US FIGURE SKATING
SKATE WITH US PROGRAM
Designed by US Figure Skating (USFS), Skate With US is a beginning ice skating program that is fun, challenging and rewarding. Participation in the program will enable beginning skaters of all ages to learn the fundamentals of the sport and begin a lifetime commitment to health and fitness. The program comes with a membership to US Figure Skating and a Basic Skills Lesson Book. All skaters recieve a Basic Skills patch at the completion of each level along with a last day party.
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Class Skills
Snowplow Sam 1
| Sit and stand up with skates on-off ice: To stand up, roll over onto hands and knees. Place one foot between the hands then the other foot, balance, then push up from a kneeling position to a standing position. Sit and stand up - on ice: Lower the center of gravity and when sliding off to one hip, use the hands on the ice to control the upper body. To stand up, follow the instructions from "off ice" sitting and standing up. March in place: With arms extended parallel to the ice and held slightly in front, lift one foot and then the other. Do this action like a soldier. March forward: (8 to 10 steps) Using a marching action, move forward, with arms held slightly in front and parallel to the ice. March, then glide: March forward 8 to 10 steps, glide forward on two feet. Hold glide for a count of three. (The instructor will count). Dip in place: Bend knees while balancing on two feet. |
Snowplow Sam 2
| March followed by a long glide: March forward for 4 steps then glide to a count of 4. (The instructor will count). Dip while moving: March forward for 4 steps, do a two foot glide to a count of 4, then dip holding for a count of 4. (The instructor will count). Backward wiggles - 6 in a row: Stand with the feet held in a parallel position, the width of the hips apart. As the hips turn side to side, the arms move against this hip action to create a backward motion. Minimum of 6 wiggles. Forward two foot swizzles - 2 to 3 in a row: Progress forward using the simultaneous in and out movement of both feet on the inside edges. Minimum 2-3 swizzles, a moving start is optional. Rocking horse - one forward, one backward swizzle action: From a standing position alternate one forward and one backward swizzle. Place heels together and move feet forward around a small circle (drawn on the ice), until toes touch, then move feet backward around the circle until heels touch. Continue with this "rocking" forward to backward and backward to forward action. Two foot hop on a spot: From a standstill position do a small jump in place, land on two feet (toe to ball) and use a slight knee bend prior to and after the hop. Maintain balance with arms held out and slightly to the front, parallel to the ice. |
Snowplow Sam 3
| Forward skating - 8 to 10 steps: Skate forward in a stepping or walking action, with the toes slightly turned out. The arms held slightly to the front and parallel to the ice. Shoulders and hips face the direction of travel. Forward one foot glide - (R and L): After a moving start, pick up one foot and balance for a count of 2, or a distance of one foot (12"). (The instructor will count). Forward tow foot swizzles - 4 to 6 in a row: By using an in and out simultaneous movement of both feet (on inside edges), progress forward. Each swizzle begins as heels of both feet are together and toes angled slightly out. The knees bend as pressure is applied to the inside edges, with the feet moving forward initiating a forward glide. After moving toes outward, the knees then straighten as the toes pull back together. The start is optional, with a minimum of 4 to 6 continuous swizzles, demonstrating a forward gliding action. Backward two foot swizzles- 4 to 6 in a row: By using an in and out simultaneous movement of both feet (on inside edges), progress backward. Each swizzle begins as toes of both feet are turned in while the heels are angled out. Bend both knees and apply pressure on the inside edges as the feet move backward initiating a glide. The knees then straighten as heels pull back together. The start is optional, with a minimum of 4 to 6 continuous swizzles, demonstrating a backward gliding action. Forward Snowplow stop with skid: While moving, and with the heels of the feet angled slightly out, do a two foot or one foot stop movement in which both feet (or one foot) create a skidding action (making snow) on the ice, creating a complete stop. Curves: Move forward in and out of 5 to 6 markers that are on the ice. Skate around the markers with both feet parallel and use a slight twisting action of the shoulders against the hips (creating a slalom action). Note: On completion of this level skaters go directly to Basic 2. |
Basic 1
| Sit on ice and stand up: If possible do this off ice prior to skating on the ice. Lower the center of gravity and when sliding onto one hip, use the hands on the ice to control upper body. To stand up, roll over onto hands and knees, place one foot on the ice between the hands, then the other foot, balance, and then push up to a standing position. March forward across the ice: With arms extended parallel to the ice and held slightly in front, begin moving forward by lifting one foot and then the other with a marching action. March forward and glide on two feet: After marching forward, glide on two feet, with ankles erect, feet parallel and held within the width of the hips, for a distance equal to the skater's height. Glide forward on two feet and dip: After marching or skating forward and using the two foot glide technique, bend knees for the dip. The upper body will be held straight, head held slightly in front of and over knees with arms extended forward and parallel to the ice. Forward two foot swizzles - 6 to 8 in a row: By using an in and out, simultaneous movement of both feet (on inside edges), progress forward. Each swizzle begins with heels together and toes angles slightly out. The knees bend as pressure is applied to inside edges with feet moving forward initiating a forward glide. After moving toes outward, the knees straighten as the toes pull back together. The start is optional, with a minimum of 6 to 8 continuous swizzles, demonstrating a forward gliding action. Backward wiggles - 6 to 8 in a row: Stand with the feet held in a parallel position and the width of the hips apart. As the hips turn side to side, the arms move against this hip action to create a backward motion. Minimum of 6 to 8 wiggles. Snowplow stop: While moving forward with arms held out slightly to the front and parallel to ice, the heels of the feet are angled slightly out. Do a two foot or one foot stop movement in which both feet (or one foot) create a skidding action (making snow) on the ice, creating a complete stop. Rocking horse - forward and backward swizzle action (2 to 3): From a standing position the skater continuously alternates forward and backward swizzles. Place heels together and move feet forward around a small circle (drawn on the ice) until the toes touch, then move feet backward until the heels touch. Continue with the "rocking" forward to backward and backward to forward action. Two foot hop on a spot (optional): From a standstill position do a small jump in place, landing on two feet (toe to ball) and using a slight knee bend prior to and after the hop. Maintain a balance with arms held out slightly to the front, parallel to the ice. |
Basic 2
| Forward one foot glide - (R & L): After a moving start, balance in a two foot glide position. Pick up one foot with the free toe held firmly behind skating heel. Shoulders will be square to the line of travel, while arms are held slightly in front parallel to the ice. Balance will be maintained, with the ankle erect, for a distance of one time the skaterŐs height. Backward two foot glide: With an optional start, create speed to move backward. Arms are held parallel to the ice and slightly forward in a standard skating position. Glide on both feet, and with ankles erect, and balance on the ball of the feet, hold feet parallel and 4 to 6 inches apart. Glide is held for a minimum distance equal to one time the skater's height. Backward swizzles - 6 to 8 in a row: While moving, use an in and out simultaneous movement of both feet on inside edges. Toes of both feet are turned in, while the heels are angled out, bend both knees and apply pressure on the inside edges allowing feet to glide backward. The knees then straighten as both heels pull back together. Demonstrate a minimum of 6 to 8 continuous swizzles with a backward gliding action. Two foot turn from forward to backward in place: Stand with feet held parallel, 4 to 6 inches apart. Rotate the shoulders against hips to start the turn action. Release the hips allowing the body to turn. Knees should be soft (bending) and balance is over the middle to front of the blade during the turn. Moving snowplow stop: With arms held in a standard skating position, perform four to six strokes. Glide on two feet, then bend knees as feet angle out slightly from heels. Apply pressure to the inside edges of the blade and create a skid (making snow). Come to a complete stop, holding balance for three seconds. (Instructor will count). Forward alternating 1/2 swizzle pumps, in a straight line - (slalom like pattern): Move forward in and out of 5 to 6 markers that are on the ice. Skate around the markers with both feet parallel and use a slight twisting action of the shoulders against the hips (creating a slalom action). |
Basic 3
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Forward stroking showing correct use of blade: The thrust must be made from the inside edge of the blade without using the toe pick. Bring the feet close together and bend the knees before each push. (Do not expect a long glide on one foot at this stage). Forward 1/2 swizzle pumps on a circle - 6 to 8 consecutive, clockwise and counter clockwise: The swizzle (pushing) foot will not leave the ice. By keeping the body weight over the skating side, the non-swizzle foot will be as nearly on a forward outside edge as possible. Arms are held level and parallel to the ice with the arm on the outside of the circle held slightly in front, and the arm on the inside of the circle is slightly behind, (i.e. over the skating print). The head faces forward and slightly to the inside of the circle. Moving forward to backward two foot turns - clockwise and counter clockwise: These turns are done while moving and gliding forward on two feet in a circle. Rotate the arms and shoulders in the direction of travel. The turn is created by releasing the hips, allowing the action to reverse to a backward glide. Knees should be kept slightly bent and the balance of the feet is on the forward part of the blade during the turn. Gliding backward on one foot - (R & L) distance equal to skater's height: With an optional start, create speed to move backward. After achieving a two foot glide position, hold arms slightly in front of the body and parallel to the ice, pick up one foot, holding the free foot firmly behind the skating heel. The balance of the body is over the skating side, skate on the middle front of the blade. Forward Slalom: Skaters should keep their feet parallel as they are curving both directions while using a soft knee action and twisting of the body. Two foot spin - 2 revolutions: Entry is optional. Once the momentum for rotation is created, spin on two feet held in a parallel position with one foot moving and gliding forward and one foot moving and gliding backward. Shoulders and body are held in an upright and balanced position. Up to 2 revolutions. |
Basic 4
| Forward outside edges held two times the skater's height (RFO and LFO): The edges are skated while moving in a circle. After balancing on two feet, begin the edges by placing the skating side arm and shoulder forward with the free shoulder held firmly behind. Pick up the foot on the outside of the circle and glide on a FO edge in a balance position over the skating side for 2 counts (instructor will count). Forward inside edges, held two times the skater's height (RFI and LFI): The edges are skated while moving on a circle. After balancing on two feet, begin the edges by placing the free arm and shoulder forward with the skating side shoulder held firmly behind. Pick up the foot on the inside of the circle and glide on a FI edge in a balance position over the skating side for 2 counts (instructor will count). Forward crossovers, clockwise and counter clockwise - 5 consecutive: While skating forward on a circle clockwise (counter clockwise) stroke onto a right (left) FO edge, then cross the left (right) foot over the skating foot and glide onto a FI edge. The inside of the foot then pushes to a full extension under the body. When fully extended, return to starting position. The left (right) arm will be held in front of the body over the circle and the right (left) arm is held slightly behind. Arms to be held parallel to the ice. A minimum of 5 consecutive crossovers are required clockwise and counterclockwise. Forward outside three-turn - (R & L): Stand still in a T-position. Begin the three-turn by stepping onto a forward outside edge in the one foot glide position, balancing over the skating side. Rotate arms and shoulders into the circle. The hips reverse creating the turn, gliding onto a backward inside edge and remaining in the one foot glide position. During and after the turn balance is on the middle front of the blade. The edges into and out of the three-turn must be held for a distance equal to the skater's height. Repeat on the opposite foot. Backward 1/2 swizzle pumps on a circle - 6 to 8 consecutive, clockwise and counter clockwise: The swizzle (pushing) foot will not leave the ice. By keeping the weight over the skating side, the non-swizzle foot will be as nearly on a backward outside edge as possible. Arms are held level and parallel to the ice with the arm on the inside of the circle held slightly toward the back of the body, (i.e. over the skating print) the head faces into the circle and in the direction of travel. Backward Stroking: The pushing action must be done using the inside edges. After the thrust is made, the free foot is placed in front of the skating foot. This is a push lift, push, lift action with strong glides in-between the strokes. Hold the upper body still and arms are carried level and parallel to the ice. Backward one foot snowplow stop - (R & L): While moving backward in a straight line with the arms held slightly in front of the body, lift and place one foot slightly to the side, with the free foot held on an angle and in a turned out position. Press the inside edge on the ice creating a skidding action (creating snow). Come to a complete stop. Repeat on the opposite foot. |
Basic 5
| Backward outside edge held two times the skater's height - (RBO and LBO): The edges are skated while moving on a circle. After gliding on two feet, begin the edges by placing the future free arm in front of the body and the future skating arm held behind the body. The free leg and foot can be held firmly behind the skating leg or placed securely in front and balance is over the skating side. This is the one foot glide position on a B.O. edge. Skate on the middle front of the blade. The head is facing into the circle. The edge must be held for a minimum of two times the height of the skater. Repeat on the opposite foot. Backward inside edge on a circle, held two times the skater's height - (RBI and LBI): The edges are skated while moving in a circle. After gliding on two feet, begin the edges by placing the future free arm slightly to the front and inside of the circle as the future skating arm is held slightly behind to the outside of the circle. The free leg and foot are held firmly behind the skating leg or placed securely in front in the one foot glide position on a B.I. edge with balance over the skating side. Skate on the middle front of the blade. The head is facing slightly inside the circle. This edge must be held for a minimum of two times the height of the skater. Repeat on the opposite foot. Backward crossovers, clockwise and counter clockwise - 5 consecutive: Moving in a clockwise direction on a circle with head facing slightly inside the circle and the arms held over the circle print, do a backward one foot swizzle action with the right leg, and cross over the left foot (the right foot remains on the ice during the push and crossover). Then push from the left leg to the outside of the circle. Repeat this movement to complete the 5 consecutive crossovers. Do this action in counter clockwise direction with the left foot using swizzle action and the right leg stroking under. A minimum of 5 crossover must be completed in the clockwise and counter clockwise direction. One foot spin - minimum 3 revolutions: From a two foot spin pick up the right foot if spinning counter clockwise, or the left foot if spinning clockwise. The arms are held slightly to the front of the body with free foot held in the balance position and the shoulders aligned over the hips. Skate on the ball of the foot and toward the front of the blade. The two foot spin is held up to 2 revolutions and one foot spin is held up to 3 revolutions. Hockey Stop: Begin with a forward two foot glide, with feet held 4 to 6 inches apart, knees bent, shoulders in line with hips and arms held out and slightly in front of body. Without moving shoulders and arms, turn hips and feet to the side. The feet will be on an angle to the ice as the edges of the blade create a skid. At the completion of the stop, remain still and balanced for approximately 3 seconds. Side toe hop, both directions: Stand with the feet one shoulder's width apart and arms extended to the sides. Begin a series of side hops with the leg reaching out to the side, then tapping the toe pick into the ice and doing a sideways leap by landing on opposite toe than take-off, remaining on the toe picks at all times. Repeat this in the opposite direction. |
Basic 6
| Forward inside three-turns from a stand still position, (RFI and LFI): Stand in a T-position with the future skating side arm in front. Step onto a forward inside edge, in the one foot glide position. Rotate arms and shoulders into the circle, then reverse the hips creating the turn. Turn will be done on the middle front part of the blade. Glide backward onto the outside edge, in the one foot glide position. The edges into and out of the three-turn must each be held for a distance equal to the skater's height. Repeat on the opposite foot. Moving backward to forward two foot turn on a circle - clockwise and counter clockwise: While moving backward on a circle, balancing on two feet, begin rotating shoulders, arms and head outside the circle. Knees should be slightly bent. After the rotation of the upper body, reverse the hips creating the turn and glide forward. The action of the blades, is a rocking motion to the heel during the twisting action of the turn. The glide on the entry and exit will each be equal to the height of the skater. T-stop: The stopping foot, will be held behind and at right angles to the skating foot, (instep of free foot to the heel of skating foot). Place the free foot on the ice at a slight angle and apply pressure to the outside edge of the blade. Increased pressure is applied to the ice creating a skid. (Stops made by scraping the inner edge of the blade are not permitted). At the completion of the stop, remain still and balanced for approximately 3 seconds. Bunny hop: While gliding forward and balancing over the skating side, swing the free leg with a backward to forward action. The skating leg will spring as the free leg passes and lifts into the air. The landing will be on the toe pick of the swung leg. After landing, push forward into a glide on the flat of the blade of the jumping foot. Forward arabesque spiral on a straight line - (R or L): While gliding forward, balance over the skating side with the free leg lifting in an extended and turned out position. The torso is lifted and stretched, the body then extends over the skating leg. The final position will be held with the free foot lifted to the hip level or higher and spiral position held for a count of 4 (instructor will count). Forward lunge - (R or L): While moving forward, using free skating position (head up, shoulders relaxed, arms extending and torso straight), bend the skating knee while turning out and extending the free leg (the free foot is held at a right angle to the skating foot). Continue bending until the inside of the free foot boot is on the ice. The move ends after balancing in this position, and then rising up on the skating leg to a balanced extended free skating position, leaving the free leg in an extended and turned out position behind the body. |
Basic 7
| Forward inside open Mohawk from a stand still position - (R & L): Stand in a T-position with the future skating arm forward and the future free arm held slightly behind. Step onto a forward inside edge. Prior to the turn, hold the heel of the free foot in turned out and angular position and move it toward the instep of the skating foot, stepping within the width of the hips. After changing feet, balance on a backward inside edge with the arms and free foot held in a firm position to control rotation and balance. The edges into and out of the Mohawk will each be held for a distance equal to the skater's height. Backward outside to forward outside transition on a circle - (R&L): Do 3 consecutive backward crossovers to a backward outside balance position. Change and pass arms close to the body as the head rotates facing outside the circle. Step forward onto the outside edge, holding a forward balance position. Place the skating side arm forward with the free arm and free leg held firmly behind to control rotation and balance. Each edge will be held for a distance equal to the skater's height. Ballet jump (R or L): This jump consists of a 1/2 turn in the air preparing for a back outside edge. Extend the free leg back and then tap, spring, turn and then land forward on the toe pick of this leg. The position in the air has the free leg stretched, extended and turned out behind the skater with the head facing forward. After landing, push forward onto the forward inside edge of the extended airborne free leg, holding the landing position with free skating posture. Backward crossovers to a backward outside edge (landing position), clockwise and counter clockwise: After doing 4 to 5 consecutive backward crossovers, step onto a backward outside edge with the body weight balanced over the skating side, free leg extended backward and turned out. The arms will be held with the skating side arm held firmly to the side of the body and the free arm held at an angle toward the front of the body. The torso of the body is extended and the head slightly facing into the circle. The skater will maintain this extended balance position for 4 counts (instructor will count). Forward inside pivots - (R & L): Place the toe pick of one foot in the ice. While bending the knee of this leg, the opposite leg pushes or pumps on a forward inside edge around the picking toe. Begin this action with the pumping foot turned out at a right angle to the skate involving the toe pick. The arms are extended and rotate with the head and shoulders over the bent knee. The torso is held in an upright and balanced position during this action. |
Basic 8
| Moving forward outside three-turn on a circle, (RFO and LFO): After gliding forward on a circle, push onto an outside edge in the one foot glide position with the free leg arm place in front of the body and the skating side arm held firmly and slightly behind the body. Rotate the arms and shoulders into the circle, as the head faces into the circle. Reverse the hips, creating the three-turn, use a rocking action to the middle front of the blade during the turn and glide backward on the exit of the turn. Continue the one foot balance position with the free arm and leg held firmly back. The head faces into the circle with the skating side arm held forward over the circle. The edges into and out of the three-turn must each be held for a distance equal to two times the skater's height. Moving forward inside three-turn on a circle, (RFI and LFI): As is the forward outside three-turn, glide forward on a circle and achieve balance in a forward inside one foot glide position with the skating arm forward and the free arm held firmly out to the side. Rotate the arms and shoulder into the circle, as the head also faces into the circle. Reverse the hips to create the turn, use a rocking action to the middle front of the blade during the turn and exit out of the turn in a firm backward outside balance position. The skating side arm is held firmly behind the body with the free arm held in front and over the circle and the head facing into the circle. The edges into and out of the three-turn much each be held for a distance equal to two times the skater's height. Combination move: After moving forward in a circle counter clockwise, the following series of steps are skated with free skating posture. 1. Two forward crossovers. 2. Right forward inside Mohawk (RFI-LBI mo.). 3. Step down onto a RBO edge. 4. Step or cross behind onto a LBI edge. 5. One backward crossover. 6. Step forward to a RFI edge (LBI-RFI mo.). Repeat this step sequence for two more times in this direction. This combination move is then done clockwise. One foot upright spin: Optional entry and free foot position. This is still an introductory move. Skater should be able to maintain balance and center the spin. Spin should be held up to two revolutions. Waltz jump: Stand in a T-position or use a moving entry. Step forward onto an outside edge, with the skating knee bent and arms pressed behind. The free leg begins a continuous motion into the air, as the jumping knee and arms begin a forward action to spring into the air. In the air, stretch the legs outward creating a floating arc as the body rotates a half of revolution. Land over the skating foot with the skating knee bent landing on a strong back outside edge. Body alignment is achieved on an extended backward outside edge position. Mazurka: A simple half turn jump beginning from a back outside edge with the body facing outside the circle. Tap the toe of the extended free leg while pushing the skating leg through and forward in a scissor action. Land on the toe pick of this pressed through leg. After landing - push forward into a glide on the opposite foot. |
