MVP MENTALITY SPORTS PSYCHOLOGY

Ice skating is moving on ice by using ice skates. Ice skating occurs both on specially prepared indoor and outdoor tracks, as well as on naturally occurring bodies of frozen water, such as lakes and rivers. Figure skating is a sport and activity in which individuals, duos, or groups perform on figure skates on ice. It was the first winter sport included in the Olympics, in 1908. The four Olympic disciplines are men's singles, ladies' singles, pair skating, and ice dancing. Non-Olympic disciplines include synchronized skating and four skating. In senior-level competition, skaters generally perform two programs (short and long) which, depending on the discipline, may include spins, jumps, moves in the field, lifts, throw jumps, death spirals, and other elements or moves.

Figure skaters compete at various levels from beginner up to the Olympic level (senior) at local, national, and international competitions. The sport is also associated with show business. Major competitions generally conclude with exhibition galas, in which the top skaters from each discipline perform non-competitive programs. Many skaters, both during and after their competitive careers, also skate in ice shows which run during the competitive season and the off-season.

Ice skating require a large amount of mental toughness in order to push the bodies to the physical demands of the sport on the ice. Often times, the largest obstacle faced by ice skaters, is fear. When fear enters the ice rink, other factors such as self doubt and confidence become important factors to assess. There are many techniques to help skaters overcome fear, as well as the other mental blocks that might be interfering with their performance.