1. Race in Speed Skating Events
Speed skating is a sport that requires speed, endurance and balance in equal measures. This aspect of ice skating is a winter version of track events like the 100-meter sprint and the 1,000-meter run. Your desire to perform in sprints, team pursuits and all-around events must be equaled by solid posture and controlled arm movements.
The equipment needed for speed skating is distinct from hockey and figure skating events in several respects. Your involvement in this Olympic-level sport starts with skin-tight body suits that cut down on wind resistance and ensure free movement. Your clap skates feature a heel that separates from the boot to make each step easier to complete on ice. The speed skating outfit is completed with aerodynamic helmets and goggles that protect your head in case of accidents.
2. Express Yourself in Figure Skating
Figure skating is a popular Olympic sport that requires individuals and pairs to show off their technical prowess. This category of ice-skating events is popular due to the diversity of personalities and movements shown on the ice during competitions. Performers in this sport need to know how to execute salchows, lutzes and three-steps to succeed against talent worldwide.
These three moves are essential if you want to achieve the maximum 6.0 score from international judges. The salchow is a style of jump that can lead into spins with an accelerated push off of the left inside edge of your skate. The lutz is a more difficult jump than the salchow and involves coordinating jumps with both feet. The three-step involves a series of movements that leave traces in the ice that resembles the number three.
Participants in figure skating exhibitions and competitions are able to complete these moves with the sport's distinct equipment. You need to purchase boots and blades separately to find the perfect fit for your foot size and arch type. The blades on a pair of figure skates feature toe picks that help initiate jumps and spins on ice. The decorative outfits worn by figure skaters are designed to create interesting visual effects during spins, jumps and throws.
3. Compete Against Friends in Ice Hockey
The style of ice skating used in hockey differs greatly from speed and figure skating in several ways. Hockey players at all levels need to wear shoulder, leg and chest pads during games that can weigh an additional 25 pounds. The skating pattern for sprinters and ice dancers is pre-determined based on international rules. A center or defensive player needs to break off of the pattern to chase down pucks as games progress.
Your ability to switch from skating forward to backward in a controlled manner is critical for success in hockey. You need to use your stick handle as a focal point as you turn from forward to backward skating. The stick handle is the center point for every rotation by hockey players as they transition from offense to defense.
You also need to keep your body in prime position as you head up the ice. This position involves bending your knees, as well as keeping your hands planted firmly on the stick handle and your eyes focused entirely on the puck. The dominant foot should be placed behind your body to ensure that each change in motion starts with a powerful step.
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