Skating Skills

Unison is listed for pairs and ice dance only; the other criteria apply to every discipline.

Source: ISU Sports Rules, Figure Skating (2026) · recall

Skaters must carry their weight over the skating foot, and two-footed skating is avoided unless it is required.

Source: ISU Sports Rules, Figure Skating (2026) · recall

Using the ice well needs deep edges and good flow; coverage gained with flat or shallow edges is not allowed.

Source: ISU Sports Rules, Figure Skating (2026) · recall

Stroking coordinates thrust, knee bend and the transfer of weight to move over the ice to best effect.

Source: Special Olympics Figure Skating Coaching Guide (2021) · recall

Rocking from one edge to the opposite edge on the same foot traces a serpentine.

Source: Special Olympics Figure Skating Coaching Guide (2021) · recall

There is an inside and an outside edge, each forward and backward: four edges in all.

Source: Special Olympics Figure Skating Coaching Guide (2021) · recall

The skating side is the side of the body on the same side as the foot the skater is skating on.

Source: Special Olympics Figure Skating Coaching Guide (2021) · recall

Good stroking joins knee bend, thrust from the edge and a clean weight transfer into the glide.

Source: Special Olympics Figure Skating Coaching Guide (2021) · applied

The skater rocks over from one edge to the other on the same foot, and the curve turns the other way.

Source: Special Olympics Figure Skating Coaching Guide (2021) · applied

D curves strongly on every stroke, the sign of deep edges. A and C are nearly flat, B only gently curved.

Source: ISU Sports Rules, Figure Skating (2026) · applied

The definition asks for power, balance, depth of edge and an easy transition from one foot or lobe to the other.

Source: ISU Sports Rules, Figure Skating (2026) · recall

'Effortless throughout' is a bullet for jumps, spins and step sequences; the others belong to one element only.

Source: ISU Communication 2788, Levels of Difficulty and GOE Guidelines, Single & Pair Skating 2026/27 · recall

Both skaters should show the criteria equally; if they differ, the mark reflects the pair as a unit, about the middle.

Source: ISU Handbook for Referees & Judges, Single and Pair Skating 2026/27 · applied

When partners skate steps and turns with similar technique, the space between them and their holds are easier to manage.

Source: ISU Handbook for Referees & Judges, Single and Pair Skating 2026/27 · recall

Originality can appear anywhere: in the way of skating and moving, the arms and head, the patterns and the connections.

Source: ISU Handbook for Referees & Judges, Single and Pair Skating 2026/27 · recall

Losing speed and drive through the turns is the step sequence error 'lack of flow and energy'.

Source: ISU Communication 2788, Levels of Difficulty and GOE Guidelines, Single & Pair Skating 2026/27 · applied

Variety covers edges, steps, turns, movements and directions; clarity is how cleanly they are done.

Source: ISU Sports Rules, Figure Skating (2026) · recall

The judge starts from the positive bullets for a starting GOE, then takes off the reductions for errors.

Source: ISU Communication 2788, Levels of Difficulty and GOE Guidelines, Single & Pair Skating 2026/27 · applied

Notable differences between the skaters lead the judge to the middle mark, for the unit as a whole.

Source: ISU Handbook for Referees & Judges, Single and Pair Skating 2026/27 · applied

Only B is a single line from start to finish. A, C and D slip onto two feet for part of the way.

Source: ISU Sports Rules, Figure Skating (2026) · applied