Figure skating challenges your balance, control, and creativity from the moment you step on the ice.

Learning the best moves gives you a strong foundation to glide smoothly, turn confidently, and progress toward spins and jumps. 

By mastering the basic figure skating moves, you build the essential skills needed to excel on the ice and move toward more advanced techniques with confidence.

You’ll start by understanding how your edges work and how body alignment supports every motion.

Practice All of Your Figure Skating Moves at Home With PolyGlide Ice 

From simple glides and stops to the first jumps and controlled turns, each move builds toward a stronger, more fluid skating style.

As your technique improves, so does your ability to execute key jumps and combinations that express precision and control.

This guide walks you through each stage of your skating development, helping you gain balance, refine edges, and approach advanced elements safely.

With consistent practice and a clear understanding of form, you can progress steadily and enjoy every step of your figure skating journey.

Understanding Figure Skating Fundamentals

To perform well on the ice, you need controlled movement, body awareness, and the ability to recover smoothly after a mistake.

Each skill builds from a stable foundation of posture, weight distribution, and confidence in your body’s alignment.

Importance of Balance and Posture

Balance keeps you upright on a slippery surface, while posture allows efficient control of your skates.

You maintain balance by aligning your shoulders, hips, and knees directly over your feet. This central alignment reduces strain and improves glide quality.

Keep your knees slightly bent and your core engaged.

This stance lowers your center of gravity and makes quick adjustments easier. 

Avoid locking your knees; flexibility helps absorb small shifts in ice texture or speed.

Checklist for correct posture:

Developing posture awareness off the ice, such as through balance drills or stretching, reinforces control once you start gliding.

How to Stand and Move on Ice

Start by placing both skates shoulder-width apart with knees slightly bent. Keep your weight over your heels, not your toes, to prevent falling forward.

When you first move, march in place before gliding.

This helps you feel the blade’s contact with the ice.

To move forward, use small pushes from the inside edges of your skates.

Glide on one foot briefly, then switch.

Practice controlled stops, such as the snowplow stop, by pressing your heels outward while keeping pressure on the inside edges.

When turning, lean your body gently in the direction of the curve.

Your head and shoulders lead the turn, while your feet follow the arc. 

You’ll notice smoother movement and fewer abrupt shifts in balance.

Learning to Fall and Get Up Safely

Falling is part of figure skating, and learning to do it safely prevents injuries.

If you lose balance, bend your knees and lower yourself toward the ice without stiffening your body.

Avoid reaching straight out with your hands; instead, tuck your arms close to reduce impact.

Once you’re down, roll to one side and position yourself on hands and knees.

Place one skate between your hands, then press up from the ice using your legs rather than your arms. Push through your lower body until you stand upright again.

Practicing controlled falls on padded ice or during lessons builds confidence.

It teaches you to stay composed and regain control quickly, which keeps progress consistent as you advance in figure skating.

Mastering Edges: Inside Edge and Outside Edge Techniques

Edge control determines your balance, turning ability, and overall efficiency on the ice.

When you understand how to use both inside and outside edges, your skating becomes smoother, more controlled, and more precise.

What Are Edges in Figure Skating?

Every skate blade has two edges, an inside edge and an outside edge, separated by a small groove called the hollow.

Each foot can glide forward or backward on either edge, giving you eight total edges to master.

This structure lets you grip the ice and carve curves rather than slide flatly across the surface.

You use the inside edge when leaning slightly inward toward the center of a circle or curve, and the outside edge when leaning outward.

Understanding which edge you’re on helps you maintain control through turns, crossovers, and edge rolls.

Edge awareness drill:

• Glide on one foot following a large arc.
• Feel the edge engage under the ball of your foot.
• Keep knees and ankles flexible to stay balanced.

Strong edges form the foundation for higher-level movements like spins, three turns, and jumps.

Everything in figure skating builds on your ability to shift between edges smoothly.

Inside Edge Mastery for Beginners

The inside edge provides stability and control when you push or turn.

To develop a clean inside edge, focus on posture, balance, and consistent pressure along the inner side of the blade.

Keep your weight centered over the skating knee, lean slightly into the arc, and let the edge cut gently into the ice.

Practice forward inside edges first before progressing to backward edges.

Begin by gliding on one foot along a curve, pushing with the other foot to gain momentum.

Engage your core and avoid over-leaning inward, which can cause loss of balance.

Common exercises include alternating edges across the rink and performing half circles in both directions.

Check your tracings on the ice; even curves reflect proper weight distribution and control. As you advance, link inside edges with crossovers to improve power and flow.

Outside Edge Fundamentals and Use Cases

The outside edge demands stronger ankle control because your body weight leans away from the curve’s center.

It plays a major role in forward crossovers, transitions, and jump takeoffs.

To find the right feel, push gently onto the blade’s outer side while keeping your shoulders aligned with your hips.

Maintain an upright torso and relaxed knees.

The pressure point should stay under the back outside quarter of the blade for balance.

 Avoid flattening the blade, that breaks the edge and reduces glide efficiency.

Training tips for outside edge control:

• Trace large circles alternating between right and left feet.
• Focus on equal depth for both directions.
• Use controlled exits to maintain rhythm and momentum.

Developing powerful outside edges improves your speed and edge transitions, allowing for cleaner entries into spins and more secure landings from jumps.

Essential Beginner Figure Skating Moves

You develop stability, rhythm, and control on the ice by practicing core skating skills.

These fundamental moves help you balance your weight, manage edge transitions, and stop safely, forming the base for advanced jumps and spins.

Forward Glide and Backward Glide

The forward glide teaches you how to align your body and maintain even pressure across both skates.

Start from a basic two-foot push, extend one leg slightly behind the other, and let yourself move smoothly across the ice.

Keep your knees bent, shoulders relaxed, and eyes forward to stay balanced.

Backward gliding builds awareness and confidence while moving in reverse.

Shift your body weight toward the balls of your feet, keep your hips under your torso, and look over one shoulder to monitor your direction safely.

Use gentle C-shaped pushes from each foot to gain momentum while maintaining consistent knee bend.

Common mistakes include leaning too far backward or looking down, which can disrupt balance.

Practicing both glides helps you understand how edge pressure influences speed and direction, laying the groundwork for transitions, crossovers, and turns.

Two-Foot Spin Basics

The two-foot spin introduces rotational movement without requiring complex entry positions.

Begin with a slight bend in your knees and arms extended outward to stabilize your upper body.

Use a gentle push from one foot to start the rotation while keeping your head and torso centered over your hips.

As you spin, bring your arms closer to your chest to increase speed.

Keep your eyes focused at a fixed point before looking slightly down and inward to maintain orientation.

Practicing small, slow spins allows you to adjust your center of gravity before attempting faster rotations.

Aim to complete two to three rotations with controlled movement.

Focus on body alignment: head up, shoulders level, and hips steady.

Once comfortable, experiment with arm and leg positions to improve your balance and appearance on the ice.

Snowplow and T-Stops

Learning controlled stops is essential for safe skating in shared rinks.

The snowplow stop helps you slow down quickly using friction.

Place both skates slightly wider than shoulder width, bend your knees, and angle your toes inward so the inside edges of your blades press into the ice.

Gradually increase the pressure until you come to a smooth stop.

The T-stop offers more precision and stability at higher speeds.

Keep most of your weight on the leading skate while sliding the rear skate perpendicular behind it, forming a “T” shape.

Apply gentle pressure through the back blade’s outside edge to control deceleration without losing balance.

Practice both techniques with short glides, combining lower body control and edge awareness.

Consistent repetition improves coordination, ensuring you can adjust speed and direction confidently during practice or performance.

Basic Turns and Directional Control

Effective turning and directional control depend on stable edges, coordinated weight transfer, and continuous motion.

Developing confidence in edge use and turn transitions helps you maintain flow, conserve energy, and prepare for complex footwork patterns.

Forward Crossovers

Forward crossovers let you move in a circle while maintaining speed and edge balance.

You step one foot over the other in a smooth rhythm, allowing your body to rotate naturally through the arc of the turn.

 Begin with your knees slightly bent and your weight centered over the balls of your feet.

Alternate pushing from the outside edge of the inside foot and gliding on the inside edge of the outer foot.

Keep your shoulders level and face the direction you’re turning to stay aligned with the circle.

Tip: Use both arms for balance, extend the leading arm along the circle’s path, and keep the trailing arm relaxed behind.

Common issues include leaning too far inward or overstepping, which can cause loss of balance.

Practice in both clockwise and counterclockwise directions to strengthen symmetry and coordination.

Simple Mohawk Turns

A Mohawk turn changes your direction while switching feet, moving from forward to backward skating or vice versa.

You perform this by placing your free foot beside the skating foot, turning it out, and transferring weight cleanly.

Keep your hips and shoulders aligned with the new direction to maintain balance through the turn.

The inside edge of the first foot connects directly to the inside edge of the second foot.

Avoid twisting the upper body or letting the feet drift apart, as that breaks the flow.

Work on controlled edge transitions, entering from a forward inside edge and exiting on a backward inside edge.

Slower practice helps you feel the correct weight shift and alignment.

When comfortable, you can apply this turn during sequences to maintain rhythm during directional changes.

Edge Control for Turning

Edges define your turning precision.

Each blade has two edges, inside and outside, and knowing how to lean into each creates stability.

Good edge control allows you to turn smoothly without scraping or sliding.

Practice gliding on one foot along both edges, holding your edge consistently through curved paths.

Maintain a gentle knee bend to keep your weight centered over the part of the blade between the toe pick and heel.

When turning, shift pressure incrementally rather than abruptly between edges. Controlled transitions reduce drag and maintain speed.

Advanced skaters refine this by performing alternating edge rolls, moving from inside to outside, while maintaining continuous flow.

Developing this awareness helps you handle more complex turns later with minimal correction and clean tracings on the ice.

Fundamental Figure Skating Jumps for Beginners

Learning the first figure skating jumps helps you coordinate timing, balance, and edge control.

You build confidence by focusing on consistency and correct body alignment before attempting rotations or complex takeoffs.

Waltz Jump Technique

The Waltz Jump is usually the first jump you learn on the ice.

It introduces the mechanics of takeoff, flight, and landing while maintaining edge stability. 

You launch from a forward outside edge on one foot and land backward on the opposite foot.

The rotation is only half a turn, making it an approachable starting point for beginners.

To perform it correctly, keep your body slightly turned in the direction of your jump.

Bend your knees for power, then extend through your hips and shoulders at takeoff.

Your free leg should swing forward smoothly to help lift your body off the ice.

Key points:

• Takeoff edge: Forward outside edge
• Landing edge: Backward outside edge
• Rotation: ½ turn
• Focus: smooth entry, body alignment, controlled landing

Practice this jump in small progressions.

Start by walking through the motion on the ice, then increase speed once you can maintain control through the full rotation.

Bunny Hop Introduction

The Bunny Hop is another foundational jump that helps you get comfortable leaving the ice.

You start gliding forward on both feet, then take off from one foot and land on the opposite toe pick.

This jump emphasizes coordination and balance rather than lift or rotation.

Push off firmly with your back leg and lift your front knee as you hop.

Keep your upper body steady and your eyes forward to maintain direction.

The simplicity of the movement allows you to focus on weight transfer and posture rather than air time.

Practice tips:

1. Begin at slow speed to develop rhythm.
2. Keep both arms extended for balance.
3. Land softly on the toe pick before continuing the glide.

Mastering the Bunny Hop helps you transition smoothly to more complex takeoffs, such as toe loops and salchows, once you’ve built strength and timing control.

Progressing to Key Figure Skating Jumps

Building consistency in jump execution requires precise edge control and strong takeoff technique.

You develop balance and rhythm on the ice by learning structured approaches that emphasize clean rotations, solid landings, and efficient use of your blade’s outside edge.

Toe Loop Execution

The toe loop is often the first jump you master because it builds on a backward glide and a controlled toe-pick takeoff.

You begin on the right back outside edge (counter-clockwise rotation), use the free foot’s toe pick to vault upward, and then rotate in the air before landing on the same edge.

The coordination of edge pressure and toe placement determines both stability and lift.

Maintain a relaxed upper body during the approach.

Keep your shoulders aligned with your hips so that your axis of rotation stays centered.

Avoid hunching or swinging your arms too early, as that reduces momentum and control.

You can track your improvement through small benchmarks:

Regular drills on-ice and off-ice (using jump harnesses or rotational exercises) help strengthen timing and balance.

Salchow Jump Structure

The Salchow requires a smooth setup from the back inside edge of one foot and a strong push from the other.

Unlike the toe loop, you take off without using the toe pick, relying fully on edge pressure and body alignment.

This makes it a key skill for developing edge awareness and lower-body coordination.

To execute properly, enter from a controlled three-turn or mohawk into a left back inside edge.

Swing your free leg in a circular motion to generate lift, rotate in the air, and land on the opposite foot’s back outside edge.

Timing between the swing and takeoff should feel continuous, any delay breaks rhythm and shortens height.

Keep your arms close throughout rotation, and check the landing with balanced shoulders. A consistent entry speed and stable edge depth prevent underrotation.

Practicing with focus on the edge’s curve and body position improves both confidence and jump height without depending on force alone.

Advanced Jumps and Step Sequences

Precision and edge control define how well you execute complex figure skating jumps.

Learning to manage your takeoff, body alignment, and landing helps you progress from consistent doubles to triples with stability and confidence.

Loop Jump Progression

The loop jump begins from a backward outside edge and lands on the same foot.

You must rely on balance rather than toe-pick assistance, which makes edge strength and posture critical.

Keeping your shoulders aligned with your hips prevents early rotation and maintains control through the air.

Focus on smooth edge entry and a tight rotational axis.

Start with single loops and move to doubles only when you can maintain a clean edge without scraping.

A common drill is to trace a backward circle before takeoff, ensuring your edge remains true without wobbling.

Strong loop technique strengthens your base for combination jumps such as loop–loop or Salchow–loop, where edge precision determines how cleanly you can link rotations.

Mastering the Lutz

The Lutz jump requires a backward outside edge takeoff using the opposite toe pick to vault into the air.

Unlike the flip jump, which uses an inside edge, the Lutz’s counter-rotation makes it more challenging.

You must hold that outside edge through takeoff without allowing it to roll inward too early.

Practice by marking takeoff points along the rink boards to ensure consistent setups.

Keep your shoulders facing the opposite direction of rotation during the approach for a stronger counter pull.

Key practice steps:

• Maintain deep outside edge on approach curve.
• Use toe-pick vault for lift, not for steering.
• Land on the opposite foot’s outside edge with a controlled glide.

Skaters who refine these movements gain a more powerful and defined jump technique suitable for advanced combination sequences and competitive programs.

Tips to Excel and Keep Advancing on the Ice

Improving your performance requires steady effort, technical precision, and awareness of technique.

You strengthen your skating when you refine practice habits, control your edges, and protect your body through safe and mindful training.

Consistency in Practice

You build progress through repetition and structure.

Set a consistent schedule for both on‑ice and off‑ice sessions to reinforce muscle memory and adaptability.

Short, focused practices often yield better results than long, unfocused ones.

Aim to repeat each skill until it feels stable under varying conditions, such as different ice qualities or fatigue levels.

Use measurable targets to track daily improvement. For example:

Feedback from a coach or video analysis helps adjust posture, edge use, and alignment.

Consistent practice not only develops strength but also refines timing and precision across moves like the three-turn or mohawk step.

Using Edge Techniques for Style

Controlled edge work, your use of inside and outside edges, defines flow and artistry.

Strong edge control improves turns, transitions, and power generation during steps or spins.

When you press evenly into your outside edge, your glide becomes longer and more stable.

Shifting to the inside edge helps you carve tight curves and maintain rhythm during complex footwork.

Practice alternating edges through S‑steps or choctaws to build symmetry and balance.

 Keep knees bent and your core steady so the blade maintains constant pressure on the ice surface.

Small adjustments in weight shifts can drastically change the curve radius.

Edge precision directly influences style.

Clean edge work makes movement appear smooth and confident, distinguishing advanced skaters from beginners who skate mostly on flat blades.

Staying Safe and Avoiding Injury

Safe training keeps you skating longer and more effectively.

Begin each session with gentle stretching and skating-specific warm‑ups such as knee bends, crossovers, and edges on one foot.

These movements prepare your joints and muscles for deeper edges and sudden stops.

Wear properly fitted skates with adequate ankle support to prevent strain.

Replace dull blades promptly; dull edges reduce grip and raise the risk of slipping.

Maintain balance between on‑ice practice and off‑ice conditioning so you avoid fatigue-related mistakes.

Listen to pain signals. If your ankles, knees, or lower back ache persistently, rest or seek evaluation before resuming heavy work.

Consistent attention to form and rest intervals will help you build endurance while staying free from avoidable injuries.

Conclusion 

Figure skating is a journey built on patience, repetition, and an understanding that every skill connects to the next.

From your first glide to confident turns, spins, and jumps, progress comes from mastering the fundamentals and respecting the role of balance in every movement. 

Each drill, edge exercise, and basic jump reinforces the foundation that allows more advanced techniques to feel natural rather than forced.

As you continue developing, consistency matters more than speed.

Clean edges, proper alignment, and controlled landings will always outperform rushed attempts at higher-level skills. 

Falling, correcting mistakes, and refining technique are not setbacks, they are essential parts of becoming a stronger, more confident skater. 

With focused practice, your movements become smoother, your control sharper, and your skating style more expressive.

Whether you are learning your first turns or refining jump entries, practicing regularly in a safe, familiar environment can accelerate your progress.

Tools like home skating surfaces make it easier to repeat movements, build muscle memory, and stay connected to the ice between rink sessions.

With dedication, thoughtful practice, and a solid technical base, figure skating becomes not just a sport, but a lifelong skill you can continue to enjoy and improve at every stage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Understanding figure skating fundamentals helps you develop balance, precision, and control on the ice.

With consistent practice, you can progress from introductory moves to advanced elements that challenge coordination and timing.

What are the essential moves for beginners to master in figure skating?

You should start with forward and backward gliding, stopping, and basic turns. These moves build balance and control.

As you grow more confident, add maneuvers like crossovers, edges, and two-foot spins to connect movements smoothly on the rink.

Which figure skating moves are considered the most difficult to perform?

Advanced jumps such as the Axel, Lutz, and Salchow require strength, timing, and precise edge control.

These moves demand consistent practice and proper technique to execute safely.

Complex spins like the Biellmann also pose challenges because of their flexibility and balance requirements.

What ice skating techniques are crucial for a strong foundation in the sport?

You need to master edging, weight transfer, and posture control to maintain stability during movement.

Strong foundation skills reduce the risk of falls and make transitions between moves smoother.

Maintaining even pressure on your blades helps you glide with accuracy and confidence.

Can you list some figure skating turns that every skater should learn?

Common turns include the three-turn, Mohawk, and choctaw, each teaching edge control and coordination.

These turns form the groundwork for step sequences used in routines.

Practicing them regularly sharpens your ability to change direction quickly while keeping rhythm.

Is there a move in figure skating recognized as the 'forbidden move'?

Yes. The headbanger lift—where one partner spins another by the ankles—is often called the "forbidden move."

It is banned in competition due to high risk of injury, though it sometimes appears in exhibition skating under strict safety supervision.

How can one effectively learn the basics of ice skating?

Enroll in structured programs such as Learn to Skate classes to receive guidance from certified instructors.

These lessons focus on balance, safe stopping methods, and controlled movement.

Practicing consistently, wearing proper-fitting skates, and performing off-ice balance exercises enhance your progress and confidence.