The Most Difficult Move in Figure Skating, Ranked
Voting rules: Choose the move you think is the most difficult!
Updated on May 6, 2024 06:25
Figuring out the most challenging move in figure skating isn't just a way to impress friends during the next Winter Olympics. It serves a practical purpose for both new skaters and coaches alike. Understanding which moves are considered the hardest can help tailor training schedules and set realistic goals for athletes of varying skill levels.
By providing a venue for audiences to vote on these daunting figure skating moves, we compile real-time insights into public perception and expert consensus. Such rankings not only stir healthy debate among fans but also enlighten novices about the complexities and technicalities of this elegant sport. Your votes help continually adjust and refine our understanding of the sport's most intricate elements.
What Is the Most Difficult Move in Figure Skating?
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152votes
Quadruple Axel
Miki AndoThe quadruple Axel is the most challenging jump in figure skating. It involves four-and-a-half rotations in the air and requires incredible speed, power, and precision. Only a handful of skaters have successfully landed this jump in competition.The Quadruple Axel is considered the most difficult ice skating move. It involves four and a half rotations in the air while taking off from the back outer edge of one foot and landing on the back outer edge of the opposite foot.- Difficulty Level: Very Difficult
- Number of Rotations: 4.5
- Take-Off Edge: Back Outer Edge
- Landing Edge: Back Outer Edge (opposite foot)
- Required Jumps: Axel (Single, Double, Triple)
Quadruple Axel in other rankings- Position 1 of 10 in Most difficult ice skating move
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223votes
Triple Axel
Midori ItoThe triple Axel is a jump that requires three-and-a-half rotations in the air. It is considered one of the most difficult jumps in figure skating and requires tremendous speed, height, and technique.The Triple Axel is a difficult and highly challenging figure skating jump that involves three and a half rotations in the air. It is considered one of the most technically demanding jumps in figure skating.- Rotation: 3.5 rotations
- Takeoff Edge: Forward outside edge
- Entry: Backward
- Number of Turns: Three
- Landing Edge: Backward outside edge
Triple Axel in other rankings- Position 2 of 10 in Most difficult ice skating move
- Position 3 of 10 in Most difficult figure skating jump
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321votes
Triple Lutz
Werner RittbergerThe Triple Lutz is a jump that requires three rotations while entering the jump on the back outside edge of one foot. It is one of the most difficult jumps in figure skating and requires a lot of speed and power.The Triple Lutz is a high-level figure skating jump that is performed with an entry from a backward edge. It is known for its difficulty and technicality, requiring a significant amount of skill, strength, and precision to execute successfully. The skater takes off from the back outside edge of one foot and rotates three times in the air before landing on the back outside edge of the opposite foot.- Number of rotations: 3
- Take-off edge: Back outside edge
- Landing edge: Back outside edge
- Entry: From a backward edge
- Direction of rotation: Counterclockwise (for right-handed skaters)
Triple Lutz in other rankings- Position 5 of 10 in Most difficult figure skating jump
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417votes
Barbetorte · CC BY-SA 3.0Biellmann Spin
Denise BiellmannThe Biellmann spin is a move where the skater pulls their leg up behind their head while spinning. It requires a lot of flexibility and strength.The Biellmann Spin is a challenging move in Figure Skating where the skater executes a spin while holding one leg extended high behind their head. The move requires exceptional flexibility, balance, and strength.- Flexibility: Extreme
- Balance: Crucial
- Strength: Critical
- Execution: Delicate
- Difficulty Level: Very Difficult
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514votes
Ina Bauer
Ina BauerThe Ina Bauer is a move where the skater glides on one foot while the other foot is extended out to the side. It requires a lot of balance and control.The Ina Bauer is a highly challenging and visually stunning ice skating move that involves the skater executing a deep back outside edge with one leg, while the other leg is extended and twisted around behind them, creating a captivating and unique position.- Difficulty Level: High
- Skating Technique: Edge control and body flexibility
- Leg Position: Extended and twisted behind the skater
- Arm Position: Usually extended and visually pleasing
- Edge: Back outside edge
Ina Bauer in other rankings- Position 5 of 10 in Most difficult ice skating move
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615votes
Death Spiral
Walter JakobssonThe death spiral is a move where the male skater holds the female skater by one hand and spins her around in a spiral position. It requires a lot of strength and trust between the two skaters.The Death Spiral is a highly challenging move in Figure Skating that requires exceptional balance, strength, and coordination. It is performed by a pair skating couple, typically the male partner holding onto the female partner's hand or waist as they spiral down towards the ice in an arched curve.- Difficulty Level: Very Difficult
- Rotation: Continuous rotation around the female partner's center point
- Direction: Typically counterclockwise
- Spiral Depth: Lowest position close to the ice
- Entry: Usually initiated from a pivot or backward crossovers
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77votesThe Hydroblade is a move where the skater glides on one foot while the other foot is turned inward and the heel is lifted. It requires a lot of balance and control.The Hydroblade is a highly challenging move in Figure Skating. It involves the skater gliding on one leg with the other leg extended and lifted above the ice surface, creating the illusion of hydroplaning. The skater leans forward with their upper body almost parallel to the ice, demonstrating exceptional balance and control.
- Difficulty Level: Extremely Difficult
- Balance Requirement: High
- Flexibility Requirement: High
- Strength Requirement: High
- Edge Control: Critical
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89votes
Biellmann Spiral
Denise BiellmannThe Biellmann Spiral is a move where the skater pulls their leg up behind their head while gliding on one foot. It requires a lot of flexibility and strength.The Biellmann Spiral is a highly challenging move in Figure Skating where the skater performs a backbend while holding one leg above their head, creating a beautiful and dramatic spiral on the ice. The move requires exceptional flexibility and strength.- Position: Skater performs a backbend, extending one leg upwards and grabbing the blade with one or both hands.
- Leg position: The leg held above the head is typically extended and pointed.
- Flexibility: Skaters must possess exceptional flexibility in order to execute this move.
- Balance: Maintaining balance while in a backbend position is crucial.
- Strength: The skater needs substantial core, leg, and upper body strength to execute this move.
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99votes
Flying Camel Spin
Gaby SeyfertThe Flying Camel Spin is a spin where the skater jumps into the spin and then rotates while holding their free leg up. It requires a lot of power and control.The Flying Camel Spin is a challenging and visually stunning move in Figure Skating. It is a spin that combines elements of both a camel spin and a jump, requiring excellent control, balance, and flexibility. The skater starts by launching into the air from a back outside edge and then executes multiple rotations while maintaining an arched position with the free leg extended high and parallel to the ice. The spin is completed by landing on one foot with a controlled exit.- Rotation: Usually performed with at least 3 to 4 rotations in the air
- Entry: Initiated from a back outside edge
- Free Leg Position: Extended high and parallel to the ice
- Body Position: Arched position with the upper body leaning backwards
- Arm Position: Outstretched and balanced
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105votesThe Triple Flip is a jump that requires three rotations while entering the jump on the back inside edge of one foot. It requires a lot of speed and technique.Triple Flip in other rankings
- Position 6 of 10 in Most difficult figure skating jump
- Position 8 of 10 in Most difficult ice skating move
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Ranking factors for difficult move
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Technical complexityThis refers to the number of rotations, jumps, and turns involved in a particular move, as well as the accuracy and precision required to execute it.
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Physical strength and agilitySome moves require exceptional physical strength, flexibility, and body control, making them more difficult to perform.
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Edge control, balance, and transitionsSkaters need excellent edge control and balance to perform difficult moves, and smooth and seamless transitions add complexity to the move.
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Artistry and expressionAesthetic elements such as style, musical interpretation, and overall presentation also influence the perceived difficulty of figure skating moves.
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UniquenessSome moves are extremely rare and unique, making them more difficult to perform and master than more common moves.
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Training and dedication requiredMoves that require significant practice, diligence, and perseverance in training can be ranked higher in terms of difficulty.
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Skater's personal experienceIt's essential to consider the individual skater's experience and skill level, as certain moves may be more challenging for specific skaters than others.
About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most difficult move in Figure Skating. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or move is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!
Statistics
- 2511 views
- 163 votes
- 10 ranked items
Voting Rules
A participant may cast an up or down vote for each move once every 24 hours. The rank of each move is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.
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More information on most difficult move in figure skating
Figure skating is a graceful and elegant sport that requires precision, skill, and athleticism. Skaters must master various techniques and moves that are not only visually stunning but also incredibly difficult to execute. One of the most challenging aspects of figure skating is performing complex moves that require exceptional balance, strength, and coordination.
There are many difficult moves in figure skating, but one that stands out as particularly challenging is the quadruple jump. This move involves four full rotations in the air and requires skaters to launch themselves into the air with tremendous speed and power. The quadruple jump is not only physically demanding but also mentally taxing, as skaters must maintain focus and concentration throughout the entire jump.
Other difficult moves in figure skating include the triple axel, which requires three and a half rotations in the air and a forward takeoff, and the Biellmann spin, which involves holding one leg above the head while spinning on the other foot. These moves are not only technically challenging but also require a high degree of flexibility and stamina.
Overall, figure skating is a sport that demands a great deal of skill, dedication, and perseverance. Whether performing a simple spin or a complex jump, skaters must master a wide range of techniques and moves to succeed in this beautiful and challenging sport.
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