Enrolling your child in figure skating lessons is a fun and exciting journey for both of you. If you’re new to it, however, you may be confused by some of the jargon specific to the discipline. Although there are many terms you’ll eventually grow familiar with, it’s helpful to learn a few basic ones right away so you can follow your child’s progress. Here are some of the moves they may learn over time.

5 Terms You’ll Often Hear in Figure Skating 

1. Bunny Hop

Simple and basic, this trick is one of the first your child might master. It involves gliding along the ice on one foot, then swinging the other leg forward and landing on the toe pick. After that, the skater continues gliding on the original foot.

2. Crossover

Helpful for skating safely and gracefully around corners, this is another common move for beginners. All the athlete has to do is continuously and carefully cross the skate outside the curve of the other foot. When your child masters this skill, they will learn how to do it backwards, too.

3. Attitude

In figure skating, an attitude isn’t just about your mood or approach to the sport. It’s a technique defined by gliding forward on one foot while gently lifting the other behind you, bending it slightly with the thigh facing up. To stay balanced, the skater must place one arm above the head and stretch the other to the side.

4. Spiral

The spiral is a classic figuring skating move that requires strength and balance. It lays the groundwork for more challenging spins later. The skater must glide forward on one foot with their chest out, raising the other leg parallel to the ice.

5. Swizzles

As beginners’ moves go, swizzles are some of the toughest because they demand tight muscle control. The skater positions their feet in a V, with the point meeting at the heels. Their hands should be outstretched in a V-shape, too. They then move forward, pushing their legs out and then bringing them together again. A backward swizzle works similarly, except the person creates a point with their toes and then glides back.

To help your child become the best figure skater they can be, take them to the World Championship Program in Palatine, IL. Their talented and experienced instructors will expertly guide your little one in mastering the basic techniques behind professional moves. Your child will also have the opportunity to participate in competitions and other events as they become confident in their craft. Find out how to enroll by calling (872) 221-3557.