Bob Martin/Allsport |
TERMS
Axel: A jump in which skaters take off from the forward outside edge of the blade and land on the back outside edge of the opposite foot. The axel is one of the most difficult jumps and the only one that takes off from a forward position.
Camel: A spin that skaters perform on one leg with the non-skating leg, or free leg, extended in the air in a parallel position to the ice.
Combination Spin: A combination of spins in which skaters change feet and position while trying to maintain speed throughout the movements.
Edge Jump: A jump where skaters take off from the entry edge of the skating foot without bringing the free foot in contact with the ice to assist in the takeoff. Edge jumps include the axel, loop and salchow.
Flip: A jump in which skaters use their toe pick and take off from the back inside edge of one foot, landing on the back outside edge of the opposite foot.
Layback: A spin, usually performed only by women, done in an upright position where the head and shoulders are dropped backwards and the back arches.
Loop: A jump in which skaters take off from a back outside edge and land on the same back outside edge.
Lutz: A jump in which skaters use their toe pick and take off from a back outside edge, landing on the back outside edge of the opposite foot. Skaters glide backwards on a wide curve, tap their toe pick into the ice and rotate in the opposite direction of the curve.
Salchow: A jump in which skaters take off from the back inside edge of one foot and land on the back outside edge of the opposite foot. Named after Swede Ulrich Salchow, who won the first Olympic gold medal in figure skating.
Spiral: A move in which skaters demonstrate flexibility and a fluid line by extending their non-skating leg in the air behind them during a long glide.
Toe Loop: A toe-pick assisted jump in which skaters take off and land on the same back outside edge.
Toe Pick: The teeth at the front of the blade, used to assist in jumping and spinning.
| 
