Preventing Injuries and Improving Technique: A Coach’s Perspective

Figure skating is breathtaking to watch, but behind the beauty are intense demands on the body. Every jump, spin, and transition carries the risk of injury. Some happen instantly, while others build up over time from small unnoticed mistakes.

As a coach specializing in video analysis and movement correction, I’ve worked with top professionals, including Alexei Mishin, and helped train the Chinese national team. I was proud to contribute to Sui-Han’s Olympic victory in 2022. Preventing injuries starts with understanding movement.

I use video analysis to help skaters refine their technique and avoid unnecessary strain.

Why Video Analysis Matters

Skating is fast. It’s nearly impossible to catch minor misalignments or unstable landings in real time. But these small errors add up, leading to overuse injuries and painful setbacks.

With slow-motion video, it’s easier to see:

• Poor weight transfer

• Misaligned takeoffs

• Landing mistakes that put stress on joints

Catching these issues early helps fix bad habits before they become serious injuries.

Jump Mechanics and Injury Risk

Jumping is one of the biggest injury risks in skating. When a skater lands, their body absorbs up to eight times their weight in force. A 50kg skater takes on 400kg of impact with each landing.

Before learning to jump, skaters need to master safe landings. A bad landing doesn’t just affect the knees—it can cause ankle sprains, hip strain, and even wrist injuries if a skater falls the wrong way.

The two most dangerous moments in a jump are:

1. Takeoff – Is the skater properly aligned before leaving the ice?

2. Landing – Do they absorb the impact safely, with control?

Even a small mistake mid-air can throw off a landing, increasing injury risk.

How Bad Technique Leads to Injury

Many skaters use the same jump technique for singles, doubles, triples, and quads. As difficulty increases, tiny errors become major problems.

A poorly executed jump can be 15% lower and shorter, making landings riskier. Landing with too much blade contact increases stress on the ankle and knee, leading to long-term injuries.

Small details make or break a skater’s technique—and their ability to stay injury-free.

How Video Helps Fix Technique

Coaches and skaters can use video analysis to:✔ Compare good and bad technique✔ Break down movements frame by frame✔ Track progress over time.

Seeing mistakes isn’t enough. Correction is key. Video helps ensure the changes skaters make in training work.

Why Every Skater Should Use Video Analysis

This isn’t just for elite athletes. Every skater—from beginners to Olympians—can benefit from video review. It prevents injuries, improves technique, and builds confidence.

I use Dartfish because it’s reliable and makes sharing videos with coaches, physios, and skaters easy. What matters most is using video, no matter the tool.

Training with bad habits leads to injuries and setbacks. Fixing technique early means faster progress and fewer roadblocks.

Skating should be about joy, not pain. Let’s make sure every skater moves smarter, safer, and stronger.