Figure Skating

A camel spin is a figure skating spin where the skater rotates on one foot while keeping the other leg extended horizontally behind them, often parallel to the ice. The skater’s body remains relatively low to the ice, with the arms extended for balance. This spin showcases the skater's flexibility and balance as they maintain the position while spinning. The camel spin is often performed with speed and precision and is considered an impressive element in figure skating routines, requiring both control and strength to hold the position while spinning smoothly.

A backspin is a figure skating spin where the skater rotates in the opposite direction of a typical forward spin. The skater starts by pushing off the ice and spinning backward while balancing on one foot. The arms are usually extended to help maintain balance and speed during the spin. The backspin can be performed in different variations, such as with one leg extended or with the skater's body in a more upright position. This move requires good control, balance, and timing to execute smoothly and is often used to add variety and difficulty to a routine.

A Biellmann spin is a figure skating move where the skater performs a spin while holding one leg overhead, typically with the foot held by the hand. The skater starts by rotating on one foot and then grabs the blade of the extended leg, pulling it over their head while maintaining balance and spinning. The position requires flexibility, strength, and control, as the skater must keep their body centered while performing the spin. The Biellmann spin is visually striking and demonstrates both a skater’s technical skill and ability to maintain a graceful, controlled position.

A layback spin is a figure skating move where the skater rotates on one foot while leaning their upper body backward, creating an arch with their back. The skater's arms are usually extended to help maintain balance, and one leg is typically held straight while the other leg is bent. This spin emphasizes flexibility, balance, and control, as the skater must maintain the backbend while spinning. The layback spin is often performed with elegance and is a visually striking element that adds beauty and difficulty to a routine.

A sit spin is a figure skating move where the skater spins while sitting on one leg, with the other leg extended in front or bent at the knee. The skater lowers their body toward the ice, creating a seated position while still maintaining the ability to spin quickly. The arms are usually extended for balance, and the position highlights the skater's flexibility and control. A sit spin is often performed with smoothness and precision, and it is a common element in figure skating routines due to its difficulty and elegance.

A shotgun spin in figure skating is a move where the skater spins low to the ice while keeping one leg extended straight out and the other leg tucked in. The skater's body is crouched, and they use their arms for balance as they rotate on one foot. The position requires both flexibility and control to maintain the extended leg while spinning smoothly. This spin adds flair and difficulty to a routine, as it combines speed with a unique and visually striking position.

An upright spin in figure skating is a move where the skater spins while keeping their body straight and their legs parallel to each other. The skater rotates on one foot, maintaining an upright posture with their arms extended for balance. The free leg is usually held close to the body or straight out, and the skater must stay centered while spinning smoothly. This spin emphasizes control and balance, and it is often performed with speed, showcasing the skater's ability to maintain a stable and controlled position during the rotation.

A flying spin in figure skating is a move where the skater jumps into the air and lands directly into a spinning position. The skater begins by jumping off the ice and then quickly transitions into a spin once they are airborne, rotating on one foot after landing. This element combines both jumping and spinning skills, requiring precision and control to ensure a smooth and balanced landing. Flying spins are often used in routines to add complexity and flair, showcasing the skater’s ability to perform advanced maneuvers.

A pancake spin in figure skating is a variation of the sit spin where the skater lowers their body close to the ice, with one leg bent and tucked over the other leg. The skater's upper body leans forward and bends over the leg that is extended, creating a distinctive shape. This spin requires a combination of flexibility and balance, as the skater must maintain control while rotating in this low, tilted position. The pancake spin adds a unique visual element to routines, demonstrating both the skater's strength and ability to hold challenging positions.

A death spiral is a figure skating move typically performed in pairs, where one skater, usually the man, holds their partner, typically the woman, by the hand or arm while she spirals around him in a low, extended position. The woman skates on one foot with her other leg extended behind her, close to the ice, while rotating in a circular motion. The man maintains a strong grip and uses his strength to control her movement, keeping her low to the ground. This move requires balance, strength, and precision, as both skaters must maintain speed and control throughout the spin. The death spiral is a dramatic and visually impressive element of a pair skating routine.

A fan spiral in figure skating is a move where the skater extends one leg in front of their body, lifting it high, and then lowers it in a sweeping motion, resembling the opening and closing of a Japanese fan. The skater maintains balance and glides on one foot while moving the extended leg in a fluid, controlled manner. This position combines flexibility and precision, with the free leg held at a sharp angle, creating a graceful and dynamic effect as it moves. The fan spiral adds elegance and a visually striking element to a figure skating routine.

A backward inside death spiral is a pair skating move where one skater, typically the man, holds their partner's hand or arm while she spirals around him in a low, extended position. Unlike the traditional death spiral, this variation involves the woman skating backward on the inside edge of one skate, with her other leg extended behind her. The man controls her movement, keeping her low to the ice while maintaining a steady grip. This move requires a combination of strength, balance, and precision from both skaters to maintain control and smoothness throughout the spin. It is a visually striking and challenging element in pair skating.

A Charlotte spiral is a figure skating move in which the skater holds a spiral position with the torso bent forward toward the skating leg, while the free leg is extended high behind them in a split position, often creating a striking 180-degree angle. The skater glides on one foot, balancing with the extended leg held straight and high. This move highlights flexibility, balance, and strength, requiring control to maintain the position while skating smoothly across the ice. The Charlotte spiral is visually impressive and adds an elegant and challenging element to a routine.

A butterfly jump in figure skating is a type of jump where the skater takes off from the ice, performing a split in mid-air, with both legs extended outward and the body arched. The movement resembles the wings of a butterfly as they spread, creating a graceful and flowing effect. After reaching the highest point of the jump, the skater then lands back on the ice in a controlled manner. The butterfly jump requires strong legs, flexibility, and precise timing to execute smoothly, making it a visually striking and advanced element in figure skating.

A Rippon jump in figure skating is a rotational jump where the skater takes off and performs the rotation with both hands clasped together above the head, instead of holding them in the usual chest position. This arm position adds a unique visual element to the jump, emphasizing the skater's elegance and control during the rotation. The skater then lands smoothly after completing the spin in mid-air. The Rippon jump requires strong technique, balance, and precise timing to execute effectively.

A rotational jump in figure skating is a type of jump where the skater takes off from the ice and spins in the air while rotating around their vertical axis. The skater performs one or more rotations before landing, either on one or both feet. During the jump, the skater's body remains tight and controlled to maintain speed and balance throughout the rotation. These jumps are essential elements of figure skating, requiring a combination of power, technique, and precision to complete successfully.

A carry lift in figure skating is a pair skating move where one skater, usually the man, lifts their partner, typically the woman, off the ice and holds her in the air while skating. The partner is usually supported by the man's arms, with her body in a horizontal or upright position, and she may perform various poses while in the air. This move requires strength, coordination, and balance from both skaters to maintain smoothness and control. The carry lift is often used to highlight the strength and skill of the male skater while showcasing the elegance and flexibility of the female skater.

Mirror skating is a pair skating technique where both skaters perform the same movements simultaneously but in opposite directions, creating a mirrored effect. The skaters move in perfect symmetry, with their arms and legs matching each other's actions as they glide across the ice. This type of skating highlights the synchronization, precision, and teamwork between the partners, requiring them to be highly attuned to each other’s movements. Mirror skating is often used in routines to create visually striking patterns and showcase the harmony between the two skaters.

A backflip is an acrobatic move where a person flips backward through the air, rotating their body in a full circle before landing. It can be performed in various sports, such as gymnastics, diving, and even on trampolines or in dance. To execute a backflip, one must use strength and coordination to push off the ground or surface, rotating the body while keeping control of the flip. The move requires precise timing and balance, as the person must land safely, typically on their feet. The backflip is a thrilling and visually impressive stunt.

A Russian split is a figure skating move in which the skater performs a split jump with one leg extended forward and the other leg extended backward, both held high in the air. The skater jumps off the ice and opens their legs wide in mid-air, creating a dramatic, split position before landing smoothly. This move requires significant flexibility, strength, and control, as the skater must maintain balance while performing the split and then land with precision. The Russian split is a striking and challenging element often used to showcase skill and grace in a figure skating routine.

A cantilever in figure skating is a move where the skater bends their knees and arches their back, with their upper body leaning backward and parallel to the ice. The skater's body creates a dramatic curve, and the position can be enhanced by either keeping the hands on the ice for balance or extending them in the air for added elegance. This move requires significant strength, flexibility, and control to maintain the deep backward bend while gliding across the ice. The cantilever is a striking element that showcases the skater's balance and ability to perform complex, visually dramatic positions.

An open stroke in figure skating is a move where the skater pushes off the ice with one foot while the other foot remains extended forward. The skater glides smoothly on the extended leg while the pushing leg provides the momentum for movement. This stroke helps build speed and control while maintaining a graceful, balanced position. It is commonly used in routines for smooth transitions and effortless flow across the ice. The open stroke highlights a skater's ability to glide with precision and stability while maintaining fluidity in their movements.

A bracket turn in figure skating is a turning move where the skater changes direction while skating on the inside edge of one skate and then the outside edge of the other skate. The skater begins by skating forward on one edge, then quickly turns and changes to the opposite edge in a smooth, flowing motion, creating a curved pattern on the ice. This move requires precise edge control, balance, and coordination. The bracket turn is often used in figure skating routines to transition between elements or add complexity to footwork sequences.

Free skating in figure skating refers to the segment of a competition or performance where skaters perform a choreographed routine that includes a variety of jumps, spins, footwork, and other elements. This routine is typically set to music and is judged based on technical skill, creativity, and artistry. Unlike compulsory figures, which focus on specific movements, free skating allows the skater more freedom to showcase their abilities and personal style. Skaters must demonstrate strength, precision, and control, as well as the ability to smoothly transition between elements while maintaining flow throughout the performance.

A Choctaw turn in figure skating is a type of turn that involves switching from one edge of the skate to the other while changing direction. It is performed by beginning on an inside edge, then making a half-turn to switch to the opposite outside edge. During the turn, the skater’s body is rotated to change direction, and the movement is usually smooth and controlled. This turn is often used in footwork sequences and transitions within a routine, as it helps skaters change directions efficiently while maintaining speed and balance. It requires precise edge control and coordination.

A rocker turn in figure skating is a type of turn where the skater shifts from one edge to the opposite edge, while also changing direction. The skater begins on one edge, typically an inside edge, and then makes a smooth half-turn to switch to the other edge, often an outside edge, while turning in the opposite direction. The movement resembles the rocking motion, which is why it is called a "rocker." This turn is often used in footwork sequences to change direction without losing speed. It requires good edge control, balance, and coordination to perform smoothly.

An Ina Bauer in figure skating is a move where the skater glides on one foot with both legs extended in opposite directions. One leg is stretched straight out in front of the skater, while the other leg is extended behind, creating a deep, dramatic arch in the body. The skater's upper body leans backward while maintaining a smooth and controlled glide across the ice. This move requires flexibility, strength, and balance to hold the position and maintain a steady glide. The Ina Bauer is often used to showcase elegance and is a visually striking element in a figure skating routine.

A toe loop jump in figure skating is a jump that begins with the skater skating backward on one foot, then using the toe pick of the opposite skate to push off the ice. The skater rotates in the air while completing one or more full spins before landing on the same foot they jumped from. This jump is one of the basic single jumps in figure skating and is often included in routines as part of a sequence or combination. It requires good timing, strength, and control to execute the jump smoothly and land safely. The toe loop is known for its clean takeoff and precise landing.