spatial Awareness & Edges: Zig-zag patterns, turning fundamentals, two-foot turns

Assessment Criteria

By the end of this stage, skaters should be able to:

• Glide 5 seconds on each foot independently
• Demonstrate 2-foot turns in both directions
• Move in time with simple 4/4 music
• Maintain upright posture during forward skating
• Show awareness of other skaters and boundaries

Development Stage (Ages 10-13) - "Learn to Train"

Primary Focus: Complex coordination, edge control, and rhythm precision

Training Frequency: 3-4 sessions per week, 45-75 minutes

Key Philosophy: Technical foundation building with emphasis on quality over quantity

Objectives

• Improve bilateral coordination and cross-body movement patterns
• Master smooth edge transitions on all four edges
• Refine timing and balance under increased technical demand
• Develop musicality awareness across multiple time signatures
• Build stamina for extended movement sequences

Key Activities

• Advanced Balance & Core Integration: Jump-rope variations, agility ladder drills, balance challenges
• Edge Mastery: Edge tracing progressions on all four edges (forward and backward)
• Edge Transitions: Smooth changes from forward to backward, inside to outside edge transitions
• Technical Elements: Three-turns, mohawks, serpentine patterns, figure-8 patterns

Assessment Criteria

By the end of this stage, skaters should be able to:

• Demonstrate clean tracings on all four edges (forward)
• Maintain edge for minimum 5 seconds
• Execute controlled three-turns on both feet
• Skate in time with 2/4, 3/4, and 4/4 music
• Perform synchronized movements with partner within 1-beat accuracy
• Show bilateral coordination (equal quality both sides)

Pre-Competitive Stage (Ages 14-17) - "Train to Train & Train to Compete"

Primary Focus: Coordination under performance and musical conditions

Training Frequency: 4-5 sessions per week, 60-90 minutes

Key Philosophy: Integration of technical skills with artistic expression and performance readiness

Objectives

• Blend balance, rhythm, and strength in performance scenarios
• Coordinate upper and lower body movement with musical interpretation
• Apply musical phrasing and dynamics through technical control
• Develop performance stamina and mental focus
• Prepare for competitive demands and pressure situations

Adult Development Programs

Beginning Adults

Never too late to start! Our adult beginner programs focus on building fundamental skills in a supportive, age-appropriate environment.

• Basic balance and edge control
• Fundamental skating techniques
• Introduction to artistic elements
• Fitness and flexibility for skating

Returning Skaters

Coming back to the sport after time away? These programs help rebuild skills and confidence.

• Skill assessment and goal setting
• Progressive retraining protocols
• Updated technique and rules
• Injury prevention and conditioning

Competitive Adults

For adults pursuing competitive artistic skating at any level.

• Advanced technical training
• Program development and choreography
• Competition preparation
• Performance skills and presentation

Support and Evaluation Systems

Progress Tracking

Regular assessment helps ensure steady progress and identifies areas for focused improvement:

• Monthly skill assessments
• Video review and analysis
• Progress journals and goal setting
• Parent and coach communication

Safety and Well-Being

All programs follow guidelines from the U.S. Center for SafeSport and prioritize:

• Age-appropriate training loads
• Proper warm-up and cool-down protocols
• Injury prevention strategies
• Positive coaching and communication
• Mental health and athlete well-being

Additional Resources

For Parents

• Understanding the development stages
• Supporting your young athlete
• Equipment and cost information
• Competition and testing overview

For Coaches

• Training plans and progressions
• Assessment tools and checklists
• SafeSport compliance resources
• Continuing education opportunities

For detailed training plans, contact your local CARS coach or visit our resources section.