Technique on Footwork Sequences

[chopinskate]

To answer your question from a technical standpoint, completely ignoring the specifics of the judging system, good technique on footwork sequences encompasses several factors. Strong edges and flow are key factors, but you are also looking for balance over the blade, depth of edge, lack of chatter (basically a shaky blade), acceleration and ability to generate speed from an edge (Patrick Chan is a master at this), and ability to transfer weight quickly and securely from edge-to-edge and foot-to-foot. Long edges in and out of turns are also a sign of good technique. The really good ones show a substantial edge even when doing quick turns. You are also looking for the ability to change direction, both rotationally and actual direction of travel. Someone who is well rounded will also show a variety of turns and steps which is tied to technique ie. you might have excellent 3-turns, but you aren't really considered to have good technique if that's all you can do.

Rhythm is an essential component to footwork. There is a rhythm to the knees that makes clean turns and steps possible. There is not a catch all rhythm for successful footwork as this is largely determined by a skaters own timing and the music they are skating to.

A skater can have good technique without a lot of upper body movement, however, excellent technique is required for a skater to be able to successfully pull off any upper body movement involving the core. Sometimes the arms are used to hide bad technique.

Skaters with excellent turn technique include Patrick Chan, Takahiko Kozuka, Jason Brown, Mao Asada, Fume Suguri, Irina Slutskya, Virtue and Moir, Davis and White, Gordeeva and Grinkov. There are more, but those are some of the best.

Yes, Mao Asada was someone who I definitely thought had good technique on footwork, especially because of how she used to transfer between her turns. Thanks for the explanation!