Doug Leigh is one of the best-known figure skating coaches in Canada --
perhaps North America. He has coached Canadian Olympians like Brian Orser,
Elvis Stojko and Jennifer Robinson.
What does Leigh want out of a skater? "It's not always a medal. They have
to get the most out of themselves. That's what's important -- to push themselves
to the limit. To get a 'kick' in it."
Leigh starts by assessing a skater's speed, agility, flexibility, power
and line. "I'll address skills one step at a time. I'm like an architect.
You learn more, and then you shape development. It's all part of my responsibility
and my process. I'm always analyzing where the skater is -- constantly. I
have to keep on it because my skater's heart may not be where I thought it
was. If he's got good speed, he may not be a good jumper. I always look for
a nick in the armor."
Leigh's coaching envelops human growth and development. "You can relate
coaching to anything you do. Mine just happens to be figure skating. It's
about dealing with the right now. People get sidetracked with competitions
or medals, and those aren't the things that make the difference. You have
to look at the right thing and address it at the right time."
Leigh's own skating career was cut short years ago -- he says he lacked
the confidence to pursue it. He began teaching figure skating part time until
he opened his own school.
"Once you map out your plan, the bottom line in coaching is delivering
the goods," says Leigh. "But I love working with the skaters and other coaches,
and sharing throughout the years. It takes years and years to shape someone
to the high level of elite skaters. It's a long-term deal. If you want to
coach, you can't be afraid of challenges. You have to go for it."
Charles Fetter teaches recreational skating in Philadelphia. "If you can
put on a pair of shoes and walk across the room, you can skate," he says.
Fetter was attracted to skating because he didn't like team sports. "I
didn't want to wait for the other guys. I could just put on skates and go.
I think it's typical of children. They develop their own interests.
"It takes someone who is almost an obsessive-compulsive to become a good
skater. You're so focused on one aspect. The rink is cold and damp and there
are foul fumes from the ice-cleaning machine. It's not a pleasant place to
be. You're isolated and alone. And time is precious. Time is money. But it's
a lifetime sport. I have seniors who used to play hockey and now want to learn
ice dancing."
Fetter enjoys watching his students develop their skills. "It's not a month-to-month
thing. You have to watch for a long time. I'll see students start skating
at age six and turn out great at age 18. I can see it happen before my eyes.
It gives me goosebumps. It's a privilege to be part of that."
Joanne McLeod, an Olympic-level coach, says communication and personal
rapport are the keys to good coaching. "It's a very people-oriented job. Passion
goes a long way, too. No matter how good physically you are, will is what
drives a skater. Even at the Olympics, they see they can do things they never
thought they could do."
Coaches' greatest frustration is their lack of control over judging. "No
matter how good of a job you do, you have no control over those opinions.
And opinions aren't always at face value. There can be jealousy and influence
at work, too."
But being in competition has its rewards, says McLeod. "I get a tremendous
amount of pride and personal satisfaction in what I do. It's also a joy to
watch the skaters' emotions. They can be frustrated, naive, they can have
incredible egos when they're swamped for autographs, and they can suffer personal
defeats. I like knowing I'm needed for support. I'm never in the audience's
position. I'm always there as part of the competition."