Editing Figure skating (section)

==Figure skates==
{{Main|Figure skate}}
[[File:Figure-skates-2.jpg|thumb|Close-up of a figure skating [[Figure skate#Blades|blade]], showing the toe picks, the hollow (groove) on the bottom of the blade, and screw attachment]]

The most visible difference from [[ice hockey]] skates is that figure skates have a set of large, jagged teeth called ''toe picks'' on the front part of the [[Figure skate#Blades|blade]]. These are used primarily in jumping and should not be used for stroking or spins. If used during a spin, the toe pick will cause the skater to lose momentum, or move away from the center of the spin. Blades are mounted to the sole and heel of the boot with screws. Typically, high-level figure skaters are professionally fitted for their boots and blades at a reputable skate shop. Professionals are also employed to sharpen blades to individual requirements.<ref name=NYT090622/>
[[File:Bundesarchiv Bild 183-79630-0003, Bodo Bockenauer.jpg|thumb|upright|left|Blade sharpening]]
[[File:Figure skating edges.svg|thumb|Figure skates and [[Glossary of figure skating terms#E|edges]]]]

Blades are about {{convert|4.7|mm|in|frac=16|abbr=off}} thick. When viewed from the side, the blade of a figure skate is not flat, but curved slightly, forming an arc of a circle with a [[radius]] of {{convert|180|–|220|cm|in|abbr=off}}. This curvature is referred to as the ''rocker'' of the blade. The "sweet spot" is the part of the blade on which all spins are rotated; this is usually located near the [[stanchion]] of the blade, below the ball of the foot.<ref name=fsequip/> The blade is also "hollow ground"; a groove on the bottom of the blade creates two distinct [[Glossary of figure skating terms#E|edges]], inside and outside. The '''inside edge''' of the blade is on the side closest to the skater; the '''outside edge''' of the blade is on the side farthest from the skater. In figure skating, it is always desirable to skate on only one edge of the blade. Skating on both at the same time (which is referred to as a ''flat'') may result in lower skating skills scores. The apparently effortless power and glide across the ice exhibited by elite figure skaters fundamentally derives from [[Conservation of angular momentum#Conservation of angular momentum|efficient use of the edges to generate speed]].

Skates used in singles and pair skating have a set of large, jagged teeth called a '''toepick''' on the front of each blade. The toepicks are mainly used to help launch the skater into the air for the take-off when performing jumps. Ice dance blades have smaller toepicks than blades used for the other disciplines.

During a spin, skaters use the '''sweet spot''' of the blade, which is one of two rockers to be found on a blade and is the roundest portion of the blade. The sweet spot is located just behind the toe pick and near the middle of the blade. The other rocker is the more general curvature of the blade when stroking or gliding.

Ice dancers' blades are about an inch shorter in the rear than those used by skaters in other disciplines, to accommodate the intricate footwork and close partnering in dance. Dancers' blades also have a smaller toepick as they do not require the large toepick used for jumping in the other disciplines. Hard plastic ''skate guards'' are used when the skater must walk in his or her skates when not on the ice, to protect the blade from dirt or material on the ground that may dull the blade. Soft blade covers called ''soakers'' are used to absorb condensation and protect the blades from rust when the skates are not being worn. In competition, skaters are allowed three minutes to make repairs to their skates.

There are many different types of boots and blades to suit different disciplines and abilities. For example, athletes who are performing advanced multi-rotational jumps often need a stiffer boot that is higher and gives more support. Athletes working on single or double jumps require less support and may use a less stiff boot. Ice dancers may prefer a lower cut boot that is designed to enable more knee bend.

Likewise, blades designed for free and pairs skating have a longer tail to assist landing. The blade profile and picks are designed to assist with spinning, jump entry, take-off, landing, and exit. Modern blade technology increasingly uses carbon fibre and materials other than steel to make blades lighter. These materials may also be more flexible and help cushion jump landings and be protective of young athlete's joints.<ref>{{Cite web |title=All About Blades: A Basic Guide |url=https://skaterslanding.com/pages/all-about-blades-a-basic-guide |access-date=2022-08-15 |website=Skaters Landing |archive-date=July 6, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220706225700/https://skaterslanding.com/pages/all-about-blades-a-basic-guide |url-status=live }}</ref> Ice dance blades have short tails to enable close foot work and reduce the risk of blade clash in close complex moves. They may also be thinner to assist with glide and fast changes of edge.

Off-ice training is the term for physical conditioning that takes place off the ice.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Siclari |first=Stephanie |date=2022-03-10 |title=Why Off-Ice Training is Important for Figure Skaters {{!}} ISI |url=https://risonline.org/why-off-ice-training-is-important-for-figure-skaters/ |access-date=2024-02-01 |website=Recreational Ice Skating Online |language=en-US}}</ref> Besides regular physical exercise, skaters do walk-throughs of jumps off the ice to practice sufficient rotation and height of their jumps, and to practice consistency in landing on one foot. In 2020/2021 many athletes relied on a variety of off-ice training and conditioning methods due to rinks being closed due to COVID-19.