gofigureskating.com
Figure Skating Moves in the Field
   
What is a Move in the Field?
 

As a skater trains, they learn individual skills such as edge patterns, turns, and steps. A "Move" is a combination of these individual skills in a pre defined pattern or sequence. For example an early move called a "Waltz Eight" is a combination of cross-overs, edge patterns, and three turns performed on a figure eight pattern on the ice,

Moves in the Field are an important part of skating because they combine individual skills into sequences that enable a skater to perform a well balanced skating program. Moves in the Fiels are not just about edges and patterns on the ice, posture, carriage, flow, power, and quickness are all considered important when executing a move. Each move emphasizes different aspect of these elements, When testing, each move will have a primary and sometime a secondary focus that the judges are looking for. For example the the pre-preliminary move "Forward Perimeter Stroking" the primary emphasis is on power and the secondary is on extension.

   
Edge Quality
  Edge Quality is characterized by a stable arc and controlled body rotation; an edge ideally without subcurves or wobbles, initiated by placing the body and blade on an angle to the surface of the ice and stepping on the required edge. This edge and arc will ideally commence immediately at the point where the skate takes the ice or a turn is completed, and travel uninterrupted until a required transition takes place. Depth of edge refers to the acuteness of the arc and the angle of the blade.
   
Extension
  Extension is controlled stretching of the free leg complimented by an upright body posture. The extended leg is held in an unbroken line. The height of the extension is determined by the type of movement being executed. However, the final extended position should always be attained in a controlled fashion.
   
Flow
  The word “flow” is used to describe the ability to maintain a constant speed across the ice while executing various skating elements and also to refer to the length of time it takes for the speed generated from a single stroke to diminish.
   
Power
  Power is intended to mean obvious and rapid acceleration often form a standstill position, achieved by a forceful, gripping pressure exerted by the employed, or skating leg and skate against the surface of the ice. Power includes maintaining or increasing speed while executing various skating elements. “Power” is relative to the size of the skater, but can always be attained with proper stroking technique.
   
Quickness
  Quickness refers to foot-speed. It is the precise, rapid and crisp execution of turns, changes of edge and transitions, usually in a brisk and continuous cadence. Refinements to acknowledge include quick movement that is quiet, fluid and continuous without disturbing the proper and erect carriage of the upper body and without interrupting the established rhythm.
   
Posture
  Free Skating Posture: the skaters’ back is straight and the head up. The spine and head are perpendicular to the surface of the ice. The arms are extended out from the shoulders and are level and relaxed. The free leg is extended in a straight line and lightly turned out from the free hip to the free toe.
   
  Fisgure Skating Moves in the Field Tests
   
   
follow us
Skate tube
Get Started Figure Skating!

 

Fisgure Skating Moves in the Field Tests

 

Links to Understanding
ISU Judging System
Scoring Figure Skating Jumps in IJS
Scoring Figure Skating Spins in IJS
Scoring Figure Skating Spirals in IJS
Grade of Execution (GOE) in IJS
Elements of Freestyle Program
 
 
 
© 2007 RCS Inc.