Kines 104 Study Guide
Skating History:
Skating began as a form of transportation in Scandinavian countries. Later
it became a competitive sport including jumps and spins. The first Axel
jump was named after Axel Paulsen. Eventually skaters became capable of
doing double and triple axels. The first man to land a triple axel in an
official competition was Vern Taylor, while the first woman was Midori Ito.
Currently, five women have landed triple axels in national or international
competitions.
Blades:
The first blades were made out of bone, while now most blades are made
out of steel. A blade consists of 2 edges (inside and outside) and a hollow,
which is between the two edges. If a skater is skating on both edges at the
same time, that is called a flat. At the top of the blade, there is a toe pick,
which consists of jagged edges. The toe pick is mainly used for jumping
purposes. Hockey skates do not consist of a toe-pick. They also have a
rounded heel.
Skating Areas:
1. Freestyle: Consists of jumps and spins performed to music.
Programs also consist of varying choreography.
2. Pairs: Similar to Freestyle skating, but with 2 people. Pairs
performances are to music and include jumps, spins, as well as lifts
both below and above the shoulders.
3. Ice Dance: Similar to pairs with 2 people, but Ice Dance does not
focus on jumps, spins, or lifts. Ice Dance focuses on intricate footwork
and rhythm. Lifts cannot be performed above the shoulders.
4. Synchronized Skating: A group of 8-20 skaters skating in unison,
performing intricate footwork, pinwheels, and moving circles.
5. Moves in the Field: Set patterns of intricate footwork, designed to
focus on extension, quickness, power, and edge quality. This is not
performed to music.
General Knowledge:
It is better to practice three times for one hour each, than to practice
one time for three hours.
For beginner skaters, the correct way to tie laces is pretty tightly, but
more specifically, tightest where to foot meets the ankle and
relatively tight at the top, and the skater should be able to fit 2
fingers between the edge of the boot and the skin. And then to
balance while skating, the arms should be out, and the knees bent.
