Figure Skating Vocabulary
Instructions: Glide through this quiz about the terms of figure skating!
- 1.
In figure skating, what is a 'triple axel'?
AA skating move using both axles of the skateBA jump with three and a half rotations in the air, taking off from a forward outside edgeCThree rotations on the groundDThree backward spins - 2.
What is a 'Salchow' jump in figure skating?
AA jump from a standing positionBA jump performed only in pairs skatingCA jump using the toe pick for takeoffDA jump named after a Swedish skater, launched from the back inside edge of one foot - 3.
In figure skating, what is a 'Lutz' jump?
AA jump named after the city of LutzBA toe-pick-assisted jump launched from the back outside edge with a counter-rotationCA jump performed only by male skatersDA jump with no rotations - 4.
What is the 'camel spin' in figure skating?
AA spin performed in a position with the free leg extended backward parallel to the iceBA spin named after a camel's hump shapeCA spin that moves across the iceDA spin performed on both feet - 5.
In figure skating, what does 'GOE' stand for?
AGrade of ExcellenceBGrading of ElementsCGrade of ExecutionDGeneral Olympic Evaluation - 6.
What is a 'death spiral' in pairs figure skating?
AA move performed at the end of a careerBA move where the man pivots while the woman spirals around him with her body nearly parallel to the iceCA dangerous mistakeDA downward spiral spin - 7.
In figure skating, what is the 'short program'?
AA program performed on a small rinkBA brief warm-up routineCA competition segment with required elements performed in under 2 minutes 50 secondsDA program for short skaters - 8.
What is a 'toe loop' jump in figure skating?
AA loop made with the toeBA jump where the skater loops around in a circleCA jump performed on the toes onlyDA toe-pick-assisted jump launched from the back outside edge of the skating foot - 9.
In figure skating, what is a 'layback spin'?
AA spin where the skater lies on the iceBA lazy, slow-spinning moveCA spin done with the back to the audienceDA spin performed while leaning back with the head and shoulders arched behind - 10.
What is 'choreographic sequence' in figure skating?
AThe order of jumps in a programBA sequence of movements, steps, and turns that showcase artistry and musicalityCA synchronized team routineDA mandatory warm-up pattern - 11.
In figure skating, what is an 'edge' on a skate blade?
AThe decorative finish on the bladeBThe pointed tip of the bladeCThe inside or outside curved surface of the blade that contacts the iceDThe flat bottom of the blade - 12.
What is a 'throw jump' in pairs skating?
ATossing a partner across the iceBThrowing the judge's scoresCA jump performed after catching a thrown objectDA jump where the man launches the woman into the air to perform a multi-rotation jump - 13.
In figure skating, what is the 'kiss and cry' area?
AThe area where skaters sit with coaches to await their scores after performingBA romantic spot in the arenaCThe area where injured skaters receive careDA designated section for emotional fans - 14.
What is a 'sit spin' in figure skating?
ASpinning while sitting on the iceBSitting down after completing a spinCA spin performed in a low squatting position with the free leg extendedDA spin done on a chair - 15.
In figure skating, what is 'under-rotation'?
AA spin with less than one revolutionBA jump where the skater does not complete the full required number of rotations before landingCRotating in the wrong directionDSpinning too slowly
Answer Key
The triple axel is a jump requiring 3.5 rotations in the air (because the axel takes off from a forward edge, adding an extra half rotation). It is one of the most technically challenging jumps.
The Salchow is a figure skating jump named after Ulrich Salchow, performed by taking off from the back inside edge of one foot and landing on the back outside edge of the other.
The Lutz is a toe-pick-assisted jump named after Alois Lutz, distinguished by its takeoff from the back outside edge of the skating foot, which requires counter-rotation.
The camel spin is performed with the skater's body in an arabesque position, with the free leg extended behind, parallel to the ice or higher, creating an elegant horizontal line.
GOE stands for Grade of Execution, a scoring component where judges rate how well each element is performed on a scale from -5 to +5, added to the element's base value.
The death spiral is an iconic pairs skating element where the man anchors himself in a pivot position while the woman circles around him in a deep backward lean, her head near the ice.
The short program is one of two competitive segments in singles and pairs skating, requiring skaters to perform specific required elements within a time limit of 2:40 (plus or minus 10 seconds).
The toe loop is a toe-pick-assisted jump where the skater takes off from the back outside edge, assisted by a toe pick from the free foot, and lands on the same back outside edge.
A layback spin is an upright spin where the skater arches their back and drops their head behind them while spinning, creating a beautiful curved body line.
A choreographic sequence is a component of the free skate program consisting of skating movements, steps, turns, and other elements that highlight the skater's artistic interpretation of the music.
Figure skate blades have two edges: the inside edge (toward the body) and the outside edge (away from the body), created by a concave groove. Every skating move uses one edge or the other.
A throw jump is a pairs element where the male partner assists (throws) the female partner into the air, where she performs a multi-rotation jump and lands independently.
The kiss and cry is the area near the ice where skaters and their coaches sit together after a performance, waiting for the scores to be announced, often showing emotional reactions.
A sit spin is performed with the skating knee deeply bent in a squatting position while the free leg is extended forward, and the skater rotates in this low position.
Under-rotation occurs when a skater lands a jump without completing the full required rotations, resulting in a score deduction. If the shortfall exceeds a quarter turn, the jump may be downgraded.