Figure skating is a sport that involves a variety of spins, jumps and intricate footwork performed on ice skates. Although professional skaters can compete in a variety of official tournaments and competitions sanctioned by the International Skating Union, casual skaters can often practice at specially prepared indoor and outdoor skating tracks. For best results, select an uncluttered area of indoor track to practice your ice skating moves.
Three Turn
This basic one-foot turn allows you to practice the finer elements of footwork. The three turn involves a change of direction and a change of the edge on which you are skating. For example, if your stride is beginning on the forward-outside edge of your ice skates, you can complete a three turn by shifting your weight to the backward-inside edge of your skates, creating the impression of a number three on the ice. In addition to mohawk turns, the three turn is among the first turns learned by beginning skaters, and can be performed in a variety of combinations.
Jumps
The two basic types of jumps practiced in freestyle skating are rotational jumps and positional jumps. Rotational jumps are commonly used to rotate while airborne, completing a trick or preparing the skater for a secondary move. Positional jumps are used to obtain an aesthetically pleasing posture while airborne. Both rotational and positional jumps generally use only one revolution while in the air. A beginning technique for practicing a jump is to tap the toe pick of one skate into the ice while launching your body upward from the back-outside edge of the opposite foot, called a toe loop.
Spins
Spins are a technique that exist in all four Olympic disciplines and are generally considered more advanced due to the equilibrium and balance they require. The three basic spin positions in ice skating are the sit position, the camel position and the standing position. Attempt a standing spin by gaining momentum on the ice and positioning your weight to rotate on the front rocker, or the rounded part of the skate blade located on the ball of the foot. Use your opposite foot to propel your body into a counterclockwise spin, using your arms to maintain balance as needed.
Safety Concerns
While recreational ice skating is generally considered safe, some of the advanced jumps, spins and footwork can cause strain, sprains or other minor injuries due to repetition and improper technique. Due to the frequency of falls, beginning ice skaters are also at a risk for bruising and abrasions caused by landing on the ice. For best results, talk to your doctor before beginning an ice skating regimen, and always practice where a supervisor can monitor your safety.
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