Top Speed Skating Training Techniques for Young Athletes in 2025
Speed skating is no longer just about putting on skates and racing fast — today, it’s a highly technical sport that requires a perfect blend of strength, endurance, agility, and technique. If you want young skaters to truly excel — whether it's at the district, state, or national level — modern training techniques are key.
Ajay Singh
4/7/2025
Here’s a look at the top training techniques that are shaping the champions of 2025:
Off-Skate Strength Training
Speed skating demands powerful legs, a strong core, and incredible balance. Off-skate strength training focuses on:
Squats, lunges, and deadlifts for leg power
Planks and Russian twists for core strength
Plyometric drills like box jumps to improve explosive strength
Regular strength training prevents injuries and helps skaters maintain speed over longer distances.
High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT)
Endurance is crucial, but long, slow sessions are being replaced by short, intense bursts of effort:
Short sprints followed by recovery periods mimic real race conditions.
HIIT builds cardiovascular fitness faster and trains the body to recover between race heats.
A typical HIIT session could be 30 seconds sprint / 30 seconds rest repeated 10–15 times.
Technical Skating Drills
Perfect technique beats raw speed every time. Coaches now focus more on:
Low posture maintenance (deep knee bends for aerodynamic position)
Proper crossovers for faster and more efficient cornering
Weight transfer drills to maximize push power
Practicing short laps, corner glides, and single leg balances helps refine technique with precision.
Flexibility and Mobility Work
Speed skaters need to move efficiently and prevent injuries. Daily flexibility routines now include:
Dynamic stretching before workouts (leg swings, hip openers)
Static stretching after training (hamstrings, quads, back)
Foam rolling for muscle recovery
Yoga and Pilates are also becoming popular cross-training options for skaters to build flexibility and control.
Mental Toughness Training
Today’s young skaters are also trained mentally for success:
Visualization techniques (mentally rehearsing races)
Breath control exercises for handling nerves
Positive self-talk to build confidence and resilience
Building mental strength is just as important as physical training, especially for skaters aiming for top competitions like RSFI (District/State/Nationals), SGFI and CBSE Championships.
Video Analysis and Smart Coaching
Coaches now use video analysis tools to break down a skater’s stride, posture, and race strategy:
Slow-motion playback helps skaters understand mistakes and correct form faster.
Wearable trackers and timing systems provide real-time feedback on speed and acceleration.
Smart, tech-driven coaching is becoming a game-changer at top academies!
In 2025, the most successful young skaters are those who train smart, not just hard.
They blend strength, stamina, technique, mental preparation, and technology into their routines.
At our skating academy in Gurugram — recognized at district, state, and national levels — we believe in preparing skaters with the most advanced and holistic training methods to help them achieve their dreams!
