47 speed skating terms defined, including clap skate, crossover, pack style, bell lap and team pursuit, each in a single line.
Speed skating terminology depends on which version of the sport is on screen. Long track is a race against the clock in pairs, short track is a pack race with contact, and each brings its own words. The words related to speed skating cover the track, the technique and the blade, while the words associated with speed skating equipment come down to the clap skate and the suit. Every term used here is repeated in the speed skating glossary below.
Must-Know Speed Skating Terms, Phrases and Slang:
- Apex
- Block
- Clap skate
- Cornering
- Drafting
- Heat
- Inline
- Lap
- Mass start
- Oval
- Pair
- Qualifying
- Rink
- Seed
- Split time
- Time trial
- Track
- Transition
- Turn
- Aerodynamic
- Bell lap
- Double push
- Final sprint
- Interval start
- Photo finish
- Podium
- Skate holder
- Speed suit
- Start line
- Warm-up
Speed Skating Glossary: Every Term A to Z
| Term | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Advance | To move on from a heat into the next round, either by finishing high enough or on time. |
| Aerodynamic | Shaped to cut drag. At racing speed air resistance is the largest force a skater fights, which is why suits and body position matter so much. |
| Allround | A championship format scored across four distances, where the best combined result wins rather than a single race. |
| Apex | The tightest point of a turn, where the skater is closest to the inside and leaning hardest. |
| Bell lap | The final lap, announced by a bell. It usually turns the race into a sprint. |
| Blade | The long steel runner under the boot. Straight and thin for long track, curved for short track corners. |
| Block | In short track, holding a line so a rival cannot pass. Legal until it becomes contact or impeding. |
| Changeover | In long track, the point on the back straight where the two skaters in a pair swap lanes each lap so both cover the same distance. |
| Clap skate | A skate whose blade is hinged at the front and lifts away from the heel, keeping the blade on the ice longer through each push. |
| Cornering | The technique of carrying speed through a turn without losing the edge or the line. |
| Crossover | The crossing step used through a turn, where one skate is placed over the other to keep pushing all the way round. |
| Double push | An inline technique in which the skater pushes on the outward set-down as well as the outward stroke. |
| Drafting | Sitting close behind another skater to sit out of the air. Also called slipstreaming. |
| False start | Moving before the gun. A second one usually costs a skater the race. |
| Final sprint | The last effort into the line, where positioning from the previous laps pays off. |
| Glide | The phase between pushes, when the skate simply runs. Longer glides mean fewer, better pushes. |
| Heat | A preliminary race that decides who goes through to the next round. |
| Inline | Speed skating on inline skates, with the wheels in a single row, raced on roads and tracks. |
| Inner lane | The shorter of the two long track lanes. The pairing and changeover rules exist so nobody keeps it. |
| Interval start | Starting skaters at fixed gaps, usually thirty seconds, so they do not bunch up. |
| Lap | One full circuit of the track. Distances are given in meters and translated into laps by the skaters. |
| Long track | Racing on a 400 meter oval, in pairs, against the clock. |
| Mass start | A race in which the whole field starts together and tactics decide the result. |
| Oval | The standard 400 meter long track shape, with two straights and two banked turns. |
| Pack style | Racing where all competitors share the ice and position matters as much as speed. The short track norm. |
| Pair | The two skaters who race together in a long track event, one in the inner and one in the outer lane. |
| Penalty | A ruling that removes a skater from the result, usually for impeding or an illegal pass. |
| Photo finish | The line camera used to separate skaters whose blades cross the line together. |
| Podium | The three places that finish with a medal, and the platform they are handed out on. |
| Qualifying | Skating for a time or a placing good enough to reach the next round or the final. |
| Relay | The short track team event, where a skater is pushed into the race by a teammate rather than tagged. |
| Rink | The ice surface. Short track runs on a hockey-sized rink, long track on a much larger oval. |
| Rocker | The slight curve ground into a blade along its length. It sets how easily the skate turns. |
| Seed | A ranking from earlier results that decides starting positions and pairings. |
| Short track | Racing on a 111 meter track marked on a hockey rink, in packs, with contact and passing. |
| Skate holder | The clamp used to hold a blade steady while it is sharpened or adjusted. |
| Speed suit | The skin-tight racing suit, cut and seamed to reduce drag. |
| Split time | An intermediate time taken during a race to show the pace lap by lap. |
| Sprint | The short distances, above all the 500 meters, where the start counts for almost everything. |
| Start line | The line the race begins from, with skaters held still behind it until the gun. |
| Stroke | One push and glide cycle. The unit technique is measured in. |
| Team pursuit | A team event in which three skaters race in line against another three starting on the opposite side. |
| Time trial | Racing the clock alone rather than head to head. |
| Track | The marked racing surface, oval in both versions of the sport, with lanes in long track and blocks in short. |
| Transition | The change from one technique to another, above all from straight-line stroking into the crossovers of a turn. |
| Turn | The banked or marked curve at each end of the track, where races are usually decided. |
| Warm-up | The light skating and stretching done before racing so muscles are ready and injuries less likely. |
#1 Apex
The apex is the tightest portion of the turn on a speed skating track, where skaters aim to maintain speed and optimal trajectory. Skaters often focus on their technique here to minimize time lost in the turn.
#2 Block
In short track speed skating, a block refers to a defensive move where a skater prevents another from passing, often by maintaining position on the inner part of the track. However, blocks must be legal and not impede competitors with physical contact.
#3 Clap skate
A clap skate, or hinged skate, features a blade that detaches from the heel allowing for a longer stride and more efficient transfer of energy. They revolutionized the sport in the late 1990s and are now widely used.
#4 Cornering
Cornering is the skill of navigating the turns in a speed skating rink, balancing centrifugal forces to maintain speed without losing control. Good cornering technique is essential for competitive skating and time efficiency on the track.
#5 Drafting
Drafting, also known as slipstreaming, occurs when a skater follows closely behind another to minimize air resistance. It’s a strategic move that conserves energy, allowing the drafting skater to potentially overtake later.
#6 Heat
A heat in speed skating is a preliminary race where competitors vie for a position in the subsequent rounds. It’s a part of the elimination process that determines the finalists in a competition.
#7 Inline
In the context of speed skating, “inline” refers to a type of skating performed on inline skates, which have their wheels arranged in a single line. Inline speed skating is similar to traditional ice speed skating in terms of dynamics and techniques but is performed on surfaces like roads and tracks.
#8 Lap
A lap is a complete circuit around the track or path being used for the race. In speed skating, both inline and on ice, the number of laps can vary depending on the distance of the race, ranging from short sprints to longer endurance races.
#9 Mass start
A race format in speed skating where all competitors start simultaneously instead of in pairs or small groups. It creates a dynamic and strategic race, with skaters jockeying for position throughout.
#10 Oval
Refers to the standard shape of the ice track used in long track speed skating, designed as an oval for skaters to race around. It enables consistent conditions for each athlete during competitions.
#11 Pair
In individual speed skating events, competitors are matched up to race in pairs on separate lanes of the track. This helps provide an immediate comparison between skaters’ performances.
#12 Qualifying
The process by which speed skaters compete against the clock to earn a spot in the racing heats. Fastest times will determine who advances to the next round or final.
#13 Rink
The ice surface where speed skating takes place. For short track, the rink is smaller, creating tighter turns, while a long track rink provides longer straightaways.
#14 Seed
A pre-determined ranking given to skaters based on their previous performances, which decides their positions and matchups in the starting heats of a competition.
#15 Split time
A time recorded at certain intervals along the skating track that indicates a skater’s pace. These are used to measure performance throughout a race.
#16 Time trial
An event where skaters race individually against the clock rather than directly against each other, with the fastest time determining the winner or rankings.
#17 Track
In speed skating, the track refers to the ice surface designated for competition, typically an oval shape with lanes for racing. It’s where skaters strive for their best times and compete side-by-side.
#18 Transition
The transition in speed skating is the crucial moment where a skater switches from one skating technique to another, such as from straightaway stroking to cornering. This precise maneuver is key for maintaining speed and balance.
#19 Turn
A turn is the curved part of the speed skating track where technique is critical. Skaters must navigate these with precision, leaning into the curve to maintain speed without losing balance or momentum.
#20 Aerodynamic
Aerodynamics is essential in speed skating, referring to the study of air resistance and its impact on movement. Skaters aim for aerodynamic efficiency through body position and specialized suits to maximize speed and minimize drag.
#21 Bell lap
The bell lap is the final lap of a speed skating race, signaled by ringing a bell. It’s a cue for skaters to give their utmost effort before the finish line, often triggering a sprint.
#22 Double push
Double push is a technique in inline speed skating where skaters generate propulsion not only on the inward stroke but also on the outward stroke of each skate cycle, enhancing their efficiency and speed.
#23 Final sprint
The final sprint refers to the last segment of the race where skaters give their maximum effort to finish strongly. This often involves tactical positioning and a burst of speed to outpace competitors in the closing stages of the race.
#24 Interval Start
In speed skating competitions, particularly in long-distance races, an interval start refers to the timed method of starting athletes at different intervals, usually 30 seconds apart, to spread them out on the track and prevent overcrowding.
#25 Photo Finish
When a race is so close that the winner isn’t immediately clear to the naked eye, a photo finish is used to determine the placement of the skaters by capturing a high-resolution image as they cross the finish line.
#26 Podium
The podium is the raised platform used for the medal ceremony following a race, where the top three finishers, first (gold), second (silver), and third (bronze), stand to receive their medals and celebrate their achievement.
#27 Skate Holder
This is a device used to securely hold a speed skater’s blade in place when sharpening the edges or making adjustments. It is crucial for maintaining the skate’s performance and safety.
#28 Speed Suit
A skin-tight, aerodynamic suit worn by speed skaters to reduce air resistance and improve performance on the ice. Made of specialized materials, a speed suit is designed to enhance mobility and speed.
#29 Start Line
The start line is the designated line on the ice track from which skaters begin their race. It is crucial for a fair start, as skaters must be positioned behind this line at the race’s commencement.
#30 Warm-up
In speed skating, warm-ups are essential pre-competition or training exercises. They prepare the body for the physical demands, boost blood flow to muscles, and minimize injury risks. Warm-up routines often involve stretching, light skating, and gradually elevating heart rate.
FAQ
What is the difference between short track and long track speed skating?
Long track is raced on a 400 meter oval in pairs against the clock. Short track is raced on a 111 meter track marked on a hockey rink, with the whole field on the ice at once, so passing, positioning and contact decide the result.
What do you call a skate with a hinged blade?
A clap skate. The blade is hinged at the front and springs away from the heel at the end of the push, which keeps it on the ice longer. It reached the top of the sport in the late 1990s.
What is it called when a skater tucks in behind another to save energy?
Drafting, also called slipstreaming. The skater behind sits out of the air, spends less to hold the same speed, and keeps something back for the final laps.
What is the last lap of a speed skating race called?
The bell lap, announced by ringing a bell as the leader comes past. It signals the final effort and usually turns the race into a sprint.
What is it called when long track skaters change lanes?
The changeover. The two skaters in a pair swap between the inner and outer lane once each lap on the back straight, so both cover exactly the same distance.
They group into the track (oval, apex, turn, inner lane, changeover), the technique (stroke, glide, crossover, drafting, transition) and the race (heat, pair, mass start, bell lap, split time). The speed skating glossary above lists all of them.
What are some Speed Skating terms for beginners?
“Apex,” “Clap skate,” and “Drafting” are some Speed Skating terms beginners should start with. These terms help novices understand track layout, equipment, and strategic positioning during a race.
What are some funny Speed Skating terms?
“Bell lap” and “Double push” are some funny Speed Skating terms that can evoke amusement, illustrating the final lap signal and a specific skating technique with a whimsical name.
What is a famous Speed Skating phrase?
“On your mark, get set, go!” is a famous Speed Skating phrase that marks the beginning of a race, signaling competitors to start and encapsulating the anticipation and excitement of competition.
