Created by Sue Ellis, former US Olympic Speed Skating Coach
The ELLIS METHOD
Feel the Power!
One thing that stood out for me was that, although I learned heaps about skating, the methods used to teach it seemed complicated. There were so many steps to executing a powerful push that coaches and athletes were often confused about what to do, what sequence to do it in, the timing of the execution, etc.
The ELLIS METHOD emphasizes body posiiton and movements that allow a skater, at any level, whether a speed skater or a hockey player, to feel a dramatic increase in POWER and EFFICIENCY!
I began coaching full time in 1984 after 16 years of competitve skating. I loved going to coaching courses to learn the latest methods and new technologies, attaining my Level 4 NCCP certification and completing 18 of 20 Level 5 courses. I eventually began teaching coaching courses and became a Level 3 Course Conductor and Master Course Conductor and Mentor Coach for the Atlantic Region. Sue Ellis Bio
After taking my biomechanics course in 1996 and spending countless hours studying video of the best skaters in the world since then, I found they all had one thing in common; great body position and the application of simple laws of physics in generating forward momentum and power at top speed. They were all very efficient at putting pressure in to the ice using the back part of the blade early in the push and the front part later in the push.
Over time I have modified my own teaching methods and have come up with a progression of drills and a method of skating (ELLIS METHOD) that is not only simple to learn, but will allow skaters to feel an increase in power and speed in "no time". The Ellis Method teaches skaters the ideal position for their own unique body type, how to use the core muscles (abdominals, hips, glutes) in generating pressure in to the ice using the whole blade, and the correct sequence of motion for different speeds. From young to elite, all the skaters who have applied this method have been excited with the results. We're sure you will be too!
Traditionally skating has been taught using methods athletes and coaches found difficult to understand!
UNTIL...
As with any sport, biomechanics and technique are constantly evolving. The Ellis Edge is on top of it bringing you latest in skating development, combined with simple biomechanics to create power and efficiency.
