Axel: A forward-facing jump invented by Norwegian Axel Paulson. On a pair of speed skates, Paulson first executed the jump in 1882. The axel is the only jump in which skaters take off from a forward outside edge. The skater rotates one-and-a-half times in the air for a single axel, two-and-a-half times for a double, and so on, before landing on the back outside edge of the opposite foot from which they took off.
Camel spin: The skater spins on one leg with the free leg extended in the air, parallel to the ice.
Combination: Two skills performed in an immediate and consecutive order. In a combination jump, a skater must not change feet or turn between the two jumps.
Combination spin: While maintaining a consistent level of speed, the skater performs a series of different spins. The skater changes both the anchor skate position and body position.
Crossovers: Foot movement in which the skater crosses one foot over the other in order to gain speed and turn corners. This step can be done forwards and backwards.
Death spiral: A pairs spin in which the man stands as the anchor in a pivot position while holding his partner's hand as she spins, body extended low and parallel to the ice, around him.
Double jump: Two or more revolutions, but less than three, in the air.
Flip jump: A toe-assisted jump in which the skater takes off from the back, inside edge of one foot and lands on the back outside edge of the opposite foot.
Flying sit spin: A jump spin in which the skater leaps upwards and assumes a sitting position at the peak of the jump before landing in a similar position on the same or opposite foot.
Footwork: A series of steps across the ice in straight, circular or serpentine movements to demonstrate skater's precision and agility.
Free program: In individual and pairs figure skating, marks in the free program account for two-thirds of the total score. Skaters have no required elements to complete but they must still complete spins, jumps and intricate footwork. Judges assess speed, creativity and precision. In the individual ladies program, skaters must compete within a four-minute maximum; men and pairs may skate for a maximum of four minutes and 30 seconds.
Hand to hand loop lift: A maneuver in pairs skating in which the male lifts his partner, who is in front of him and is positioned in the same direction, above his head. In the air, she continues to face the same direction with her hands placed behind her, supported by her partner's hands.
International Skate Union: Figure skating's official governing body. The ISU is responsible for the training and certification of judges and determines the rules for competition.
Layback spin: Usually performed in the women's division only, the skater spins in an upright position. As the speed of spin increases, she drops her head and shoulders backwards, arching her back. Skaters often use different arm and leg variations with this spin.
Loop jump: The only jump in which the skater takes off from, and lands on, the same edge and foot.
Lutz jump: This toe-pick-assisted jump is named after its Austrian inventor, Alois Lutz, who first performed it in 1913. Skating backwards on an expansive curve, the athlete anchors the toe pick into the ice and rotates in the opposite direction of the curve before landing on the outside edge of the foot opposite to the launching foot.
Overhead lifts: A lift performed by figure skating couples in which the male extends one or both of his arms as he holds his partner overhead. The male maintains his hold throughout the lift with only minor shifting for positioning and dismounting.
Platter lift: A lift performed by pairs skaters in which the male holds his extended and horizontal partner overhead with his hands placed on her hips. When performed, the lift resembles a waiter holding a platter.
Program component score: On a scale of 1 to 10, judges assess skating skills, transitions, linking footwork and movement, performance and execution, choreography and composition and interpretation. In the compulsory dance, judges evaluate skating skills, performance, interpretation and timing. The highest and lowest scores are omitted and an average of the other scores is taken. Skaters may be rewarded for demonstrating innovation but they will be penalized for violating the rules or falling.
Quadruple jump: A jump of four or more, but less than five, revolutions.
Salchow jump: This jump was named after Ulrich Salchow, ten-time world champion from 1901 through 1911. Skaters take off from the back outside edge of one foot and land on the back outside edge of the opposite foot.
Short program: In individual and pairs figure skating, marks in the short program account for one-third of the total score. Skaters must complete eight required elements set to instrumental music within a two minute and 40 second time limit.
Single jump: A jump of one or more, but less than a total of two, revolutions.
Sit spin: A spin performed in a sitting position. Low to the ice, the skater spins with one leg bent and the other leg extended beside it.
Spiral: A move in which the skater extends his or her free leg behind him or her during a long glide to demonstrate both flexibility and fluidity.
Step sequence: A choreographed series of steps in sync with the music.
Stroking: A device used to gain speed. Skaters push forward from one inside edge to the other inside edge.
Technical score: Each element (jumps, footwork, spins) has been assigned a point value. Judges assess the quality of the element on a scale of minus-3 to plus 3. The highest and lowest scores are thrown out and the average score is subtracted or added to the set point value of the element.
Throw jump: A maneuver in pairs skating in which the male throws his partner in the air, and she lands unassisted on a backward outside edge.
Toe loop: A toe-pick-assisted jump in which the skater takes off and lands on the same back edge of the skate.
Toe picks: The teeth-like ridge at the front of the blade used for spinning and jumping.
Triple jump: A jump of three or more, but less than four, revolutions.
Twist lift: A pairs maneuver in which the male throws his partner into the air and catches her after she has performed one, two or three revolutions.
Upright spin: This spin can be performed forwards or backwards. The skater spins in an upright position with the free foot positioned next to the skating foot.
Waltz jump: From an outside edge, the skater takes off and completes a half-revolution in the air. He or she lands on the back outside edge of the opposite foot. This jump is not usually performed in competition.
