Monday 21 March 2011

Moves That Must Be Mastered For Figure Skating Competitions

By Gabin Reeds


The sport of figure skating is a widely anticipated event where skaters are judged according to their routines that showcase their skating technique, style, and athleticism. It is a sport that involves a ton of skill, and a lot of times it is overlooked when compared to other sports.

Making their performances look effortless, figure skaters glide, spin, jump in the air and land back gracefully on the ice as if it were perfectly natural. Make no mistake though, these athletes did not perfect their moves without years of dedication and practice. Pain and sacrifice was necessary in order to produce those amazing routines.

New skaters who are keen to compete are encouraged to learn and practice the various moves in figure skating. These include the basic jumps spins, steps, turns, and lifts that are often seen in figure skating routines.

Jumps are one of the most highly anticipated moves during a routine. When a skater jumps in midair, spins, and then makes a solid and graceful landing, audiences hold their breath and clap excitedly after. Since a jump is not only difficult but dangerous as well, a figure skater practices the move in a gym before training on the ice.

Another required move during a routine is the spin. A spin requires the skater to rotate quickly on the ball of the foot. There are many variations to the spin - some spin with both legs on the ice, others, with one leg. The arms are also used to make the skater rotate faster as well as to emphasize their movement.

In pair figure skating, the man lifts his dainty partner above his head while she arches her body into a graceful form as they skate together like that. There are many types of lifts and this is a move that audiences are eager to witness because it is also one of the most difficult to perform.

Like jumps, pairs start training their lifts in a gym then move to the ice once they have mastered the moves. Lifts are dangerous and can seriously injure skaters who lack training before execution.

Figure skating is not only a sport but it is an art as well. It requires strength, skill, grace, and flexibility, among others. In order to master this sport, athletes must be strong and dedicated and willing to make huge sacrifices to bring beauty onto the ice. It is no wonder why so many people are huge fans of the sport.




About the Author:



No comments:

Post a Comment