30 Must-Know Figure Skating Terms, Phrases and Slang

Get ready to glide into the glittering realm of figure skating with the coolest jargon on ice!

From jaw-dropping Axels to the elegance of Ice dancing, mastering these 30 dazzling terms will turn you from a fan-in-the-stands to a virtuoso of the rink.

Lace up, it’s time to talk like a skating star!

Must-Know Figure Skating Terms, Phrases and Slang:

1. Axel
2. Biellmann spin
3. Camel spin
4. Choreography
5. Combination jump
6. Compulsory figure
7. Death spiral
8. Double jump
9. Edge
10. Flip
11. Free skate
12. Ina Bauer
13. Jump
14. Layback spin
15. Lutz
16. Pair skating
17. Quad
18. Rink
19. Salchow
20. Sequence
21. Sit spin
22. Spiral
23. Spin
24. Stroking
25. Toe loop
26. Triple jump
27. Twizzle
28. Waltz jump
29. Zayak rule
30. Ice dancing

#1 Axel

A jump in figure skating where the skater leaps from the forward outside edge of one skate and lands on the backward outside edge of the opposite skate, typically involving one-and-a-half revolutions in the air. It’s known for its complexity and is the only jump that begins with a forward takeoff.

#2 Biellmann Spin

An advanced spin where the skater grabs one skate and pulls it high above their head while spinning. It requires extraordinary flexibility and balance, named after Swiss skater Denise Biellmann who popularized it.

#3 Camel Spin

A spin where the skater’s body is horizontal to the ice with one leg extended backward and the other under their body, resembling a camel’s hump. It requires excellent balance and leg strength.

#4 Choreography

The art of designing the sequence of movements in a figure skating routine to highlight a skater’s skills and interpret the music. It’s a creative process that involves planning steps, jumps, spins, and gestures.

#5 Combination Jump

A series of two or more jumps executed in immediate succession, typically starting with a more difficult jump followed by simpler jumps without intervening steps or glides. It’s a test of skill, stamina, and precision.

#6 Compulsory Figure

Historically, patterns skaters had to trace on the ice, demonstrating precision in edge control and turn execution. Although no longer a part of competitive figure skating, it was once a fundamental discipline in the sport.

#7 Death spiral

In figure skating, a death spiral is a dramatic move performed in pairs skating where the male skater anchors one hand and pivots in place while holding the other hand of his partner, who is extended horizontally to the ice, circling around him with her body low and close to the ice surface.

#8 Double Jump

A skating maneuver where the skater takes off from one foot, completes two full rotations in the air, and lands on the back outside edge of the opposite foot. It’s a stepping-stone to more complex multiple rotation jumps.

#9 Edge

Refers to the inside or outside of the blade on either foot that skaters use to glide on the ice. Mastery over edges is crucial, as they are the foundation for all skating moves, from simple glides to complex footwork sequences.

#10 Flip

A toe-pick-assisted jump that takes off from the back inside edge of one foot and lands on the back outside edge of the opposite foot. The skater utilizes the toe pick to vault into the air for multiple rotations.

#11 Free Skate

A figure skating segment where skaters perform individually choreographed programs to music of their choice, displaying jumps, spins, footwork, and other technical elements. Unlike short programs, free skates offer a chance for more expression and longer routines.

#12 Ina Bauer

An edge move named after the skater who popularized it, Ina Bauer, which involves gliding on two parallel blades with one foot pointed forward and the other backward, creating an elegant line and often used as a transitional move.

#13 Jump

Jumps are a fundamental element of figure skating, involving the skater launching into the air and rotating before landing back on the ice. Common jumps include the Axel, Lutz, and Salchow, each distinguished by the takeoff and the number of rotations completed in the air.

#14 Layback Spin

A layback spin is a type of upright spin where the skater arches her back and drops her head and shoulders backward while spinning. It is primarily performed by female skaters and is valued for its aesthetic appeal and the grace it adds to a routine.

#15 Lutz

The Lutz is a toe-pick-assisted jump that is considered one of the most difficult in figure skating. It is distinguished by a backward entry and a counter-rotational takeoff from the outside edge of one foot, leading into multiple rotations in the air.

#16 Pair Skating

Pair skating is a discipline in figure skating where a man and a woman skate together, performing jumps, spins, lifts, and other movements in unison. It combines elements of single skating with unique lifts and death spirals that require significant strength and coordination.

#17 Quad

A quadruple jump where the skater completes four full revolutions in the air before landing. It’s a highly difficult and risky maneuver that scores high points when executed successfully.

#18 Rink

A surface of ice, often found inside an arena, where figure skating, ice hockey, and other ice sports take place. The rink’s quality and dimensions are crucial for skaters’ performance.

#19 Salchow

A jump named after its inventor, Ulrich Salchow, which involves taking off from the back inside edge of one foot and landing on the back outside edge of the opposite foot, with a single to multiple rotations.

#20 Sequence

A series of movements or steps performed consecutively in a routine, which often includes jumps, spins, and steps. A well-executed sequence can showcase a skater’s skill and fluidity.

#21 Sit spin

A spin in figure skating where the skater lowers their body to a sitting position, with one leg extended forward, while spinning on the other foot. Balance and flexibility are crucial in this element.

#22 Spiral

A move in which the skater glides on one foot with the free leg lifted and extended above hip level. The beauty of this move is in the skater’s extension and poise.

#23 Spin

In figure skating, a spin involves rotations performed on one foot with the skater’s body in various positions. Common spins include the sit spin, camel spin, and scratch spin, each named according to the body position adopted during the spin.

#24 Stroking

A fundamental skating technique involving long, gliding movements used to gain speed and display strong skating skills. Stroking emphasizes the smoothness and flow of the skater’s movement across the ice.

#25 Toe loop

A jump that starts when a skater uses the toe pick of one foot to vault into the air, spins with the other leg extended, and lands on the same foot that was used to take off. It is distinct due to the toe pick assist.

#26 Triple jump

A challenging figure skating element where a skater leaps into the air and completes three full rotations before landing. Successfully executing a triple jump signifies a high skill level due to its technical difficulty.

#27 Twizzle

A multi-rotational, one-foot turn that travels across the ice, commonly seen in ice dancing. Skaters must perform twizzles with precision and synchronization, especially when in a pair or team.

#28 Waltz jump

A basic jump in figure skating, often the first jump learned by beginners, where the skater takes off from a forward outside edge and lands on the back outside edge of the opposite foot, completing a half rotation in the air.

#29 Zayak rule

A rule named after former American figure skater Elaine Zayak, limiting the repetition of jumps with the same take-off in competition programs to encourage variety and prevent skaters from performing too many of the same type of jump.

#30 Ice dancing

Ice dancing is a discipline of figure skating that emphasizes rhythm, interpretation of music, and precise steps on the ice. Unlike pair skating, jumps and spins are limited; the focus is on intricate footwork performed in close dance holds, making it similar to ballroom dancing on ice.

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