Figure Skating

Aerodynamics in Figure Skating

Although spectators may see figure skating as art, skaters view it as science. Every move, from basic forward or backward linear skating to advanced jumps and spins, uses aerodynamic principles to complete the step. As science has progressed over...

Figure Skating Dress Regulations

Figure skating is an artistic endeavor, and each routine guarantees you'll see an intricate outfit that adds to the spectacle. Coaches and skaters don't have free rein, though, and they must follow certain rules set forth by the competition or...

Figure Skating Games for Girls

Figure skating games for girls are designed to keep girls entertained on the computer as well as in real life. While some figure skating games take the form of drills that can help you improve as a skater, others can be played on video game...

How to Do Chasse in Figure Skating

The chasse is a common dance step practiced in figure skating that involves a series of placing and lifting the feet so that the outside and inside edges are used in an alternating pattern on the ice. A simple chasse involves lifting one foot and...

Muscular Exercises for Figure Skating

Figure skating is a graceful sport filled with twists, jumps and pirouettes, but the key to many of the moves is tremendous strength. These athletes learn all the moves they need to make on the ice from coaches and teachers. However, to give their...

Figure Skating and Foot Pain

Figure skaters rely on their feet to take them through the twists, turns and blade work that make for an elegant sport. All that pressure on the feet can ultimately take its toll, however. Foot pain is a common occurrence and can stem from a...

Basic Figure Skating Moves for Pairs

Perhaps one of the most graceful and enchanting sports ever invented, figure skating allows either an individual or two individuals to express their athleticism, grace and creativity while skating through custom routines on the ice. While...

Lower Back Pain in Figure Skating

Figure skating offers many opportunities to overuse the back muscles, spine and connective tissue or subject them to traumatic blows. Injury scenarios range from simple muscle strains and tears to vertebral fractures and spinal cord nerve...

What Are the Objectives of Men's Figure Skating?

Men’s figure skating remains one of the more challenging sports in which you can participate. During every event, you must compete in a long program and a short program, which gives the judges a fair opportunity to judge you based on the...

Roller-Skating vs. Figure Skating

Roller-skating is a latecomer to the skating scene, as historical relics date ice skates back to the ninth century in Sweden. These skates were used for transportation purposes and were made of bone. Other materials, such as wood and iron and...

Olympics Women's Figure Skating Rules

Figure skating is one of the more aesthetically striking competitive sporting endeavors in the Winter Olympics. It demands a unique combination of strength, dexterity, speed and grace. One of the special challenges figure skaters face is that...

What Is Increasing My Speed in Figure Skating?

You can perform figure skating on ice or on quad roller skates. Whether you are on blades or wheels, speed is important as a figure skater. Speed helps you attain the required number of rotations on spins and jumps. It also helps you take off on...

Types of Stretches Before Figure Skating

Figure skaters place high demands on their bodies in terms of strength and flexibility. Stretching before each workout reduces your risk of injury and can make it easier to perform spins and jumps. The Center for Physical Rehabilitation suggests...

Long Program Requirements for Ladies in Figure Skating

The long program, also referred to as the "free skate" portion of figure skating events, is often the second phase of a singles or doubles competition. The long program extends the amount of time a figure skater has to perform, allowing...

Difference Between Ice Dancing & Pairs Figure Skating

While watching a pair of skaters, differentiating between pairs figure skaters and ice dancers can be a challenge because, though the similarities are obvious, the differences can seem small. If you watch the skaters' movements closely, you will...

How to Size Figure Skates

Figure skaters perform jumps, spins and footwork on ice using specially designed ice skates. These skates feature stiff leather boots and steel blades with teeth, or toe picks, at the front. Because of their stiff construction, ice skates must be...

How to Choose Figure Skates

Figure skates consist of leather boots and steel blades that help the skater perform maneuvers safely and effectively. Properly fitted skates offer strength and support, while the wrong skates can lead to blisters and lack of progress with...

How to Break in Figure Skates

Figure skaters need plenty of ankle support to perform difficult jumps and spins. To ensure the feet are properly supported, skaters use boots made from multiple layers of leather. Because of the heavy-duty construction techniques used to create...

Ice Skating on Hockey Skates Vs. Figure Skates

Hockey and figure skates have several differences. Figure skates have more support, have longer, wider blades and have a toe pick for doing tricks. Hockey skates, conversely, have shorter, thinner blades that make it easier to make sharp turns on...

How to Break in New Figure Skates

Figure skate boots are typically made of layers of elk or kangaroo leather stitched together. The layers make the boot stiff enough to support the skater's weight through many hours of figure skating practice and performance. Because of...

4 Ways to Figure Skate

Pair skating is a style of figure skating that requires a male and female competitor to match each other?s skill levels. You need to practice the multiple moves that fulfill the mirroring requirements of pair skating. Both skaters can complete...

What Are Good Figure Skates for a Pre-Juvenile Figure Skater?

In the U.S. Figure Skating ranks, pre-juvenile skaters are beginning to master double jumps, jump combinations and sequences, and spins with flying entrances. Good figure skates for a pre-juvenile skater provide the support for double jumps and...

Figure Skates Vs. Dance Skates

Figure skating is an Olympic sport that combines athleticism and artistry. Highly choreographed programs set to music and colorful custom costumes increase the level of drama. Singles skaters perform jumps and spins in a short and long program....

The Best Ice Figure Skates

The best ice figure skates for a particular skater depend on that skater's skill level and the skater's weight, flexibility and the shape of the skater's feet. Several skate manufacturers produce excellent figure skates for skaters of every skill...

Figure Skates Vs. Hockey Skates

Figure skates and hockey skates differ from one another in several ways, including the shape and features of the blade and the composition of the boot. These differences adapt each skate to its particular sport. Understanding the differences...

The Best Kids' Soft Figure Skates

Soft figure skates for children and adults provide an alternative to traditional figure skates. While traditional figure skate boots are made of leather and wood, the boots of soft figure skates are made with plastic, vinyl, and additional...

What Is the Difference Between Hockey Skates & Figure Skates?

While it's obvious that figure skates are for figure skaters and hockey skates are for hockey players, those who do not participate in either sport may not be sure which type of skate to purchase. If you're just getting into ice skating, learning...