Figure Skating Levels: Basic Skills 1-6
If you’re new to figure skating, the best place to start is with Learn to Skate USA’s Basic Skills levels. These are designed to introduce skaters to fundamentals like balance, stopping, and simple turns.
These first six levels help build the foundation you’ll need before moving on to more advanced moves like spins and jumps. In this post, we’ll break down what each level from Basic Skills 1 through 6 includes so you know what to expect as you begin your skating journey.
There is no set timeline for how long it takes to learn to skate. We encourage each skater to progress at a pace that’s comfortable for them. You will only advance to the next level once you demonstrate mastery of your current level.
What Are the Levels of Skating?
The skating skill levels for beginners are outlined in Learn to Skate USA’s Basic Skills 1–6. These levels teach essential skating techniques, starting with Basic 1 and 2, where skaters learn foundational moves like marching, gliding, swizzles, and snowplow stops.
Basic 3–6 focuses on more advanced skills such as forward and backward crossovers, spins, three-turns, and edges. Each level builds on the last, helping skaters develop balance, coordination, and control.
After mastering Basic 6, skaters are prepared to move on to the Free Skate levels and more specialized areas of figure skating.
Basic Skills 1 & 2
The first two basic skill levels in figure skating are designed for beginners with little or no experience on the ice. These introductory levels help skaters build confidence and learn simple movements that form the foundation for more advanced skills, including jumps and spins.
In Basic 1, skaters will learn:
- Sit on the ice and stand up
- March forward across the ice
- Forward two-foot glide
- Dip
- Forward swizzles — 6–8 in a row
- Backward wiggles — 6–8 in a row
- Beginning snowplow stop — using one or both feet
- Bonus Skill: Two-foot hop in place
Once skaters have mastered those skills, they can move on to Basic 2.
In Basic 2, skaters will learn:
- Scooter pushes — right and left
- Forward one-foot glides — right and left
- Backward two-foot glide — glide the length of skater’s height
- Rocking horse — one forward swizzle, one backward swizzle (repeated twice)
- Backward swizzles — 6–8 in a row
- Two-foot turns from forward to backward in place — clockwise and counterclockwise
- Moving snowplow stop
Bonus Skill: Curves
Basic Levels 3-6
These basic levels teach skaters the essential skills they need before moving on to more advanced areas of figure skating. The focus is on building the ABCs of athleticism: agility, balance, coordination, and speed.
Remember, it’s okay to advance at your own pace. Learn to set goals and track your skating development to continue feeling confident and positive as you progress through the basic levels.
In Basic 3, skaters will learn:
- Beginning forward stroking showing correct use of blade
- Forward half swizzle pumps on a circle — 6–8 consecutive clockwise and counterclockwise
- Moving forward to backward two-foot turns on a circle — clockwise and counterclockwise
- Beginning backward one-foot glides — focus on balance
- Backward snowplow stop — R and L
- Forward slalom
- Bonus Skill: Forward pivots – clockwise and counterclockwise
In Basic 4, skaters will learn:
- Forward outside edge on a circle — R and L
- Forward inside edge on a circle — R and L
- Forward crossovers — clockwise and counterclockwise
- Backward half swizzle pumps on a circle — clockwise and counterclockwise
- Backward one-foot glides — R and L
- Beginning two-foot spin — Up to two revolutions
- Bonus Skill: Forward lunges — both legs
In Basic 5, skaters will learn:
- Backward outside edge on a circle — R and L
- Backward inside edge on a circle — R and L
- Backward crossovers — clockwise and counterclockwise
- Forward outside three-turn — R and L
- Advanced two-foot spin — 4–6
- Hockey stop — both directions
- Bonus Skill: Side toe hop — R and L
In Basic 6 (the final basic level), skaters will learn:
- Forward inside three-turn — R and L
- Moving backward to forward two-foot turn on a circle — clockwise and counterclockwise
- Backward stroking
- Beginning one-foot spin — 2–4 revolutions, optional free leg position and entry
- T-stops – R and L
- Bunny hop
- Forward spiral on a straight line — R or L
- Bonus Skill: Shoot the duck — R or L
Once skaters have mastered the skills in Basic 6, they’re ready to move on to the next stage of their skating journey!
For many, this involves continuing recreational lessons. Learn to Skate USA’s Free Skate curriculum is the perfect program to transition to after completing the basic levels. Others may take their skills to a competitive level and prepare for structured skating tests.
What Is the Most Difficult Skill in Figure Skating?
The most difficult skill in figure skating is widely considered to be the quadruple Axel. Unlike other quad jumps, the Axel takes off from a forward outside edge. It requires an extra half rotation, meaning a quad Axel involves four and a half full rotations in the air.
This makes it the most technically demanding jump, requiring incredible strength, speed, and precise air position. Very few skaters have successfully landed it in competition. If you’re just learning to skate, it will probably be a long while before you land one of these.
Choosing the Right Equipment for your Skating Skill Level
When starting out in figure skating, having the right gear can make a big difference in your progress and comfort on the ice. From what you wear to the type of skates you use, it’s important to find equipment that matches your skill level and needs.
Beginners should look for skates that offer good support and fit well, helping build confidence as you learn the basics. As you improve, you can explore more advanced options designed for specific techniques and styles.