The inside edge is an important technique used in figure skating and refers to the edge of the skate blade that is closest to the body as the skater leans into a curve on the ice. Mastering inside edges allows skaters to perform deep, controlled curves and is a fundamental skill in many advanced figure skating elements.
What is an edge in figure skating?
In figure skating, an edge refers to the specific part of the blade that makes contact with the ice as the skater leans and curves. There are two types of edges:
- Inside edge – The edge closest to the body as the skater curves
- Outside edge – The edge furthest from the body as the skater curves
Edges allow skaters to grip the ice and control their balance, speed, and direction of movement. Learning to skate on edges and transition between edges is essential for mastering many skating skills.
Why is the inside edge important?
The inside edge is considered more difficult to control than the outside edge and requires greater strength, balance, and coordination from the skater. Key reasons the inside edge is important include:
- Allows deep, controlled curves and lean – The inside edge enables skaters to curve deeply into the circle while maintaining balance and control. Skaters can achieve deeper edges and angles than on the outside edge.
- Essential for advanced skills – Mastering the inside edge is necessary for learning more advanced skills like jumps, spins, footwork sequences, and other elements requiring deep curves. Many advanced moves are performed on the inside edge.
- Enables change of direction – Transitioning between inside and outside edges allows skaters to smoothly change direction and lean into new curves. This agility is required in programs.
- Demands proper technique – The inside edge requires good form, knee bend, balance, and posture over the skating foot to control the curve. It develops strong skating skills.
For these reasons, developing inside edge technique is a key milestone for figure skaters. It forms the foundation for mastering more difficult footwork, spins, and jumps.
How do you develop inside edge technique?
Developing solid inside edge technique takes time and practice. Some tips for skaters include:
- Start on shallow curves – Begin practicing inside edges on gentle curves, rather than deep curves. Focus on balance and control.
- Use barrier for support – Use a rink barrier or wall to provide stability as you practice leaning into inside edges.
- Emphasize knee bend – Bend knees well over the skating foot to improve balance and get leverage. Engage core muscles.
- Lean from hips and ankles – Control the curves by leaning in from the hips and using the ankles to grip the edge.
- Increase difficulty slowly – Take time to master shallow inside edges before progressing to deeper curves. Build up strength.
- Keep practicing – Inside edges require constant repetition to develop muscle memory and confidence.
Having an experienced coach provide feedback and guidance can also help skaters master inside edge technique. Patience and practice over time are key.
What skating elements use the inside edge?
Once basic inside edge skills are developed, skaters can apply them in many advanced figure skating elements:
- Spins – Many spin positions require a strong inside edge to center the spin and control speed. Examples are the camel spin, sit spin, Layback spin.
- Footwork sequences – Inside edges allow deep, flowing curves in footwork and moves like brackets, rockers, counters, and choctaws.
- Landing jumps – When landing many types of jumps, skaters transition from the outside edge on the takeoff to an inside edge on the landing edge. Solid inside edges are required to stabilize and control jump landings.
- Spirals – Spirals like the catch-foot spiral and Y-spiral use the inside edge of the skating foot to achieve deep curves close to the ice.
- Spread eagles and Ina Bauers – The dramatic lean and curves of spread eagles and Ina Bauers are created on the inside edge of the skating foot/feet.
These are just some examples. Inside edge control is incorporated in various ways throughout almost all figure skating disciplines.
Common errors and how to correct them
Developing good inside edge technique takes practice. Some common errors include:
Error | Correction |
---|---|
Leaning in with the upper body rather than from the ankles/hips | Maintain upright posture and lead curves from the ankles and hips |
Insufficient knee bend over the skating leg | Increase knee bend to improve balance and leverage |
Turning out the toe of the skating foot | Keep foot alignment parallel and grounded through the blade |
Poor weight transfer and angling over the skating foot | Shift weight fully over the skating foot, not centered |
Rushing into deep curves too quickly | Master shallow curves first before progressing to deeper edges |
Patience and repetitive practice while focusing on proper technique will help skaters master beautiful inside edge skills over time. Coaching feedback is invaluable for identifying and correcting any issues.
Inside edge exercises off-ice
Off-ice conditioning and exercises that mimic on-ice inside edge movements can further help develop necessary skills, balance, and muscle strength. Some examples include:
- Off-ice simulation – Standing along a wall, place the palm of one hand against the wall and lean hips into the wall to simulate an inside edge. Keep knees bent and centered over feet. Hold for several seconds, increase the lean, then return to upright.
- Boxes – Place feet hip-width apart over four small boxes laid on the floor in a square pattern. Shift weight to reach down and touch the box sequences in patterns to mimic inside edges.
- Slides – Wear socks on slick flooring. Keeping feet together, slide one foot out to the side and lean hips over it to simulate an inside edge. Hold for several seconds before returning to the starting position.
- Transitions – Practice moving between inside and outside edges off-ice by transitioning weight over each foot and leaning from side to side.
- Core and leg strengthening – Exercises that develop core and inner thigh strength can improve inside edge stability.
Targeted off-ice training can complement on-ice skills development. But the ice itself is where practice truly makes perfect.
Conclusion
The inside edge is a fundamental skill for figure skaters to master control, balance, and deeper curves. While difficult initially, developing solid inside edge technique through repetitive practice enables skaters to perform many advanced skills from footwork to jumps. Inside edges form the foundation for becoming a strong all-around skater. With patience and proper training, skaters can learn to command their inside edges and unlock new possibilities on the ice.