Figure skating facts for kids
.jpg)
Figure skater Yuzuru Hanyu (2019)
|
|
| Highest governing body | International Skating Union |
|---|---|
| Nicknames | Skating |
| Characteristics | |
| Team members | Individuals, duos, or groups |
| Mixed-sex | Yes |
| Equipment | Figure skates |
| Glossary | Glossary of figure skating terms |
| Presence | |
| Olympic | Part of the Summer Olympics in 1908 and 1920; Part of the first Winter Olympics in 1924 to today |
Figure skating is an exciting sport where athletes glide and perform amazing moves on ice using special skates. It was the very first winter sport to be part of the Olympic Games, starting in 1908. Skaters can compete alone, in pairs, or in groups.
The main types of figure skating you see at the Olympics are men's and women's singles, pair skating, and ice dance. There's also a team event where all these types combine. Other fun types include synchronized skating and Theater on Ice. Skaters usually perform two routines: a shorter one with required moves and a longer one where they show off more skills. These routines include cool spins, jumps, and lifts.
Skaters compete at many levels, from beginners to Olympic champions. The International Skating Union (ISU) sets the rules for major international competitions. These include the World Championships and the Winter Olympics. Figure skating is also popular in ice shows, where skaters perform for entertainment.
Contents
Understanding Figure Skating Terms
In skating, "professional" means someone who performs in shows or has finished competing at the highest level. It doesn't mean they are more skilled. Many top competitive skaters are called "amateurs," even if they earn money. The name "figure skating" comes from the patterns skaters used to trace on the ice.
All About Figure Skates
Figure skates look a bit different from ice hockey skates. They have jagged teeth called toe picks at the front of the blade. These are mostly for helping skaters jump into the air. They are not used for gliding or spinning. If you use them during a spin, you might lose speed or move off balance.
The blades are attached to the boots with screws. High-level skaters often get their boots and blades custom-fitted. Experts also sharpen the blades to fit each skater's needs.
Figure skate blades are about 4.7 millimeters thick. They are not flat but slightly curved, like a part of a circle. This curve is called the rocker. The "sweet spot" is a round part of the blade used for spins.
Blades also have a groove on the bottom, creating two sharp edges: an inside edge (closer to the skater) and an outside edge (farther away). Good skaters always use only one edge at a time. Skating on both edges at once is called a flat and is not good for scores. Skating powerfully comes from using these edges well.
Ice dancers' blades are shorter at the back. This helps them do fancy footwork and skate close together. Their toe picks are also smaller because they don't do big jumps.
When skaters walk off the ice, they use hard plastic skate guards. These protect the blades from damage. Soft covers called soakers absorb moisture and prevent rust when skates are stored.
Different boots and blades are made for different skills. Skaters doing difficult multi-rotation jumps need stiffer, higher boots for more support. Ice dancers might prefer lower-cut boots for more knee bending. Modern blades can be made from carbon fiber to be lighter and more flexible.
Skaters also do off-ice training. This means exercising and practicing jumps without skates to build strength and improve landings.
Ice Rinks and Equipment
Since 1980, all big figure skating competitions happen indoors. Indoor rinks let skaters practice and compete all year, anywhere in the world. The first indoor ice rinks appeared in the 1870s. By the end of the 1800s, many big cities had them.
Rink sizes can vary. Olympic-sized rinks are 30 by 60 meters. The ISU prefers these for major events. Skating well on the whole ice surface helps skaters get higher scores.
Ice quality is very important. It needs to be smooth, hard, and not too brittle. The ice temperature is usually kept between -5.5 and -3.5 degrees Celsius. After every few groups of skaters, an ice resurfacer cleans the ice.
Some rinks have a harness system. This helps skaters learn new jumps safely. A coach can lift the skater with a rope, letting them practice rotations in the air. This helps skaters get used to new moves with support.
Figure Skating Disciplines
Figure skating has several exciting disciplines:
- In single skating, male and female skaters compete alone. This was one of the first Olympic figure skating events in 1908. Skaters perform jumps, spins, and step sequences.
- Pair skating involves a team of one woman and one man skating together. They perform moves in harmony. Pair skating has been an Olympic sport since 1908. Elements include lifts, twist lifts, jumps, and death spirals.
- Ice dance is inspired by ballroom dancing. It became an Olympic medal sport in 1976. An ice dance team also has one woman and one man. They perform dance lifts, dance spins, step sequences, and twizzles.
- Synchronized skating is for groups of twelve to twenty skaters. They perform together, creating precise formations like wheels, blocks, and lines. This discipline focuses on teamwork and complex transitions. The ISU has tried to include synchronized skating in the Winter Olympics.
- Compulsory figures used to be a big part of figure skating. Skaters traced circular patterns on the ice to show their skill. These figures gave the sport its name. They were removed from international competitions in 1990. However, some skaters still practice them to improve their balance and control.
-
South Korean singles skater Yuna Kim, 2008
-
Canadian pair skaters Camille Ruest and Andrew Wolfe, 2018
-
Mexican ice dancers Pilar Maekawa Moreno and Leonardo Maekawa Moreno, 2013
-
American synchronized skating team The Haydenettes, 2006
-
Sonja Morgenstern from Germany demonstrating compulsory figures, 1971
Elements and Moves in Skating
Skaters earn points for each element they perform. A technical specialist identifies the element and its difficulty. Judges then score how well the skater performs it. This is called the Grade of Execution (GOE). A fall means the skater loses control and their body weight is not on the blade.
Amazing Jumps
| ISU abbreviations: Jumps |
|
|---|---|
| T | Toe loop |
| S | Salchow |
| Lo | Loop |
| F | Flip |
| Lz | Lutz |
| A | Axel |
Jumps are when skaters leap into the air and spin quickly before landing. There are many types, named by how skaters take off and land, and how many times they spin. Judges look at height, speed, and how smoothly the jump is done.
A jump that doesn't have enough rotation is "under-rotated." If it's missing too much rotation, it can be "downgraded." Skaters can also make "edge violations" if they take off from the wrong part of the blade.
Skaters often do jump combinations (jumps linked without steps) or sequences (jumps linked with small hops). Most skaters spin counter-clockwise for jumps.
There are six main jumps. They all land on one foot on the back outside edge. Jumps are split into two groups: toe jumps and edge jumps. The number of spins in the air makes it a single, double, triple, or quadruple jump (a "quad").
Triple jumps are common for female single skaters. Quadruple jumps are very difficult. In 2022, American skater Ilia Malinin landed the first clean quadruple Axel. This was 34 years after Kurt Browning landed the first quad toe loop in 1988.
Toe Jumps
Toe jumps use the toe pick to push off the ice. The main toe jumps are:
- Toe loop: Take off backwards from an outside edge, using the opposite toe pick.
- Flip: Take off backwards from an inside edge, using the opposite toe pick.
- Lutz: Similar to the flip, but take off from a backward outside edge, using the opposite toe pick.
Edge Jumps
Edge jumps do not use the toe pick to launch. They include:
- Salchow: Take off backwards from an inside edge.
- Loop: Take off backwards from an outside edge.
- Axel: Take off forwards from an outside edge. This jump has an extra half rotation because it starts forwards.
Other Jumps
Other jumps are usually single rotations. They are used as connecting moves or highlights. Examples include the waltz jump and split jump.
-
Ross Miner sets up for a jump.
-
Denis Ten sets up for a jump.
-
Kevin van der Perren rotates in the air.
-
Jamal Othman lands on the right back outside edge.
-
Pairs skaters Marissa Castelli and Simon Shnapir set up for a throw jump.
-
A pair team after the woman has been thrown: Jessica Miller rotates in the air.
-
Anabelle Langlois lands after performing a throw jump with Cody Hay.
Graceful Spins
Spins are when a skater rotates on one spot on the ice, holding different body positions. They are a beautiful part of the sport. Spins help skaters catch their breath and connect other moves.
There are two types: forward spins and backward spins. The three basic spin positions are the upright spin, the sit spin, and the camel spin. Skaters also do flying spins and combination spins.
-
Camel spin
-
Sit spin
-
Upright spin
-
Pair camel spin
-
Pair spin with woman in layback and man in sit spin
-
Layback spin with catch-foot
-
Biellmann spin
-
Death drop
_by_Sandro_Halank%E2%80%93018.jpg)
.jpg)
Exciting Lifts
.jpg)
Figure skating lifts are key elements in pair skating and ice dance. In pair skating, there are five groups of lifts, from easier to more difficult. Judges look at speed, control, and how smooth the lift is. Twist lifts are very exciting. The man throws the woman into the air, she twists, and he catches her before she lands.
Dance lifts are special for ice dance. They are different from pair lifts to keep the two disciplines unique. Dance lifts can be short (under seven seconds) or combination lifts (under 12 seconds).
Turns, Steps, and Moves
Skating backwards is just as important as skating forwards in figure skating. Skaters must be able to switch directions smoothly.
Step sequences are required in all Olympic disciplines. They are a mix of turns, steps, hops, and edge changes. They can be in a straight line, circle, or serpentine pattern. Some turns include:
-
Three-turn: the blade turns into the curve.
-
Bracket turn: the blade turns against the curve.
-
Mohawk: a two-foot turn.
-
Rocker: a one-foot turn with a change of direction.
-
Counter: another one-foot turn with a change of direction.
-
Twizzles: traveling multi-rotation turns on one foot.
Other moves include lunges and spread eagles. An Ina Bauer is like a spread eagle with one knee bent and an arched back. Hydroblading is a deep edge where the skater's body is very low to the ice.
Moves in the field are sequences that show basic skating skills and edge control. These can include spirals, spread eagles, and Ina Bauers. A spiral is when a skater glides on one edge with their free leg held high.
A death spiral is a required pair skating element. The man pivots on one toe while holding his partner's hand. The woman circles him on a deep edge, with her body almost parallel to the ice.
-
A basic outside edge spiral position.
-
A pair outside edge spiral.
-
Back inside death spiral.
-
Parallel mirror spread eagles.
-
Ina Bauer.
-
Canadian Championships Dance.
-
Hydroblading.
-
Male ice dancer in Besti squat while lifting his partner.
-
Spread eagle.
Competition Format and Scoring
The ISU runs international figure skating competitions, including the Winter Olympic Games. Gold, silver, and bronze medals are given for the top three places.
In singles and pair skating, competitors do two programs: a short program with required elements, and a free skate (or long program) with more choices. Judges look at the whole performance, not just jumps.
Ice dance competitions used to have three parts. Since the 2010–11 season, they have two: the short dance (now called the rhythm dance) and the free dance.
How Skating is Judged Today
In 2004, the ISU started a new judging system called the International Judging System (IJS). This system gives points for each skating element. The sum of these points is the total element score (TES). A technical specialist identifies each element and its difficulty. Then, judges give a grade of execution (GOE) from -5 to +5 based on how well the skater performed the element.
Skaters also get points for their program components score (PCS). This looks at the overall quality of the program, including:
- Composition: How well the program is designed with the music and uses the ice.
- Presentation: How the skater expresses themselves and connects with the music.
- Skating skills: How well the skater controls their blades, their balance, and their speed.
The TES and PCS are added together for the total score. The skater with the highest total score wins.
Music and Clothing on the Ice
Music Choices
Skaters used to only use instrumental music. But since 2012, all skaters can choose music with words for their routines. Ice dancers need music with a clear beat. Singles and pair skaters often skate to the melody and mood of their music. For longer programs, skaters pick music with different feelings and speeds.
Skating Costumes
.jpg)
Skaters can choose their own costumes, with some rules. Women usually wear dresses with matching briefs, or sometimes trousers. Men must wear trousers. Costumes for pairs and ice dance don't have to match exactly.
Costumes can be simple or very fancy. If a part of a costume falls on the ice, skaters might get a penalty. Costumes should be appropriate and not too revealing. They can reflect the style of the music. Props are generally not allowed in competitions.
Eligibility for Competitions
Age Rules
To compete at the highest international level (senior), skaters must be at least 17 years old by July 1 of the year before the competition. For junior events, they must be 13 but under 19 (or 21 for male pair skaters and ice dancers) by that date. The ISU has changed these age rules over time. For example, the age limit was gradually raised to 17 for the 2024–25 season. This change happened after a situation at the 2022 Winter Olympics involving a young skater and questions about their responsibility.
Sometimes, there have been questions about skaters' birthdates. The ISU checks passports and registration forms to make sure ages are correct.
Other Rules
Skaters can represent a country even if they are not yet citizens, except for the Olympics, which require citizenship. Each country can send a limited number of skaters per discipline. If a country has many good skaters, some might not get to compete in major events. Skaters who want to switch countries must wait a certain period before competing internationally again.
Skaters can lose their eligibility if they perform in shows or competitions that are not approved by the ISU.
Health and Safety in Skating
Figure skating is a demanding sport, and injuries can happen. Skaters usually don't wear helmets or protective gear during competition.
Falls and Collisions
There is a risk of head injuries, especially in pair skating from falls during lifts. Skaters can also accidentally cut each other with their blades, for example, during side-by-side spins. Other common issues include knee and back problems.
Sometimes, skaters from different teams can collide during practice. If music is playing, that skater usually has the right-of-way. Pairs and ice dancers also have priority because it's harder for them to change direction.
Well-being Challenges
Skaters sometimes face health challenges related to body image and the intense demands of their sport. It's important for athletes to maintain good physical and mental well-being.
The History of Figure Skating
People have skated on ice for hundreds of years, but modern figure skating began in the mid-1800s. An early book on figure skating was written in 1772 by Robert Jones. He designed skates that could be screwed to shoes.
Early competitions used a stiff "English style" of skating. Then, an American skater named Jackson Haines introduced a new, more expressive "international style" in the 1860s. This style became very popular in Europe.
Early 1900s Milestones
The International Skating Union (ISU) was founded in 1892. The first European Championships were in 1891, and the first World Championships in 1896. At first, only men competed. In 1902, a woman named Madge Syers competed against men and came in second! The ISU then created separate competitions for women in 1906. Pair skating was added to the World Championships in 1908.
Figure skating first appeared at the 1908 Summer Olympics in London. After World War I, competitions continued. In the 1920s and 1930s, Sonja Henie from Norway was a famous skater and later a movie star. She also made short skirts and white boots popular for female skaters.
After World War II
World War II stopped competitions for a few years. After the war, skaters from the United States and Canada started to excel. Dick Button, an Olympic champion, was the first to land the double Axel and triple loop jumps.
Ice dance was added to the World Championships in 1952. Soviet and Russian skaters became very strong in pair skating and ice dance for many decades.
Television's Impact and Today
Compulsory figures used to be a big part of the score. But as television made free skating more popular, the importance of figures decreased. Viewers loved the exciting free programs. In 1990, compulsory figures were removed from international competitions.
This change made skating more athletic. Landing triple jumps became very important. In 1988, Kurt Browning landed the first ratified quadruple toe loop. Japan's Midori Ito was the first woman to land a triple Axel.
Television also helped change rules about amateur status. In 1995, the ISU started offering prize money to keep top skaters in competitive events.
Figure skating became very popular on TV. The Tonya Harding story in 1994 brought huge attention to the sport. The women's figure skating competition at the 1994 Winter Olympics had more viewers than the Super Bowl that year!
Today, countries like Russia, the United States, Canada, Japan, and China produce many successful skaters. Spectators often throw stuffed toys and flowers onto the ice after a performance to show their appreciation.
In 2011, the International Olympic Committee approved a figure skating team event. This was added to the 2014 Winter Olympics. Each team has a men's and women's singles skater, a pair, and an ice dance duo.
Television has helped make skaters famous, treating them like stars. It often focuses on the beauty of the skating and the excitement of cheering for your country.
See also
In Spanish: Patinaje artístico sobre hielo para niños
 | Bayard Rustin |
 | Jeannette Carter |
 | Jeremiah A. Brown |
