In figure skating, "swizzles" are a fundamental skill often taught to beginners as part of their initial training. They help skaters learn balance, control, and the basic mechanics of skating. Here's a detailed description of swizzles:

Basic Swizzle (Forward Swizzle)

  1. Starting Position:
    • Stand on the ice with feet together, knees slightly bent.
    • Position the toes pointing slightly inward so the inside edges of the blades are close together.
  2. Movement:
    • Push the feet apart, creating a V-shape with the toes pointed outward. This push should be done using the inside edges of the blades.
    • As the feet move apart, the skater should glide forward on the inside edges of the blades.
    • At the widest point of the V-shape, the skater should use the inside edges to draw the feet back together, completing the swizzle.
    • The movement should resemble an hourglass or an ellipse drawn on the ice, with the narrow parts being where the feet come together and the wide parts where they are furthest apart.
  3. Body Position:
    • Maintain a slightly forward-leaning posture with arms held out for balance.
    • Keep the knees bent throughout the motion to help with stability and control.
    • Ensure the upper body remains stable and upright while the legs do the work.

Backward Swizzle

  1. Starting Position:
    • Stand with feet together, knees slightly bent, and heels touching.
    • Position the heels slightly inward, so the toes are apart.
  2. Movement:
    • Push the feet apart using the inside edges of the blades, forming a V-shape with the heels pointed outward.
    • As the feet move apart, the skater should glide backward on the inside edges of the blades.
    • At the widest point of the V-shape, the skater should draw the feet back together using the inside edges, completing the swizzle.
    • Like the forward swizzle, the movement should resemble an hourglass or ellipse on the ice.
  3. Body Position:
    • Maintain a slightly backward-leaning posture with arms held out for balance.
    • Keep the knees bent throughout the motion to help with stability and control.
    • Ensure the upper body remains stable and upright while the legs do the work.

Key Points to Remember:

  • Edges: Swizzles rely heavily on the use of inside edges. Proper edge control is essential for executing the movement smoothly.
  • Balance: Keeping a low center of gravity by bending the knees helps maintain balance.
  • Repetition: Practicing swizzles helps develop the muscle memory needed for more complex skating moves.
  • Progression: Once comfortable with basic swizzles, skaters can progress to more advanced variations, such as one-foot swizzles or incorporating swizzles into more complex footwork sequences.

Swizzles are not just a basic skill but also a building block for more advanced techniques in figure skating. They help skaters develop a strong foundation in edge control, balance, and coordination.