Why do figure skaters skate backwards

Overview

Figure skaters skating backwards represents a fundamental technical evolution in the sport that transformed competitive skating. While early figure skating in the 19th century emphasized forward movement and compulsory figures (the original "figure" in figure skating), the transition to backward skating for jumps and spins emerged gradually. The International Skating Union (ISU), founded in 1892, began formalizing competition rules, but it wasn't until the 1920s that backward skating for jumps gained prominence. Norwegian skater Sonja Henie, who won three consecutive Olympic gold medals from 1928 to 1936, demonstrated the effectiveness of backward skating approaches for jumps, influencing generations of skaters. By the 1930s, backward skating had become standard for jump entries in competitions, coinciding with the sport's shift toward more athletic, jump-focused performances. This technical development paralleled changes in skate design, with the toe pick (introduced in the 1910s) enabling more powerful backward takeoffs. Today, backward skating constitutes approximately 40-50% of elite skaters' movement during competitive programs, particularly during jump sequences and complex footwork sections.

How It Works

Backward skating enables superior jump mechanics through specific biomechanical advantages. When skating backward, skaters generate rotational force by pushing off the ice with their free leg while maintaining balance on their skating leg. This backward momentum creates angular momentum that transfers directly into jumps, allowing for higher rotations. The physics involves conservation of angular momentum: as skaters pull their arms and free leg inward during takeoff from a backward position, they reduce their moment of inertia, increasing rotational speed. For triple and quadruple jumps, skaters typically approach backward at 15-20 mph, then use the toe pick of their free foot to vault into the air while maintaining backward rotational direction. The backward edge (either inside or outside edge depending on the jump) provides stability during takeoff, with the skating leg bent at approximately 90 degrees to store elastic energy. During spins, backward skating entries allow skaters to establish a stable rotational axis before pulling into tighter positions. The backward crossover technique (where skaters cross one foot behind the other) builds speed efficiently while maintaining control, crucial for jump setups. Modern training includes specific backward skating drills, with elite skaters practicing backward approaches thousands of times annually to perfect timing and edge control.

Why It Matters

The backward skating technique fundamentally transformed figure skating from a graceful exhibition into a high-athleticism sport. This technical evolution enabled the jump revolution that began in the 1980s, when triple jumps became standard and quadruple jumps emerged in the 1990s. Without backward skating mechanics, today's most spectacular elements—like Nathan Chen's record six quadruple jumps in a single program or Yuzuru Hanyu's quadruple Axel attempts—would be physically impossible. The technique has safety implications too: proper backward skating form reduces injury risk by ensuring optimal takeoff angles and landing preparations. In judging, backward skating quality affects technical scores significantly, with the International Judging System (IJS) awarding higher grades of execution for well-controlled backward approaches. Beyond competition, backward skating has influenced choreography, allowing more dynamic program construction with seamless transitions between elements. The technique's mastery represents a key developmental milestone for skaters, typically requiring 3-5 years of dedicated training to execute consistently at elite levels. As skating continues evolving, backward skating remains foundational to both technical execution and artistic expression in the sport.