1. Home
  2. Sports
  3. Figure Skating

Figures or Edges

By Jo Ann Schneider Farris, About.com

An Outside Eight

An Outside Eight

Copyright © Jo Ann Schneider Farris
Definition: Figures are patterns done on curves. When you make a half circle on an outside edge, you have done a forward outside edge in a pattern. If you make two full circles that connect in a figure eight, you have done an outside eight!
Examples:

There is an imaginary line down the middle of a figure eight. It is called "the long axis."

When skaters do edges, they must begin and end at the long axis.

Edges are done on half-circles and most figures are done on two full circles. Some figures require three circles.

Explore Figure Skating
About.com Special Features

Strike out the competition with these step-by-step pictorials. More >

Learning Pilates fundamentals can help you get the most out of your exercise regime. More >

  1. Home
  2. Sports
  3. Figure Skating
  4. Get Started Figure Skating
  5. Glossary of Skating Terms
  6. Glossary - Letter F
  7. Figures or Edges - Ice Skating Term Figures or Edges

©2009 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.