Collection Figure Skating 2026.08.10

The Techniques of Figure Skating Hidden Between Jumps

A collection discovering speed, levels, and execution quality in spins, steps, and choreo elements

#Figure Spin #Step Sequence #Choreo Sequence #Figure Techniques #Ice Competitions

If the period after a jump looks like a resting phase, then you are only seeing half of figure skating. Spins require maintaining axis and speed while changing positions and feet, and step sequences fill the ice with numerous turns and edge changes. In choreo sequences, a skater's flexibility, musical interpretation, and individuality shine more freely within standardized techniques. This list focuses on distinguishing the techniques of figure skating hidden between jumps, rather than just memorizing their names.

This list connects elements from upright, sit, camel, and layback spins to combinations like flying entries and change foot, along with steps, twizzles, spirals, ina bauer, and spread eagle. Similar positions may have different scoring structures depending on whether they are independent scoring elements or part of choreography. While levels count the number of technical features, GOE evaluates the actual execution quality — knowing these distinctions is important. Nevertheless, it's advisable to confirm the latest official guidelines as event rules, skater compositions, and merchandise can change.

The easiest starting point when watching is to focus on speed and center. Adding many complex positions may alter the impression if the axis shifts significantly or speed dissipates at the end. Conversely, if a skater maintains a position through a long curve with a single edge until the end of the musical phrase, even simple connecting actions can become highlight scenes. Observing how the entire ice is utilized during the time between jumps reveals the density of the program.

Upright Spin

This category of spins revolves around a basic position with an upright upper body. It includes various variations, such as the scratch spin, which increases rotation speed by bringing both arms together, and the Biellmann position, which lifts the legs upwards. It's not merely about standing straight; the stability of the axis, the speed of rotation, and the clarity of posture changes significantly influence execution quality. Non-jump elements are evaluated not only by the names of the positions but also by speed, center, ice usage, and musical connection. When watching, it's good to remember that levels and execution quality are judged differently.

Sit Spin

This is a basic spin performed in a seated position where the hips and knees of the skating leg are lowered sufficiently. It varies from the cannonball position with legs extended forward to various variations that twist the body. Although it may appear low externally, it must meet the basic posture criteria set by the ISU to be recognized as such, so it's essential to consider both knee and hip heights. Non-jump elements are evaluated not only by the names of the positions but also by speed, center, ice usage, and musical connection. When watching, it's good to remember that levels and execution quality are judged differently.

Camel Spin

This basic spin features the torso and free leg almost parallel to the ice. It extends from the classic T-shape silhouette to donut variations which twist the upper body and legs. Rather than only observing the height of the free leg, checking if the hips drop and if the rotation axis moves, will reveal differences in execution quality. Non-jump elements are evaluated not only by the names of the positions but also by speed, center, ice usage, and musical connection. When watching, it's good to remember that levels and execution quality are judged differently.

Layback Spin

This is an upright spin where the upper body is leaned back and the free leg is positioned behind, commonly seen in women's singles. The lines of the arms, back, and head can change dramatically with the music, and may transition into sideway positions or Biellmanns. Maintaining rotation with beautiful connections without losing center is crucial, along with flexibility. Non-jump elements are evaluated not only by the names of the positions but also by speed, center, ice usage, and musical connection. When watching, it's good to remember that levels and execution quality are judged differently.

Flying Spin

This is a method of entering a spin after leaving the ice as if jumping, creating a position in the air and continuing to rotate upon landing. Depending on the basic position after landing, it can be named flying camel or flying sit spin. Observing the height and clarity of aerial movements, as well as whether the rotation continues smoothly after landing, allows you to appreciate both difficulty and execution quality. Non-jump elements are evaluated not only by the names of the positions but also by speed, center, ice usage, and musical connection. When watching, it's good to remember that levels and execution quality are judged differently.

Change Foot Combination Spin

In this spin, the skater changes feet and combines upright, sit, and camel positions within a single spin. In the scoring sheet, it appears as an abbreviation like CCoSp, and the level characteristics vary based on how sufficiently each position was rotated on either foot. It’s important that each variation is distinct and that speed is maintained until the end, rather than simply having many positions. Non-jump elements are evaluated not only by the names of the positions but also by speed, center, ice usage, and musical connection. When watching, it's good to remember that levels and execution quality are judged differently.

Step Sequence

This is a technical element that connects turns and steps, utilizing the ice widely. The diverse and multidirectional performance of challenging turns like twizzles, brackets, counters, rockers, and choctaws influences the level. Instead of just looking for quick footwork, it's beneficial to observe the moments when curves change and how the upper body expands with the music. Non-jump elements are evaluated not only by the names of the positions but also by speed, center, ice usage, and musical connection. When watching, it's good to remember that levels and execution quality are judged differently.

Choreographic Sequence

This element allows for choreographic expression, freely combining spirals, ina bauer, spread eagles, hydroblading, and jump-like movements. Unlike step sequences, which are graded from levels 1-4, it follows a structure where a fixed base value is enhanced with GOE. This segment often most directly showcases a skater's individuality and the peak of the music. Non-jump elements are evaluated not only by the names of the positions but also by speed, center, ice usage, and musical connection. When watching, it's good to remember that levels and execution quality are judged differently.

Twizzle

This is a turn performed while moving on one foot, revolving continuously. Unlike a stationary spin, this turns while gliding on the ice, and holds independent weight as a crucial technical element in ice dance. It also appears in single step sequences, making it easier to recognize by observing the direction of movement during rotation, the changing of feet, and whether speed is maintained. Non-jump elements are evaluated not only by the names of the positions but also by speed, center, ice usage, and musical connection. When watching, it's good to remember that levels and execution quality are judged differently.

Spiral

This is a movement where the skater glides on one foot while raising the free leg higher than the hip to form a long line. Currently, it is not an independent level element in singles competitions but makes a significant musical impression during choreo sequences and transition segments. The quality of the scene is influenced by the depth of the edge corresponding to the height of the leg, speed, and the continuity of the upper body and arm lines. Non-jump elements are evaluated not only by the names of the positions but also by speed, center, ice usage, and musical connection. When watching, it's good to remember that levels and execution quality are judged differently.

Ina Bauer

This connecting movement involves placing both feet on different parallel curves while bending one knee to glide. Although the notable variation is leaning back significantly, the key lies in the arrangement of the feet and edges. It is used during jump entries or choreo sequences, and maintaining the position for a longer time while keeping speed and curve alive can create a highlight scene in the program. Non-jump elements are evaluated not only by the names of the positions but also by speed, center, ice usage, and musical connection. When watching, it's good to remember that levels and execution quality are judged differently.

Spread Eagle

This gliding movement draws large curves with both heels facing each other, using either inside or outside edges. It requires flexibility and edge control as the knees and hips must open. It is often placed before a large jump entry or during long musical phrases, making it noticeable whether the curves are deep and the speed is maintained. Non-jump elements are evaluated not only by the names of the positions but also by speed, center, ice usage, and musical connection. When watching, it's good to remember that levels and execution quality are judged differently.

When watching spins, first locate the basic position, then follow the changes in feet and posture as well as the rotation speed. In step sequences, rather than just tracking the feet, observe how the skater creates curves on the ice and how they use their upper body. The choreo sequence, being a segment that expresses music and individuality rather than adhering to strict level competition, presents an opportunity to find where the program's representative imagery is created. This list focuses on distinguishing the techniques of figure skating hidden between jumps, rather than just memorizing their names.

High levels do not equate to beautiful execution. Technical panels confirm features as per regulations to assign levels while judges provide GOE based on speed, center, clarity, and musical connection. Even if many difficult variations are included, a significant movement in the axis can affect the final product. Conversely, sharp basic positions and increased rotation speed can create a strong impression from simple compositions. It's advisable to verify the latest official guidelines since event rules, skater compositions, and merchandise may change.

In the next competition, make sure to keep an eye on the screen rather than look away from how each skater uses the ice. Observe how far they go with a single push, whether the steps align with the beats of the music, and if the spiral and ina bauer transition smoothly into the next element. The more you recognize non-jump elements, the more program composition scores will appear as tangible differences in actual movements rather than abstract numbers.

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