Whether you are lacing up for the first time or watching from the sidelines, figure skating can sound like a whole new language. From “the flutz” to “laybacks” and “GOEs,” it’s no wonder newcomers feel like they need a translator.

This glossary was created to help you make sense of it all — from rink side conversations to competition commentary.

Whether you are a parent, skater, fan or just curious — save this list, share it, and come back as often as you like. There is always something new to learn.

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A

Axel
The only jump that takes off forwards. The Axel has 1.5 rotations (or more), making it one of the hardest jumps to master — and the most thrilling to watch. Some elite skaters can now land a quad Axel (four and a half rotations in the air). Search Ilia Malinin.

Abbreviation
Every jump, spin, and step sequence has an official abbreviation — useful when reading a skater’s scoresheet (often called a PDF). It shows exactly how each element was marked.

Artistry
The skater’s ability to express music, emotion, and storytelling through movement. Artistry is judged through components like skating skills, transitions, interpretation, and composition.

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B

Blades
The part of the skate that contacts the ice. Made of steel, each blade has an inside and outside edge — and yes, they are sharp and are kept sharp! Blade control is essential to everything a skater does.

Back Spin
Spins are classified as forward or backward based on the skating leg, not the direction of rotation. For counter-clockwise skaters, a back spin is done on the right leg.

Biellmann Spin
Named after Denise Biellmann (though first performed by Irina Slutskaya), this spin involves pulling the free leg behind and over the head into a split position. Visually stunning — and technically difficult.

Backflip
Banned in competitions since 1977 due to safety concerns, the backflip is a dramatic trick seen in exhibitions. Surya Bonaly (FRA) performed it landing on one foot at the Winter Olympics in 1998. In 2024, it was legalised again and Ilia Malinin (USA), and Adam Siao Him Fa (FRA) have famously performed it in competition.

Base Value
Every jump, spin, or choreographic element has a base value — a starting score based on difficulty. This value can increase or decrease depending on execution.

Boots and Blades
The two most important pieces of kit. Skaters often buy them separately, with boots moulded to the foot and blades professionally mounted.

Butterfly
A dynamic move where the skater kicks both legs out in a scissor motion while spinning horizontally in the air. Often used as an entry into a camel or sit spin.

Bling
This refers to the adding of crystals, rhinestones, and sometimes tassels to a figure skating costume. It enhances the visual appeal and makes them sparkle on the ice. Some skaters also add these to their boots, gloves and hair scrunchies too.

Bunga Pads
Gel ankle sleeves worn inside the skate boot to cushion the ankle and reduce pressure, friction, and bruising caused by stiff boots or tight lacing. Also known as ankle gel sleeves—search this term online to find similar products.

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C

Camel Spin
A spin performed with the free leg extended straight out at hip height, parallel to the ice. Requires balance, flexibility, and a strong core.

Choreography
Choreography blends movement and music to bring a routine to life. Good choreography highlights a skater’s strengths, musicality, and interpretation of theme or story.

Competition
Figure skating competitions involve skaters performing choreographed routines set to music, judged on both technical difficulty and artistic presentation. Events include singles (men’s and women’s), pairs, and ice dance, with most levels requiring a short program and a free program. Skaters can progress to higher levels by achieving the necessary technical scores. Competitions are a core part of the sport — and, for parents etc, often the most nerve-wracking.

Combination Jump
Two or more jumps performed one after the other without steps in between. The second jump must take off from the same foot that landed the first. A Euler jump is often used to link different edges or feet.

Crossover
A basic but essential skating skill. Crossovers involve crossing one foot over the other while gliding in a curve — done both forwards and backwards.

Catch Foot
A position where the skater grabs the blade or boot of the free leg during a spin or spiral. Often seen in layback or Biellmann spins.

Choreographic Sequence
A required section in higher-level programs, made up of creative moves like spirals, Ina Bauers, spread eagles, or hydroblading. It should reflect the music and theme — and show off the skater’s personality.

Costume
Not just sparkles and style — costumes play a role in presentation. They must follow rules (no excessive skin, no props) but still enhance the program’s theme. See Bling.

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D

Dance (Ice Dance)
One of the four main disciplines in figure skating. Ice dance focuses on rhythm, timing, precision, and musical interpretation. Unlike pairs skating, there are no jumps or overhead lifts — instead, it showcases intricate footwork and unison.

Death Spiral
A dramatic element in pair skating where the male partner pivots in place while holding the female partner's hand as she leans backwards, nearly parallel to the ice, in a low, spiralling circle. Visually stunning and technically difficult.

Deduction
Points taken off for rule violations or mistakes. These can include falls, under-rotated jumps, costume violations, or finishing late. While small, deductions can make a difference in competitive results.

Double Jump
A jump with two full rotations in the air. Most skaters begin with single jumps and progress to doubles, then triples. The Double Axel has 2.5 rotations because it starts from a forward take-off.

Draw
The process that determines skating order in a competition. For larger events, skaters are grouped by ranking, and the skating order is drawn at random within each group.

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E

Edges
Every blade has an inside and an outside edge — and skaters use both. Skating elements are often defined by which edge they are performed on (e.g. a flip jump uses an inside edge; a Lutz uses an outside). Control over edges is fundamental to figure skating.

Edge Violation
When a jump is executed from the wrong edge. Most commonly seen in Lutz jumps (which should take off from an outside edge). If a skater takes off from an inside edge instead, it is called a flutz — and they will lose points.

Element
Any identifiable technical move in a program — such as jumps, spins, step sequences, or choreographic sequences. Each has a code and a base value, which you’ll see on the scoresheet.

Euler
A jump with a half-rotation, usually inserted between two other jumps in a combination to switch landing foot or edge. Formerly called a half-loop.

Europeans
Short for the European Figure Skating Championships — the oldest major skating competition. Open to skaters from European ISU member countries.

Exhibition
A fun, non-competitive performance usually held at the end of a major event. Skaters perform to music of their choice, often with costumes and creative flair — a crowd favourite!

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F

Fall
Yes — it happens. Learning to fall (and get back up) is part of skating. Falls are common when learning jumps or trying new techniques. In competition, a fall results in a deduction — but for most skaters, it’s just part of the journey.

Field Moves
See “Moves / Skills Tests.” These focus on turns, edges, and skating control. They form the technical foundation for higher-level skating.

Figures
Historically, skating began with “compulsory figures” — where skaters traced precise patterns on the ice. While no longer part of competitive skating, they laid the groundwork for today's edge work and control. Many people would love to see a return of these.

Flip
A toe-assisted jump taking off from a back inside edge and landing on the back outside edge of the opposite foot. Tricky to master — and often confused with the Lutz.

Flutz
When a skater attempts a Lutz jump (which should take off from a back outside edge), but uses the inside edge instead. Common at all levels — and yes, judges will notice!

Free Skate (Free Program / Long Program)
The longer of the two programs in competition. Typically 3.5 to 4 minutes, depending on level. Skaters must perform a set of required elements while interpreting the music and maintaining stamina — it is a demanding and expressive part of the event.

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G

Gala
A non-competitive performance held at the end of a major event. Skaters return to the ice in fun, often more relaxed routines, usually wearing themed or creative costumes. It is a chance to enjoy the artistry and personality of the skaters without the pressure of competition.

GOAT (Greatest of All Time)
In figure skating, this title is often given to Japan’s Yuzuru Hanyu, a two-time Olympic champion known for his breathtaking artistry, musicality, technical brilliance, and loyal global fanbase.

GOE (Grade of Execution)
A score awarded for how well an element is performed — from -5 to +5. Good height, speed, smooth landings, or originality in entries and exits will all earn higher GOEs, increasing the base value of the element.

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H

Haircutter Spin
A variation of the layback spin where the skater arches backward and lifts the free leg so far over the head that the blade meets the hairline. It requires incredible flexibility and control.

Harness
A safety device used in coaching. A skater is attached to a pulley or harness system so they can safely practice jumps — especially new or difficult ones — with reduced risk of injury. Used on and off ice.

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I

Ice Dance
One of the four skating disciplines (alongside men’s, women’s, and pairs). Ice dance is performed in pairs with an emphasis on rhythm, intricate footwork, and expression. Unlike pairs skating, it does not involve jumps or overhead lifts.

Ice Rink
The surface where all the action happens! Rinks can be indoor or outdoor, and competition rinks are always Olympic-size (60 x 30m). Many skaters refer to it simply as "the ice" or "the sheet."

Ina Bauer
A move where one leg is bent in front and the other extended straight behind, with both blades gliding in opposite directions — forming a dramatic arch. Often seen in choreographic sequences or as a program highlight.

IJS (International Judging System)
Introduced in 2004 to replace the old "6.0" scoring system, IJS assigns point values to each element and uses GOE and component scores to create a more transparent, detailed scoring structure.

ISU (International Skating Union)
The global governing body for figure skating, ice dance, synchronised skating, and speed skating. It sets the rules, judging systems, and standards for competitions worldwide.

I-Spin
An upright spin where the skater lifts the free leg straight up in front of the body, forming a vertical line with the leg and torso. Requires balance and flexibility.

Ice Skating Jewellery
(We couldn’t leave this out!) A jewellery brand dedicated to figure skating, creating handcrafted designs in silver and gold — inspired by the blade on a skating boot.

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J

Jumps
There are six main jumps in figure skating: Toe Loop, Salchow, Loop, Flip, Lutz, and Axel. They are divided into two types — toe jumps (using the toe pick to assist take-off) and edge jumps (relying purely on the blade’s edge). Skaters and coaches often introduce them in different orders depending on preference and ability.

Jump Combination
Two or more jumps performed back-to-back with no step between. The second jump must take off from the landing foot of the first. Combinations increase difficulty — and point value.

Judges / Judging Panel
From local club events to the Olympics, every competition has a judging panel. In top-tier events, this includes technical specialists, a referee, and up to nine judges who score the program using the IJS system.

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K

Kiss & Cry
The area where skaters wait with their coaches to receive scores after a performance. Named for the emotional highs and lows — there are often tears, hugs, and lots of nerves.

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L

Lutz
A powerful toe-assisted jump that takes off from the back outside edge and lands on the opposite foot’s back outside edge. If the skater takes off from the inside edge instead, it becomes a flutz — and will be marked down.

Layback Spin
An upright spin where the skater arches backwards with the head and upper body facing the ceiling. It is a classic spin, often with variations like the catch-foot, Biellmann, or haircutter positions.

Levels
Each spin, step sequence or lift can be awarded a Level from 1 to 4 depending on difficulty and features. Higher levels (especially Level 4) earn more points — but only if executed correctly.

Lift
In pairs and ice dance, a lift involves the male partner raising the female partner above the ice in a controlled position. In ice dance, lifts must be held for a specific duration (under 7 or 12 seconds depending on the type) and must stay below head height. Overhead lifts are prohibited.

Loop Jump
An edge jump that takes off and lands on the same foot’s back outside edge. It can be performed as a single, double, triple, or quad.

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M

Moves / Skills Tests (UK)
In the UK, these are officially called Skills — the tests skaters must pass to progress through levels. They focus on edge quality, posture, control, turns, flow and body alignment. In the US, this is called Moves in the Field.

Typical elements include:

• Three-turns
• Mohawk turns
• Rockers
• Counters
• Choctaws
• Brackets

These form the foundation of good skating — and are often more challenging than they look.

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N

Nationals
Short for a country’s national championships — the highest domestic level of competition. Results often determine international team selection for Europeans, Worlds, and the Olympics.

NISA / British Ice Skating (BIS)
NISA was the former name for the UK’s national governing body, now known as British Ice Skating (BIS). It oversees tests, competitions, and development pathways across the country.

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O

Off-Ice
Training that happens off the rink — from conditioning and strength training to jump technique, flexibility, and mental preparation. Many skaters spend just as much time off the ice as on it.

Outside Edge
The outer edge of the skate blade — the side under your little toe. Skaters use both inside and outside edges when performing turns, steps, and jumps. Mastering edge control is key to smooth, elegant skating.

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P

Pairs
One of the four disciplines (five if you count syncronised skating) in figure skating, performed by a man and a woman. Pairs skating includes side-by-side jumps, lifts, death spirals, spins, and throw jumps — all choreographed to music with unison and artistry.

Pattern Dance
In ice dance, pattern dances are set sequences of steps and turns performed to specific rhythms and music styles (like waltz or tango). Often used at lower levels or as part of the rhythm dance in higher-level competition.

PB (Personal Best)
A skater’s highest score ever achieved in a program or segment. You will often hear commentators mention when a skater is “on track for a new PB.”

PDF
Short for the digital version of a skater’s scoresheet. After each competition, skaters receive a breakdown showing each element’s base value, GOE, and component scores. The codes (like 3Lo or FCSp4) may look like another language at first — but once decoded, they are a useful tool for understanding how the judges saw the performance and what you can do to improve as a skater.

Pop
Short for “popping a jump” — when a skater aborts a jump mid-air, often out of nerves or misjudged timing, and rotates fewer times than planned (e.g. a triple becomes a single). It’s frustrating but very common — even among top-level skaters.

Program
The routine a skater performs in competition. There are two types:

• Short Program – shorter, with strict required elements.
• Free Skate (also called the Long Program) – longer and more expressive, with greater freedom of choreography.

Each program is performed to music and judged on both technical and artistic merit.

Program Components / PCS
PCS stands for Program Component Score — a set of five artistic and technical scores covering:

• Skating skills
• Transitions
• Performance
• Composition
• Interpretation of the music

Together with the technical element score (TES), this makes up the full program score.

Patch Ice

Patch ice refers to specific ice time reserved for figure skaters to practice and train, often with coaching, and it's typically available to skaters who have achieved a certain skill level.

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Q

Q (Quarter Rotation Deduction)
Appears on scoresheets when a jump is landed slightly under-rotated — about ¼ short. It results in a reduced GOE or base value. Under-rotation is judged very closely in modern competitions.

Quad Jump
A jump with four full rotations in the air. Quads are a benchmark of elite men’s skating and are increasingly attempted by women. Examples include the quad toe loop (4T), quad Salchow (4S), and the rare quad Axel (4A).

Quick Change
Not strictly a skating term — but useful for shows and galas! Skaters often need to change costumes backstage in under 90 seconds between programs.

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R

Rink Etiquette
The unwritten rules of shared ice time. These include skating in the right direction, giving way to skaters whose music is playing, respecting levels, and not standing still in the middle of the ice. Essential for safety — and sanity.

Rotation
How many full turns a skater completes in a jump. For example, a single = 1 rotation, a double = 2, a triple = 3. Judges look for full rotation in the air — under-rotated jumps are marked down.

Rhythm Dance
Part of ice dance competition (replacing the original short dance). It includes required patterns and elements set to specific musical rhythms, which change each season (e.g. Latin, jazz, street dance). In 2025 the theme is: ‘The Music, Dance Styles and Feeling of the 1990s’.

Rippon Jump
A jump where the skater raises both arms above the head during take-off and landing — made famous by Adam Rippon. It increases the difficulty and visual impact.

Russian Split
A dramatic jump or choreographic move where the skater splits their legs sideways mid-air. Often used in gala programs or exhibitions.

Rhythm Dance
The first segment in ice dance competitions (replacing the old “short dance”). Skaters must perform to a set rhythm or musical style, with required elements built into the choreography.

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S

Salchow
An edge jump that takes off from the back inside edge and lands on the opposite foot’s back outside edge. Often one of the first jumps skaters learn with rotation.

Scratch Spin
A basic upright spin where the arms and free leg are pulled in tightly to create speed. Often used as a finishing spin in a program.

Short Program (SP)
The first segment of a singles, pairs, or ice dance competition. It includes a set of required elements and is shorter than the Free Skate. The scores from the SP determine the starting order for the next round.

Sit Spin
A spin where the skating leg is deeply bent, and the free leg is extended forward or sideways. It requires good knee bend and balance to stay low while spinning fast.

Skating Skills
One of the program component scores. Judges look for edge control, power, balance, flow, and posture. Strong skating skills make everything look smoother — even the jumps.

Spins
There are three basic spin positions — upright, sit, and camel — with many variations and features. Spins are scored based on difficulty, execution, speed, and originality.

Step Sequence
A section of choreography filled with turns, edges, and footwork that must cover the ice. It is judged for precision, variety, and how well it matches the music.

Spiral
A beautiful move where one leg is extended behind the skater (above hip level) as they glide on one foot. Spirals are often included in choreographic sequences and there are many variations: Charlotte, Kerrigan, Skid and Fan as examples.

Spotting
A technique used in jumps, particularly spins like the Biellmann, to help control rotation by keeping the head and eyes focused. In ice dance, it is also used to avoid dizziness during fast turns and twizzles.

Starting Order / Warm-Up Group
Skaters are assigned a skating order and placed into small groups for warm-ups (usually 4–6 skaters). Warm-up groupings can impact nerves and energy, especially for younger skaters!

Stroking
Basic skating using long, strong pushes — the foundation of speed and flow. Skaters often start each session with stroking exercises to warm up and strengthen technique.

Synchro / Synchronised Skating
The only team discipline in figure skating, synchronised skating is performed by a group of 8 to 20 skaters moving as one across the ice. Known for its speed, precision, and intricate formations, it is a dynamic and fast-growing sport that highlights teamwork, timing, and unison.

Soakers
Soft blade covers used to absorb moisture and keep blades dry after skating. Since ice skating blades are made of steel, they can rust if stored damp or left in hard guards. After drying your blades, use soakers for storage, and only use hard plastic blade guards when walking to and from the ice.

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T

Three-Turn
A one-foot turn that changes direction and edge. It is shaped like the number 3 on the ice and is a key part of many jump preparations and step sequences.

Toe Jump
A jump assisted by the toe pick — includes Toe Loop, Flip, and Lutz.

Turnout
The natural (or trained) ability to rotate the legs outward from the hips. It affects everything from basic posture to jump landings and spin positions.

TES, TSS

• TES: Technical Element Score — the total points earned for jumps, spins, steps and other elements.
• TSS: Total Segment Score — TES + PCS minus any deductions.

Toe Pick
The jagged teeth at the front of the blade, used for take-offs in jumps like the toe loop, flip, and Lutz. Toe picks are also essential for stopping, pivoting and spinning.

Transition
Steps and movements that link jumps and spins together. Transitions help maintain flow and musicality — and are judged as part of PCS. A routine full of good transitions will score higher than one with lots of empty skating between elements.

Torvill & Dean
British ice dance legends Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean — 1984 Olympic champions and creators of the iconic Boléro program. Still revered as pioneers in ice dance and choreography.

Twizzle
A twizzle is a multi-rotational, one-foot turn that moves across the ice, involving a continuous, uninterrupted action. It is a key element in ice dance programs.

Teapot (shoot the duck)
A move where the skater squats down on one leg, bending the knee, while extending the other leg out to the side and slightly forward. Practiced on and off the ice, it is a very useful exercise for learning a sit spin and requires good leg, balance and core strength.

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U

Under-Rotation
When a jump doesn’t complete the required number of turns in the air. If less than ¼ short, it might be given a Q (quarter call). If more than ¼ but less than ½, it is under-rotated and downgraded. If over ½ short, it may be treated as the lower rotation jump (e.g., a triple judged as a double).

Upright Spin
A spin where the skater remains standing tall, as opposed to sitting or bending. Variations include changing arm position, free leg height, or entry edge.

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V

Violation
As in costume violation, edge, jump, music, time in a competition.

V
On a score sheet (PDF) in a competition to let a skater know that the required position in a spin was not met.

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W

Warm-Up
Skaters usually get a 5–6 minute group warm-up on the competition ice before their program. Managing nerves, getting a feel for the rink, and finding time for key elements (like one jump and one spin) is all part of the challenge.

WD (Withdrawn)
Appears on results when a skater has pulled out of the event — sometimes due to injury, illness, or a last-minute decision with a coach. It is always disappointing, especially when a lot of training has gone into preparing.

Worlds
Short for World Figure Skating Championships, held each year, in different worldwide venues, with skaters who have achieved the required technical score, in the four disciplines: men’s, women’s, ice dance, and pairs.

Walley
A jump where the skater takes off from a backward inside edge and lands on the backward outside edge of the same foot after one full rotation. It is similar to a loop jump but uses a different take-off edge, making it a counter-rotated loop. Often used as part of a skater’s warm-up, it is a neat technical move that helps build control and confidence on the ice.

Wild Ice
Some skaters seek out the unique experience of skating on natural ice — frozen lakes, rivers, or outdoor rinks set in beautiful landscapes. While the thrill and joy of wild ice are undeniable, safety is essential: NEVER skate on wild ice without proper precautions, professional guidance, or confirming that the area is officially deemed safe for skating.

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X

X – Crossover
Not an official dictionary entry, but worth noting: crossovers are one of the first things new skaters learn — pushing one foot over the other in a circular motion. They are used in warm-ups, power drills and for building speed across the ice.

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Y

Y Spin
A flexible upright spin where the free leg is lifted high to the side, forming a "Y" shape with the body. It requires both strength and flexibility — and is often used to show off a skater’s control.

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Z

Zamboni
The machine that resurfaces the ice between sessions. It shaves off the rough top layer, lays down warm water, and smooths it to a glossy finish. Some skaters love freshly resurfaced ice — others prefer it a little rougher for grip.

Zuca Bag
The skater’s suitcase-on-wheels — often seen rink side. It holds skates, snacks, warm-ups, and probably a lot of memories too.

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