Take Off

The beginning of a new edge or flat from another edge or flat.

• a. Two Foot – An incorrect movement during which the skater rides both skates for a noticeable distance.
• b. Toe Stop – An incorrect movement where the toe stop is used to help impart momentum.
• c. Clean – A correct take off. A take off employing a smooth transition from one foot to the other without placing, hitching, jumping, or any other stiff, unnatural movement.
• d. (Free Skating) – The first component part of a jump in which preparation and execution of carrying the entire body and skates off the skating surface is accomplished, after which the body is airborne.
• d. Strike-off – initial start.
• f. In-line – A take-off where the new tracing foot is placed in line with the old tracing foot, in a continuous motion.
• g. Pocketed – A take-off where the heel is placed at the instep on the forward takeoff and the toe is placed at the instep on the backward take-off in a continuous motion.
• h. Pivot – On all take-offs the pivot must occur before the placement of the new skating foot. Even though the foot pivots, the motion is continuous and uninterrupted.
• i. A take off can be pocketed or in-line and receive the same credit as long as it has been done correctly, smoothly, and done within the boundaries of the strike zone.