Figure Skating: Artistry on Edges
Figure skating is the most technically complex of the three disciplines. Skaters must master six jump types (Axel, Lutz, Flip, Loop, Salchow, Toe Loop) plus a variety of spins, step sequences, and choreographic elements. At the Olympic level, competitors land up to 12 jumps in a 4-minute program while maintaining presentation quality.
Core technique: Figure skating builds on inside and outside edges of both feet. All jumps launch from and land on specific edges. The toe pick (serrated front of the blade) is used to launch toe picks (Lutz, Flip, Toe Loop). Edge jumps (Axel, Loop, Salchow) don't use the toe pick at takeoff.
Training demands: Elite figure skaters train 4–6 hours on ice daily plus off-ice conditioning (ballet, gymnastics, strength training). Most competitive skaters begin at age 4–6 and reach peak competitive age in their mid-teens to early 20s.
Disciplines within figure skating: Singles (men's/women's), pairs, ice dance, and synchronized team skating. Ice dance uses no jumps but highly complex footwork and lifts. Synchronized skating involves teams of 8–20 skating in precision formation.
Competitions: US Figure Skating tests system (Pre-Preliminary through Senior), ISU Grand Prix series, World Championships, Olympics.
Hockey Skating: Power, Agility, and Explosiveness
Hockey skating is entirely different in objective — the goal is maneuvering at speed while controlling a puck, executing checks, and responding to a team game. The skating itself is highly technical but optimized for explosive acceleration, quick direction changes, and backward skating.
Core technique: Hockey emphasizes the "power stride" — a full hip extension driving the blade outward and backward for maximum push. Crossovers, backward skating, pivots (forward-to-backward transitions), and edge stops are fundamental skills. Edge work focuses on inside and outside edges for turning and agility.
Skating uniquely required for hockey: Backward crossovers (skating backward around a curve), tight pivots (180° direction change in 2–3 strides), explosive starts from a standstill, and tight edge-to-edge transitions. These are sport-specific skills rarely developed in figure or speed skating.
Training demands: NHL players typically train 3–5 hours daily including skating, strength, and video. Youth hockey programs start at age 3–4 (learn-to-skate) and develop through house league, travel, AAA, and eventually junior leagues.
Speed Skating: Pure Velocity Science
Speed skating is about one thing: minimizing time over a fixed distance. The technique is radically different from other skating forms — low body position (near-parallel torso to ice), full leg extension on each push, and arm swing mechanics that differ completely from hockey or figure skating.
Long track vs short track: Long track uses a 400m oval with two skaters racing simultaneously. Short track uses a 111.12m oval with up to 6 skaters racing together, introducing drafting and tactical racing. The disciplines use different skates (clap skates for long track, fixed blade for short track) and different technique.
Clap skate mechanics: Long track clap skates have a hinged blade that allows the heel to lift while the toe stays on the ice, enabling greater ankle extension and power transfer. This technology was widely adopted in the late 1990s and immediately resulted in multiple world records being broken.
Training demands: Elite speed skaters cross-train heavily on inline skates (summer), cycling (power development), and off-ice strength. The low skating position requires exceptional hip flexor and glute strength.
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Factor | Figure Skating | Hockey Skating | Speed Skating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary skill | Edge mastery, artistry | Agility, power | Sustained velocity |
| Body position | Upright, extended | Athletic stance (bent knees) | Deep low tuck |
| Jump requirement | Central to discipline | None | None |
| Off-ice training | Ballet, gymnastics, stretching | Weights, dryland hockey skills | Cycling, inline, weights |
| Equipment cost (entry) | $150–$400 | $200–$500 (full gear) | $200–$400 |
| Competitive age peak | Mid-teens to mid-20s | Mid-20s to early 30s | Mid-20s to early 30s |
Crossover Skills: What Transfers Between Disciplines
Despite differences, there's meaningful skill transfer between disciplines:
- Figure → Hockey: Superior edge control, powerful backward crossovers, excellent spiral balance. The biggest adjustment is the shorter blade and losing reliance on toe pick.
- Hockey → Figure: Strong power stride and explosive starts transfer. The biggest challenge is the toe pick and unlearning hockey crossover technique (figure crossovers are more precise).
- Speed → Hockey: Excellent power stride transfers, but the body position and lack of edge work skills requires significant adjustment.
- Figure → Speed: Edge skills don't directly transfer; the body position and technique are so different it's essentially relearning skating.
Recommended Gear by Discipline
Discipline Comparison Infographic
Sources & Further Reading
- US Figure Skating. "About the Sport." usfigureskating.org
- USA Hockey. "About Hockey." usahockey.com
- US Speedskating. "Learn to Skate." usspeedskating.org
- ISU. "Speed Skating Technical Rules." isu.org
- Bauer Hockey. "Position & Skating Guide." bauer.com
