Figure Skating discipline
Singles
Singles is figure skating performed alone, with one skater presenting jumps, spins, and step sequences to music in separate men's and women's events.
Overview
Singles is the figure skating discipline in which one skater performs alone, presenting a program of jumps, spins, and step sequences set to music.
A singles program combines technical elements with choreography and skating skills across the surface of the rink, and is contested as separate events for men and women.
It is often seen as the foundational discipline, since its jumps, spins, and edge work underpin the other forms of the sport.
What defines it
- Jumps are a defining element, using edge or toe-assisted takeoffs with rotations completed in the air.
- Spins are performed in a variety of positions and require centering and control.
- Step sequences and choreography connect the elements and interpret the music.
- Competition programs are usually divided into a short program and a free skate.
- Skaters are evaluated on both technical execution and overall program qualities.
Getting started
- 1Begin with group learn-to-skate sessions to build comfort, balance, and basic gliding on the ice.
- 2Work with a coach at a local rink to learn fundamentals like forward and backward skating, stops, and simple turns before attempting jumps and spins.
- 3Progress gradually from basic edges to more advanced elements, practicing regularly.
Other Figure Skating disciplines
The forms of Figure Skating sit alongside each other — explore the rest.
Explore across the knowledge base
Follow the threads that connect Singles to the rest of SocialSportHub.
Sports
- Figure SkatingAn artistic ice sport combining glides, spins, jumps and footwork into flowing routines.
- VolleyballA non-contact team sport of rallies, jumps and teamwork — indoors or on the beach.
- TennisA singles or doubles racquet sport that blends agility, strategy and stamina on court.
- FootballThe world’s most popular team sport — endless running, teamwork and community in one game.
- Ice HockeyA fast team sport on ice that combines skating skill with quick passing and goal-scoring.
Facilities
- Ice rinkA sheet of prepared ice, usually rink-boarded with rounded corners, used for skating and ice sports.
- Badminton courtA rectangular indoor court, divided by a high net, on which badminton is played as singles or doubles.
- Tennis courtA rectangular marked court, divided across the middle by a net, where tennis is played as singles or doubles.
Playing surfaces
Exercises
- Step-upA movement where you step up onto a raised platform one leg at a time and step back down.
- Side plankA core hold on one forearm and the side of the foot that targets the muscles along your side.
- Jump squatAn explosive squat variation where you spring off the floor at the top of the movement.
- BurpeeA full-body exercise combining a squat, a plank, and a jump in one flowing movement.
- LungeA single-leg movement where you step forward and bend both knees to lower your body.
Barriers
- No one to play withWhen you have no training partner, individual sports, beginner groups and finding-people options open the door to solo and social activity alike.
- Nervous about startingWhen starting feels intimidating, beginner-friendly, low-pressure settings and a gentle first step make the first move far easier.
Movement patterns
- Crossover StepA lateral or diagonal travelling step in which one leg crosses over the other with accompanying hip and trunk rotation, trading a stable base for greater reach and speed.
- CutA sharp, frequently reactive plant-and-redirect performed in a single decisive foot contact to evade an opponent or abruptly alter a line of travel.
- PivotA rotation of the body about one planted foot, reorienting the trunk and hips around a vertical axis without travelling to a new location.
- BoundAn exaggerated, horizontal springing stride that transfers from one leg to the opposite leg with a long flight phase, amplifying the mechanics of running.
- BackpedalControlled backward locomotion performed while facing forward, staying low and pushing off the balls of the feet in short strides to stay reactive and keep play in view.
Figure Skating