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If you have been searching the net looking for a magic pill to make you a better skater than the bad news is that you won't find it here...either! Becoming a great skater still requires a great deal focus and hard work.

However in this article Steffany Hanlen, passes on some fundamentals that will help you to begin to create a great skating foundation.

1. Always buy skates that fit.

You don't need to purchase the most expensive skates, however, the skates you purchase have to fit! You will only ever perform to the level that your equipment allows. Your skates are what actually transfers the power from your legs and hips to the ice. If your skates are too big, or even too stiff, you are leaving a ton power and speed on the ice.

2. Don't Bend your knees!?!?

Every skating coach says "bend your knees" and we all know that we have to do this... but it hurts. Our saying is "Load your Legs". Then we teach you how to do this based on the proper mechanics of your body- and we insist on it. Loading your legs teaches your body and your mind what it is supposed to feel like to get into the 90 degree knee bend we all require in order to increase speed. So STOP bending your knees...! Load your legs!

3. Watch and imitate players that are better than you.

You can learn so much by watching great skaters, teammates or even pro's on televison. Visualize yourself moving the same way your favourite player moves on the ice and see if you can create the feeling in your own body that you think they have. We are all built differently, so we all skate somewhat differently, however the key is that physics is a science and gravity is a law. Harness the power of both, imitate greatness and you will become faster.

4. Stop trying so hard!

Many players believe that you have to SKATE HARD, all the time. In Quantum Speed we say , "Work less get MORE!" Proper technique makes your skating stride more efficient, the result is that the power from the muscles you use for skating move you faster. Work smarter not harder!!

5. Set goals then find programs that will support you in attaining them.

Choose instrution and development coaching based on YOUR needs and personal goals. Do your homework, to be certain the program supports your goals. The good ones create programs for YOU- you don\'t do their program...get it?

6. Be the 'I' in team during your training cycles.

When you join a program, participate fully for your own reasons. Sure, it is fun to go with a friend to work out, however, eventually you have to start getting better as an indivdual. Ensure the people you train with are as commited to their training as you are. Be a focused training partner and as a result you both win.

7. Decide!!

'Decide' to become a better skater, and commit to what ever it takes to do so. Being a great skater is possible for anyone. See and treat yourself as an athlete, stay on a training path, and practice stride and style repetitions correctly.