How to freestyle ice skate? 3 most popular techniques of freestyle ice skating

Ice skating can be a lot of fun, but it can also be pretty challenging to learn how to do it on your own.

Even if you have some experience ice skating, learning how to freestyle ice skate can be tricky. There’s a lot more freedom and movement involved in freestyle skating, and if you’re not careful you can easily hurt yourself.

Our how to freestyle ice skate guide by Todd Vogel takes the guesswork out of learning this skill. He’ll teach you everything you need to know about posture, balance, and movement so that you can safely enjoy this activity.

What is freestyle ice skating? Is it hard to learn?

Freestyle ice skating is a type of figure skating that emphasizes creative and innovative skating moves, rather than strict adherence to traditional rules and regulations. Freestyle skaters often use music with an up-tempo beat to skate to, and their routines often incorporate jumps, spins, and other daring maneuvers. While freestyle skating is not currently an Olympic sport, it has been gaining in popularity in recent years.

Before getting on the ice, there are a few things you should keep in mind. Continue reading to check it out.

Things you should know before freestyle ice skating

If you’re interested in learning how to freestyle ice skate, there are a few things you should know before you get started.

Freestyle ice skating has rules

First of all, while freestyle skating is generally considered to be less formal than traditional figure skating, there are still some basic rules and guidelines that all skaters must follow. For example, freestyle skaters must skate in a clockwise direction, and they must maintain a consistent speed throughout their routine. Additionally, all freestyle routines must be performed within the confines of a marked-off rink area.

Freestyle ice skating moves are at a higher level compared to traditional ones

Another important thing to keep in mind if you’re interested in learning how to freestyle ice skate is that, while many of the moves used in freestyle skating are similar to those used in traditional figure skating, they often require a higher level of athleticism and coordination. As such, it’s important to make sure you’re physically prepared before attempting any complicated maneuvers. It’s also a good idea to take some lessons from a qualified skating instructor so that you can learn proper technique and form.

Freestyle ice skating is a great workout

In addition to being a lot of fun, freestyle ice skating is also an excellent workout. Not only will you burn calories as you skate, but you’ll also get a great cardio workout from all the jumping and spinning. Additionally, freestyle skating can help to improve your balance and coordination.

Types of freestyle ice skating

There are two main types of freestyle ice skating- competitive and recreational. Competitive freestyle skating is often performed in front of a panel of judges, who award points based on the technical difficulty and execution of the skater’s routine. Recreational freestyle skating, on the other hand, is simply done for fun with no competition involved.

No matter what your reason for wanting to learn how to freestyle ice skate, there’s no doubt that it’s a great activity to get involved in. Just make sure you’re prepared physically and mentally before attempting any complicated moves, and always skate under the supervision of a qualified instructor.

Freestyle ice skating techniques

There are a variety of different techniques used in freestyle ice skating, and the specific moves that a skater uses will often depend on their personal preferences and skating style. However, there are some basic techniques that all freestyle skaters should be familiar with.

Jumps

Jumps are one of the most commonly used elements in freestyle skating, and they can be performed either individually or in sequence as part of a longer routine. There are a variety of different jumps that can be performed in freestyle skating, including the toe loop, Salchow, loop, flip, and Lutz.

Spins

Spins are another common element of freestyle skating, and they can also be performed either individually or as part of a longer routine. There are a variety of different spins that can be performed in freestyle skating, including the sit spin, Camel spin, upright spin, and backspin.

Combinations

In addition to jumps and spins, many freestyle skaters also incorporate a variety of other elements into their routines, such as turns, crossovers, and hops. These elements can be combined together to create unique and interesting routines that are both aesthetically pleasing and physically challenging.

Common mistakes to avoid while freestyle ice skating

One of the most common mistakes that people make when they’re first learning how to freestyle ice skate is failing to maintain a consistent speed. Remember, one of the key rules of freestyle skating is that skaters must maintain a consistent speed in order to properly execute the various elements of their routines. If you’re having trouble maintaining a consistent speed, try skating along the long edge of the rink rather than the short edge.

Another common mistake that people make when they’re learning how to freestyle ice skate is failing to keep their feet under them. Remember, your feet should be shoulder-width apart and directly under your body at all times. This will help you maintain your balance and avoid falling while you’re skating.

Tips for freestyle ice skating

If you’re just starting out in freestyle ice skating, it’s important to keep the following tips in mind:

Wear the proper equipment

Before you even step onto the ice, make sure you have the proper equipment. This includes a good pair of figure skates that fit well, as well as comfortable clothing that won’t restrict your movement. It’s also a good idea to wear a helmet and other protective gear, such as knee and elbow pads, to help prevent injuries in case you fall.

Warm up before skating

Just like with any other type of physical activity, it’s important to warm up your muscles before skating. A simple warm-up routine that includes some light stretching and jogging in place will do the trick.

Start slow and build up to more difficult moves

When you’re first learning how to freestyle skate, it’s important to start with simple moves and gradually work your way up to more difficult ones. Trying to do too much too soon is a recipe for disaster, and can lead to injuries.

Practice, practice, practice

As with anything else in life, the key to becoming a better freestyle skater is practice. The more you skate, the more comfortable you’ll become with the various moves and maneuvers. And who knows? With enough practice, you might even be able to land that elusive triple axel.

F.A.Q how to freestyle ice skate

What is the trick to ice skating?

There is no one “trick” to ice skating. Rather, it’s a combination of balance, coordination, and practice.

What is freestyle in ice skating?

Freestyle skating is a type of figure skating that is usually performed within the confines of a marked-off rink area. Freestyle skating moves are often more complex and require a higher level of athleticism than traditional figure skating moves.

Can you be a self taught ice skater?

Yes, you can be a self-taught ice skater. However, it’s generally a good idea to take lessons from a qualified skating instructor so that you can learn proper technique and form.

How do you teach yourself to ice skate?

If you’re teaching yourself to ice skate, the best way to learn is by trial and error. Start by getting comfortable skating around the rink, and then gradually start trying new moves and maneuvers. Remember to practice often, and always skate under the supervision of a qualified instructor.

Conclusion

Freestyle ice skating is a great way to show off your skills on the ice. In order to freestyle skate, you need to know how to do some basic moves. Once you have these basics down, you can start adding in more difficult tricks and combos. If you want to take your skating to the next level, be sure to practice regularly and learn from other skaters. With a little bit of hard work and dedication, you too can become a master of freestyle ice skating!