Long Track
Long track speed skating is contested on a 400-metre two-lane oval, with skaters usually racing in pairs and ranked mostly by their times.
Overview
Long track speed skating takes place on a 400-metre ice oval with an inner and an outer lane, a footprint similar to a standard outdoor running track. Skaters typically compete two at a time, and results are usually decided by finishing times rather than by beating a rival in the same race.
Each pair swaps between the inner and outer lanes once per lap along the back straight, so both athletes cover exactly the same total distance. Events range from short sprints to longer distance races, and modern programmes also include a mass start, where skaters race together in a pack and finishing order counts.
What defines it
- Raced on a 400-metre oval with an inner and an outer lane.
- Skaters usually compete in pairs and are ranked by their times.
- A lane change on each back straight equalises the distance covered.
- Events span from short sprints to longer endurance distances.
- Many skaters use clap skates, whose blade hinges at the front and releases at the heel.
Getting started
- 1Many people first try long track at a public ice oval or through a local skating club that runs introductory sessions.
- 2Beginners often focus on gliding and balance before working on the long, low skating position that defines the style.
- 3Renting or borrowing skates is common early on, so you can get a feel for the ice before buying your own gear.
Other Speed Skating disciplines
The forms of Speed Skating sit alongside each other — explore the rest.
Explore across the knowledge base
Follow the threads that connect Long Track to the rest of SocialSportHub.
Sports
- Speed SkatingA racing sport on long-bladed skates, powering around an ice oval or tight indoor track with long, rhythmic strides.
- Ice SkatingA graceful winter activity of gliding across ice on skates, from casual laps to disciplined skating.
- Ice HockeyA fast team sport on ice that combines skating skill with quick passing and goal-scoring.
- Figure SkatingAn artistic ice sport combining glides, spins, jumps and footwork into flowing routines.
- RugbyA physical team sport of carrying, passing and kicking an oval ball toward the opposing line.
Rules
- False startA rule breach in a race when a competitor begins to move before the starting signal is given.
- Lane disciplineThe rule that competitors must stay within their assigned lane in lane-based races.
- Direct and indirect free kicksThe two types of free kick awarded in football to restart play after a foul or other stoppage.
- Double dribbleA basketball violation for dribbling with two hands at once, or for dribbling again after picking up the ball.
- Shot clockA timing rule that requires the attacking basketball team to attempt a shot within a set number of seconds.
Playing surfaces
Facilities
- Ice rinkA sheet of prepared ice, usually rink-boarded with rounded corners, used for skating and ice sports.
- Athletics trackAn oval multi-lane running track, usually 400 metres per lap, used for sprints, distance running and relays.
- VelodromeA steeply banked oval track for track cycling, with sloped bends that let riders hold high speeds through the turns.
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.
- GlideGlide is continuous, low-resistance locomotion in which the body holds a streamlined shape so that momentum generated by a preceding propulsive action carries it smoothly across a surface or through a medium.
Tactics
- Counter-attackWinning the ball and moving forward at speed to attack before the opponent can reorganise their defence.
- Serve and volleyAn attacking tennis tactic where the server follows their serve to the net to finish the point with a volley.
- Man-to-man markingA defensive tactic where each defender is assigned a specific opponent to track and contain.
- DraftingRiding, running or swimming close behind another competitor to save energy in their slipstream.
- Pick and rollA two-player basketball action where one player screens for the ball-handler, then rolls to the basket.