June 19

June 20

June 21

Presentations

Plenary - Bio-mechanics of speed skating - Is it possible to generate forward momentum with an aggressive lateral push?
This session will provide a general overview of the bio-mechanics of speed skating.  It will focus on the skills and motor patterns relating to the push in order to generate maximum forward momentum, indentifying key elements for coaches to focus on at each stage of development.

D1 - Aptitude, Talent, Genius
What makes a talented athlete?  Can you recognise one when you see one?  What indicators can be used to identify talented athletes and what can you do as a coach to foster the development of talent.  Dr. Frank Dick OBE will share with you his take on how you can both identify and foster the development of talent.

Note:  This workshop is required for all coaches completing the Level III Technical Training.

Dr. Frank
Dick OBE

English

Français

D2- Creating a positive learning environment for children(French)
This workshop will focus on strategies that can be used to optimise the resources available and create a practice environment that will be fun and exciting.

Annie Sarrat

 English

 Français

D3 - Coaching Participants with Intellectual Disabilities(English)
Presented by Special Olympics Canada, this workshop will focus on means to develop effective partnerships and inclusive opportunities for participants with intellectual disabilities within speed skating club programs and practical tips for coaching athletes with a disability.

English

E1 - Implementing Event Specific Warm-ups
Different competitive events require the solicitation of different athletic abilities and it is necessary to prepare the body accordingly.  This workshop will demonstrate some of the different techniques and strategies developed by National Team Conditioning Coaches to assist athletes in appropriately warming-up to achieve an optimal state of readiness for performance in each individual distance.

English

Français

E3(English)/E4(French) - Blade Rockering Techniques
Learn how to determine the amount of rocker required for a skater given their strength and speed.  This will be followed by a hands-on practical session where coaches will be able to practice their art under the guidance and supervision of National Team Equipment Technicians. 

Coaches will be expected to bring their own jig, stones, gauge and blades to practice on during this session. 

It is recommended that you bring old stone with you for this session.

Jeff Scholten

Alex Moritz

F1 - Biomechanics of speed skating – Strategies for effective cornering in speed skating, the dynamic balance of speed skaters
What is the most effective way to enter a corner?  How should a skater’s body be positioned?  This workshop will focus on the most effective ways for skaters to approach cornering and the skills that skaters need to acquired in order to apply these principles.

F3(English)/F4(French) - Blade Bending Techniques
Learn how to determine the amount of bend required for a skater given their strength and speed.  This will be followed by a hands-on practical session where coaches will be able to practice their art under the guidance and supervision of National Team Equipment Technicians. 

Coaches will be expected to bring their own bender, gauge and blades to practice on during this session. 

Jeff Scholten

Alex Moritz

G1 - Panel Discussion:  Balancing Competition
One of the keys to effective periodisation is balancing performance competitions (used for selection & championships) with an athlete’s need to learn critical racing skills, providing an opportunity to evaluate his or her own capacities providing an opportunity to make mistakes. 

Listen to National Team coaches as they explain techniques for determining which competitions athletes should attend or not as well as how to determine which competitions should be targeted as performance vs. developmental.  Not all competitions are equal.  The art of effective coaching is to know what role each competition should play for a developing athlete and adjusting training and competition programs accordingly.

TBC

G2 - Panel Discussion:  Developing Club Culture
Developing a strong sense of team and a culture of success is key to ensuring long term continuous success within any program as well as laying the foundation for long term program success.

A panel will discuss the importance of developing a strong club culture and the positive impact that it can have in creating a positive experience and laying the foundation for long term success.  This discussion will feature brief presentations by explaining the benefits of creating a strong club culture and testimonials as to the impact that the development of a club culture can have both for retaining participants in the sport and having a positive impact on long term performance.  Participants in the session will have an opportunity to ask panellist specific questions with regards to their views on the best ways to in store a culture of fun and success in a club. 

Marcel Lacroix

Nancy Goplen

Richard Thériault

G3 - Boot fittings and equipment selection
This workshop will be an open Q & A session with National Team Equipment technicians Alex Moritz and Jeff Scholten who will be available to answer key questions about choosing equipment for athletes of all ages, as well as ensuring that skates fit appropriately.

Jeff Scholten

Alex Moritz

H1 - Tomorrow Begins Today
Developing the next generation of champions starts with the foundation that we are laying today.  Listen to Dr. Frank Dick OBE outline his take on what we need to being doing today to support up and coming athletes so that they are ready to win in sport and in life tomorrow.  What benchmarks do we need to be considering and how should be supporting developing athletes.

English

Français

H2 - Developing physical literacy through off-ice warm-ups
Experience a warm-up which you could lead skaters between the ages of 7 and 12 through prior to a regular practice as a means to promote the development of physical literacy and enhance the ability of skaters to acquire specific on-ice speed skating skills.

Note:  This workshop is required for all coaches completing the Introduction to Competition NCCP Training.