#1
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Finally decided to test
My coach has been bringing this up and after giving it a thought, I decided that I do want to take the adult pre-bronze MIF test.
I definitely need preparation, as my waltz 8 and 3 turns need work If all goes well I will look into taking the freestyle test at the end of the year. I'm not really in a hurry or anything, but I figured it is good to have a "tangible goal" and get some sort of official validation that my skating is good enough, since I don't think I'll ever want to compete (i do like doing my rink's ice shows though). Any tips or experiences on this test you guys would like to share? My coach said if we get right to preparing for it starting this week I would be ready by summer |
#2
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I recommend going to watch a test session in advance, so you can see how test sessions are run and what to expect. Try to watch someone testing Pre-Bronze MIF, if possible, or else watch some Pre-Prelim and Prelim MIF tests, so you can see the quality of skating expected.
I'm not the world's greatest test-taker, lol, but what I would say is to be confident in your skating ability and think about just going out and doing the moves like you always do. Everyone always skates a notch lower on tests, just like comps, so don't get upset if you skate a move less than your best - it's likely that the move is still passing standard, and it's also possible that the judges didn't even see the 'bad stuff' that you thought they would. I remember on one of my Bronze MIF tests, I wobbled and nearly put my free foot down. But I passed the move and none of the judges said anything about the 'mistake'. Good luck!
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Terri C is a Bronze lady! Gold Moves, here I come! |
#3
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Did you do any special preparation leading up to a test? i.e. additional ice time/lessons just on test elements?
thanks for the tip about watching a test session. I will ask my coach about that. |
#4
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And it's a good point about dropping standard on test day. Nerves do strange things to legs, but the coach won't enter you unless you're WAY above standard, so that when you have the natural drop in standard you end up above the pass mark. So you've got to trust the coach on that one. But it's a good thing that you're not stressing yourself out trying to set a close target date to test. I mentally set dates I'd like to aim for (like end of year, etc), but if I'm not ready or something comes up (work, sickness, injury) then I just move my goal to account for it. I don't want anything too tight, because as my coach is so fond of reminding me, it's a leisure activity for us adults. |
#5
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I agree with everything posted above. I had a few extra lessons, but not many. I also went through all the moves in order, both on my own and with my coach.
The best advice I can give you for the test: Bend your knees and breathe! Good luck, you will do fine. Just make sure that you test when you feel ready. You will know. Or you'll be tired of doing those moves and you'll want to get it over with. -e |
#6
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Speaking as a judge, remember we WANT you to pass. That's why we're there and the PB test is an encouragement test. Sooooo, run the test... and if you "mess up" while you're running the test during your lesson/during your own practice time.. JUST KEEP GOING as if it were the test.
Good for you for deciding to test. |
#7
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Also, do a search on 'pre-bronze test' in this forum and you'll find several preparatory/advice threads - they helped me immeasurably. How to prepare - what to expect - what to wear - etc.
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#8
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And if you aren't testing at your own rink, go and skate at the rink where the test will be held at least once or twice to get a feel of where things are and how the ice feels. Every rink has its own atmosphere, and you don't want to add that on top of pre-test jitters! Good luck! I wish I had your guts (maybe in 5 or 6 years I'll give it a try...)
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#9
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The week of the test wear exactly what you will wear for the test and practice all the moves without your gloves or jacket. If you screw up just keep going as though you were doing the test. Imagine the judges watching you.
j |
#10
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j |
#11
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I don't bring a coach with me to tests, so I like to spend some lesson time on what to do in the warm up. That way I'm prepared.
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-Jessi What I need is a montage... Visit my skating journal or my Youtube videos (updated with 2 new videos Sept 26, 2009) |
#12
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like others mentioned the pre-prelim and pre-bronze are encouragement tests so knowing that the judege wants you to pass is a great help. I made an effort to skate at the rink i was going to test at about a week beforehand just to get a feel of the ice and the size--it was (thankfully) a smaller size rink than my home rink, it'll also give you an idea of the temp at the rink so you know if you should wear layers or not. do your own run through of the test elements. even if you mess up a little just keep going and smile. before doing the next element make eye contact with the judge and smile and wait for them to ok you to do the next element. id also recommend asking your coach how to exit each move --to make each move polished and secure (some exit with a gliding edge and extended free leg and others with a t-stop). definately it pays to watch a test session. oh, one more thing, you should do a practice test run through wearing the clothes you'd wear during the test-just to make sure you're real comfty!
i tested during a freestyle so it was far less intimidating so you can look into doing that. good luck!!!!!!!!!! |
#13
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BTW, on this page are diagrams of the moves you'll be doing, and if you scroll down this page, you will see videos of them. Very useful! http://www.usfigureskating.org/Programs.asp?id=316
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"You don't have to put an age limit on your dreams." - Dara Torres, 41, after her 2nd medal at the 2008 Olympics |
#14
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#15
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Thanks everyone. All your tips are helpful because this testing stuff is new to me.
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#16
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I had the gloves off for one test, and swore on never doing it again - I was too distracted by my freezing hands!
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--renatele |
#17
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I don't know where you skate, but if there are any judges in your area, you could ask one of them to come look at your tests about a month before you test. Most judges are pretty open to this kind of thing. The only problem is they often don't feel comfortable looking at a test, making comments on it, then ending up on your panel a short time later, which is why I suggest you do it at least a month before you officially test. You could even have them print out the forms and write down their comments (there are no numerical scores on the Pre-Bronze or Pre-Pre MIF & FS tests.. just Pass/Retry) so you get the entire experience right down to the nerves and feelings of "Someone is watching me" and waiting for the forms and then make sure you talk to them to see what they liked and what they think needs the most improvement.
Also, in our area, it is fairly common for coaches and/or test chairs to arrange for the Pre-Pre or Pre-Bronze tests to be done by a single judge on a FS session. That helps the newest skaters feel more comfortable since it's not that different from the feeling when they practice the elements. I do this for a lot of our skaters. If you decide to do this, make sure you run it by your club's test chair, since that is the person who submits the results to USFS.. and you don't want to do the test, have it go well, and then not have the results submitted and have to go through it all over again. Good luck! |
#18
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j |
#19
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__________________
Mrs Redboots ~~~~~~~~ I love my computer because my friends live in it! Ice dancers have lovely big curves! |
#20
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__________________
You miss 100% of the shots you never take.--Wayne Gretzky |
#21
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Thanks everyone...I am taking all the suggestions to heart. I am pretty sure the test will not be in our home rink...my coach will not be with me but she said the other coach (her best friend that teaches me in her absence) will be taking me to the test. (my coach has a baby so it's hard for her to adjust her sched outside our normal skating times)...so at least i will have the moral support bit i will also take to heed practicing without gloves or a jacket as it gets closer.
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moves in the field, testing notes |
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