Ice Skating: Easy Figure Skating Moves

Figure skating is a great winter sport because almost all ages can participate. This fun activity is harder than it looks, but this guide to some of the more basic moves should help you out.

Stroking

As a beginner, you may be tempted to walk on the ice, but you won't get very far without being run over! Stroking is one of the more basic moves an ice skater will learn. It simply means moving from one of your skates to the other. You can "stroke" forward or backward to warm up on the rink. When you first start learning to balance on one skate, it can be helpful to make short and fast movements in the beginning. If you want a strong push to get you started in forward stroking, remember to push your skates to the side and back instead of just the back.

Mohawk turn

This is an easy turn for new figure skaters. Depending on the foot you begin with, you can do either a right or left Mohawk. You will start your turn by gliding on an edge of one skate. Swiftly position the other foot perpendicular to the skating one so the back of the blade almost contacts the gliding foot in the middle. Now, all you have to do is shift your weight to the new skating foot, and voila! You have just completed your first turn.

Figure Eight

This is usually the first move every new figure skater is anxious to learn. Simply put, this move has you trace the number eight with your skates, while always having one foot on the ice. Your weight should lean toward the outside edge of one skate, while the other foot is touching the guiding skate as you make your first circle. Once the first circle is complete, you need to switch feet, with the other foot leading to perform the figure eight. As long as you don't forget to place your weight on the new skate, you will see a perfect figure eight.

Snowplow

If you are a skier, you will recognize the snowplow move. Both sports use it to stop, as least in the beginner stages. This involves pointing just the toes of your skates (like an upside-down "V" shape) together while reducing your speed, which will ultimately bring you to a stop.

Note: I am a winter sports enthusiast, and I have been figure skating recreationally for at least twenty years. I started as a little girl, and now I love teaching my little boys.

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