How To Improve Figure Skating Footwork

Footwork is a foundational component of figure skating. Regardless of a skater’s skill level, footwork is one of the primary goals your coach will encourage you to focus on continuously improving. Footwork sequences are essential elements in figure skating routines and are required in competitive programs.

In figure skating, footwork refers to a sequence of intricate and precise steps, turns, and movements, often performed in sync with the rhythm and style of the music. These sequences can include various turns, such as three-turns, counters, and c-steps, as well as edge work. Skaters showcase their skills by combining different footwork elements into a cohesive sequence. For instance, a skater might combine a forward three-turn with a step out and back crossover to create a forward power three, or pair a backward three-turn with a c-step to execute a backward power three.

Executing these movements can be challenging, even for experienced skaters, so it’s helpful to learn tips and tricks that will help you improve your ice skating footwork.

How To Improve Footwork When Figure Skating

As with most techniques in figure skating, the most important thing to remember when working on your footwork is to practice, practice, practice! While you’re practicing, keep this advice in mind:

1. Master the Basics: Before diving into complex sequences, make sure you have a strong grasp of basic turns and steps like three-turns,c-steps, and crossovers. These are the building blocks of more advanced footwork.

2. Work on Edge Control: Developing strong edge control is crucial for smooth and precise footwork. Practice shifting your weight between inside and outside edges while maintaining balance and speed. It’ll help you execute cleaner turns and transitions.

3. Focus on Precision: Footwork is all about accuracy. Pay close attention to the placement of your blades and the direction of your turns. Small adjustments in your technique can make a big difference in how well you perform each element.

4. Practice Transitions: Smooth transitions between different footwork elements are key to creating a seamless sequence. Work on linking turns and steps together without losing speed or balance.

5. Strengthen Your Core and Lower Body: Footwork requires a lot of control and stability. Strengthening your core and lower body will give you better balance and help you execute challenging footwork with confidence. Focus on exercises off the ice like plyometric jumping or utilizing a balance board to help strengthen your body and improve your balance.

6. Watch and Learn from Others: Watching skilled skaters perform footwork sequences can be incredibly helpful. Study their techniques and try to incorporate elements of their style into your own practice. Don’t forget to check in with your coach frequently to ask for feedback on your footwork. They’ll provide insights and corrections to help you elevate your footwork to the next level.

What is the Step Sequence in Ice Skating?

All four disciplines of figure skating (men’s single skating, women’s single skating, pair skating, and ice dance) require a step sequence during competitions. The most often referenced definition describes step sequences as “steps and turns in a pattern on the ice.” Essentially, it’s a combination of different footwork that skaters perform, injecting their own flair and personality into the movements to win over judges and gain extra points. 

The ISU has rules for step sequences, including that they must fully utilize the ice, be visible and identifiable, and can be performed in any shape of the skater’s choosing, such as oval, circle, serpentine, or a straight line. They also state that there must be a balance of turns and steps during the step sequence.

Figure Skating Footwork Sequence + Sequences:

Skaters must perform a step sequence using a minimum of five turns and steps. However, the rules can vary based on the level of the skater, so it’s important to review the guidelines to ensure your performance is in line with the rules of the competition. Here’s a brief overview of the turns and steps that can be involved in the step sequence:

Turns:

• Twizzles
• Brackets
• Loops
• Counters
• Rockers
• Three turns

Steps:

• Toe steps
• Chasses
• C-steps
• S-steps
• Change of edge
• Cross rolls

While a diversity of five steps and turns is the minimum, skaters are encouraged to include as much variety as they’re comfortable with to help their performance stand out and showcase their skills. 

How To Do A C-Step Turn

The c-step turn (previously referred to as a Mohawk) is a fundamental move in figure skating that involves changing direction while transitioning from one foot to the other, but remaining on the same edge (i.e. inside to inside edge or outside edge to outside edge). For example, skaters move from a forward inside edge to a backward inside edge. This move can be done from a left to a right or vice versa and it’s a key element in footwork sequences. Follow these steps to perform a c-step turn:

1. Begin by gliding on a forward inside edge on one foot, with your free foot close to the heel of your skating foot. For example, if you’re performing a right c-step, start on your right foot.
2. Keep your shoulders and hips aligned with the direction of your glide. Your upper body should be slightly rotated in the direction of the turn, while your arms are held steady to maintain balance.
3. As you prepare to turn, bend your knees slightly to lower your center of gravity, which will give you more control. Begin the turn by rotating your upper body and hips in the direction of the turn. For a right c-step, this means rotating to the left.
4. As your upper body leads the turn, transfer your weight onto the ball of your skating foot (right foot in this case) and bring your free foot (left foot) close to the skating foot. Place the free foot down on the ice, with the toe pointed out and the blade aligned to glide backward on the left inside edge.
5. After transferring your weight onto the new foot, lift your original skating foot off the ice and glide backward on the new foot naturally. You should now be gliding backward on the inside edge of the opposite foot.

Many skaters struggle with performing a c-step turn, so here are a few additional tips to keep in mind during practices:

• Ensure that your edges are clean and that the turn is smooth without any scraping or wobbling. Your goal is to maintain control throughout the turn, keeping your movements precise and fluid.
• It’s essential to practice the c-step turn in both directions (right and left) to develop balance and versatility. This will also help you seamlessly incorporate c-steps into various footwork sequences.
• As you become more comfortable with the basic c-step, work on refining your technique. Focus on making the turn as smooth and quiet as possible, minimizing any jerky movements or unnecessary noise from your blades.

How Do Figure Skaters Turn So Fast?

Figure skaters achieve those incredibly fast turns through a combination of technique, body control, and physics. By keeping their center of rotation over their skating foot and pulling their arms and legs close to their body, skaters reduce resistance and spin or turn faster. This technique, combined with strong core muscles and a well-practiced ability to balance, allows them to maintain speed and control during turns.

Perform Step Sequences Successfully with Riedell

Along with dedicated time spent practicing and perfecting one’s technique, skaters also need the right equipment to support their footwork. Finding a boot that offers the correct fit and support makes a significant difference in a skater’s ability to perform step sequences. Check out our high-quality skates today to support your skating journey!