Moves in the Field
What is a Move in the Field?
As a skater trains, they learn individual skills such as edge patterns, turns, and steps. A "Move" is a combination of these individual skills in a pre defined pattern or sequence. Moves are important because they combine individual skills into sequences that enable a skater to perform a well balanced free skating program, dance or show choreography. Moves are about edges and patterns on ice, inline or roller skates, posture, carriage, flow, power, and quickness. Each move emphasizes different part of these elements. The moves tests are intended teach the skater the skills they need to excel in the sport and can work as a replacement for compulsory school figures that teaches a skater how to actually use the correct turns and edges in dances and programs..
Edge Quality
Edge Quality is characterized by a stable arc and controlled body rotation; an edge ideally without sub curves or wobbles, initiated by placing the body and blade/frame on an angle to the surface of the skating surface and stepping on the required edge. This edge and arc will ideally commence immediately at the point where the skate takes the floor or a turn is completed, and travel uninterrupted until a required transition takes place. Depth of edge refers to the acuteness of the arc and the angle of the skate.
Extension
Extension is controlled stretching of the free leg complimented by an upright body posture. The extended leg is held in an unbroken line. The height of the extension is determined by the type of movement being executed. However, the final extended position should always be attained in a controlled fashion.
Flow
The word “flow” is used to describe the ability to maintain a constant speed across the surface while executing various skating elements and also to refer to the length of time it takes for the speed generated from a single stroke to diminish.
Power
Power is intended to mean obvious and rapid acceleration often form a standstill position, achieved by a forceful, gripping pressure exerted by the employed, or skating leg and skate against the skating surface. Power includes maintaining or increasing speed while executing various skating elements. “Power” is relative to the size of the skater, but can always be attained with proper stroking technique.
Quickness
Quickness refers to foot-speed. It is the precise, rapid and crisp execution of turns, changes of edge and transitions, usually in a brisk and continuous cadence. Refinements to acknowledge include quick movement that is quiet, fluid and continuous without disturbing the proper and erect carriage of the upper body and without interrupting the established rhythm.
Posture
Free Skating Posture: the skaters’ back is straight and the head up. The spine and head are perpendicular to the skating surface. The arms are extended out from the shoulders and are level and relaxed. The free leg is extended in a straight line and lightly turned out from the free hip to the free toe.
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USFS has 8 moves in the field tests, one for each level of ice skating. Moves in the field are edges and turns in patterns that build good posture, form and carriage, flow from one element to another, power and speed. These skills are all important for the development of high quality ice, inline or quad figure skating.
PRE-PRELIMINARY MOVES IN THE FIELD
Forward Perimeter Stroking Diagram | Video
Basic Consecutive Edges Diagram | Video
Forward Right and Left Foot Spirals Diagram | Video
Video examples shown are for reference only.
PRELIMINARY MOVES IN THE FIELD
Forward and Backward Crossovers Diagram | Video
Consecutive Outside and Inside Spirals Diagram | Video
Forward Power 3-Turns Diagram | Video
Alternating Forward 3-Turns Diagram | Video
Forward Circle 8s Diagram | Video
Alternating Backward Crossovers to Backward Outside Edges Diagram | Video
Video examples shown are for reference only.
PRE-JUVENILE MOVES IN THE FIELD
Forward and Backward Perimeter Crossover Stroking Diagram | Video
Forward Outside/Back Inside 3-Turns in the Field Diagram | Video
Forward Inside/Back Outside 3-Turns in the Field Diagram | Video
Forward and Backward PWR Change of Edge Pulls Diagram | Video
Backward Circle 8s (new) Diagram | Video
Five Step Mohawk Sequence Diagram | Video
Video examples shown are for reference only.
JUVENILE MOVES IN THE FIELD
Stroking: Forward PWR Circle Diagram | Video
Stroking: Backward PWR Circle Diagram | Video
8-Step Mohawk Sequence (revised) Diagram | Video
Forward and Backward Cross Strokes Diagram | Video
Backward PWR 3-Turns Diagram | Video
Forward DBL 3-Turns Diagram | Video
Video examples shown are for reference only.
INTERMEDIATE MOVES IN THE FIELD
Backward DBL 3-Turns Diagram | Video
Brackets in the Field Sequence Diagram | Video
Forward Twizzles Diagram | Video - Inside | Outside
Inside Slide Chasse Pattern Diagram | Video
Spiral Sequence Diagram | Video
Video examples shown are for reference only.
NOVICE MOVES IN THE FIELD
Back Inside/Forward Inside 3-Turns/Rocker Choctaw Sequence Diagram | Video
Forward and Backward Outside Counters Diagram | Video
Forward and Backward Inside Counters Diagram | Video
Backward Rocker Choctaw Sequence Diagram | Video
Backward Twizzles Diagram | Video
Forward Loops Diagram | Video
Video examples shown are for reference only.
JUNIOR MOVES IN THE FIELD
Forward and Backward Outside Rockers Diagram | Video
Forward and Backward Inside Rockers Diagram | Video
Choctaw Sequence Diagram | Video
Backward Loop Pattern Diagram | Video
Straight Line Step Diagram | Video
Video examples shown are for reference only.
SENIOR MOVES IN THE FIELD
Sustained Edge Step Diagram | Video
Extension Spiral Step Diagram | Video
Backward Outside PWR DBL 3-Turns to PWR DBL Inside Rockers Diagram | Video
Backward Inside PWR DBL 3-Turns to PWR DBL Outside Rockers Diagram | Video
Serpentine Step Sequence Diagram | Video
Video examples shown are for reference only.
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COMPLETE MOVES IN THE FIELD VIDEO PLAYLIST
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This information is for reference only and may not include current test information. Check with the official USFS rulebooks for up-to-date test requirements.