Speed Skating

Speed skating is a form of an ice skating sport that involves racing. Athletes skate around an oval ice rink at various distances. The length of the ice track is 400 meters, the same as an outdoor track. This form of speed skating is called long track speed skating. Meanwhile, short track speed skating takes place on a much smaller track and is much more fast paced.

Table of Contents

• History
• Playing Surface
• Equipment
• Gameplay
• Positions and Roles
• Rules and Regulations
• Referees and Officials
• Lingo and Terminology
• Skills and Techniques
• Strategy
• Olympic Speed Skating
• Speed Skating Brands
• Speed Skating Players
• Speed Skating Tournaments
• Speed Skating Teams
• Speed Skating Books
• Speed Skating Websites
• FAQ
• What is Speed Skating?
• How fast is speed skating?
• How hard is speed skating?
• How is speed skating played?
• Is speed skating in the Olympics?

History

Speed skating originated in the Netherlands as people skated across frozen rivers and lakes. Eventually these turned into races. The origins go back as far as the 1200s. In time, groomed rinks and race tracks were created and organized racing became a sport. The first official speed skating competition was held in 1863 in Norway. Speed skating became an Olympic sport for men in the 1942 Winter Olympics. Women's Olympic speed skating was first introduced in the 1960 Winter Olympic Games.

Playing Surface

Long track speed skating takes place on 400 meter length ice tracks. Players compete two at a time. The track is split into two lanes, competitors switch between the lanes throughout the race. Skaters must switch lanes each lap. There is a designated area or zone in which players switch between lanes.

Equipment

Not many pieces of equipment are needed in speed skating. Competitors need appropriate boots, skating blades, gloves, eye protection, and a skinsuit. The most important element is the skates themselves, consisting of boots and blades. Long track skates have very long blades. The boot disconnects from the blade on the heel so a competitor can get maximum push off of each step. Another interesting element is the glasses. Speed skaters wear eye protection, usually some type of goggles or glasses, to prevent their eyes from the cold wind. Skinsuits allow athletes to be more aerodynamic and thus increase their times.

Gameplay

In traditional and professional competition, two competitors skate at once. There are two lanes on the track and competitors must switch between lanes on each lap. There is no physical contact between the competitors, and they compete for the best possible time. The length of races differ greatly, ranging from 500 meters to 10000 meters.

Positions and Roles

In speed skating the only position is as a competitor. The two competitors are the only two people on the ice at the time of the race. The outcome of the race is almost entirely up to the competitors.

Another role is the coach. The coach, or coaching staff, are responsible for helping plan the competitors race out.

Rules and Regulations

A main focus of regulation is on the track itself. It is very important that the size and quality of ice is up to par. There are also a few keys in competition rules. One false start is allowed before an athlete can be disqualified. The skater's foot closest to their competitor is allowed to cross the lane as long as their other foot remains within their own lane. The skater moving from the outer lane into the inner lane has the right away.

Referees and Officials

Each race has multiple referees, each with a focus on a certain area. The chief official is in charge of monitoring races, making sure the ice is resurfaced at an appropriate time, and numerous other tasks. The starter is focused on an equal start for all competitors. The recorder supervises race results and keeps track of final standings.

Lingo and Terminology

Speed skating has many unique terms and phrases. Further, there are some terms that you may be familiar with, but this will give you a better understanding. The table below will illustrate a few of these:

Skills and Techniques

In speed skating, skaters use a crouched position while moving around the track.This positioning allows players to minimize air resistance.

When starting the race, some competitors begin by "running" to pick up speed quickly, but quickly they switch into a more gliding style. Others choose to skate off and use long leg extensions to begin their race.

It is important for competitors to have strong body control, an ice skating background or some skills in this area, and strong stamina/conditioning.

Strategy

In speed skating the main strategy is conserving energy to fit the race. Depending on the length of the race it is important to pace yourself accordingly. A key point of decision making within the race is deciding when to cross lanes. It is important to avoid your opponent, but sometimes going in front of them is necessary. It is up to the competitor to decide whether to cross in front or behind.

Olympic Speed Skating

There are multiple styles of speed skating in the Olympic Games. Styles include long track, short track, mass start, and team pursuit. Long track is the oldest style and has been in the Olympics the longest.

Speed Skating Brands

Lots of brands produce similar products in the speed skating industry.

Speed Skating Players

Speed skating has seen countless legends throughout the long history of the sport. The table below lists some of the all time greats.

Speed Skating Tournaments

The International Skating Union (ISU) is the governing body in charge of competitive ice skating internationally. This organization hosts multiple tournaments throughout the world. These tournaments are considered championships.

Speed Skating Teams

Although there are youth organizations, teams, as well as college and ameteur level teams, the highest level professional teams are national teams. The Netherlands have been the most successful and dominant country in the sport of speed skating.

Speed Skating Books

Many books written about speed skating either detail skills and training methods in speed skating, or are autobiographies written by former speed skaters.

Speed Skating Websites

As any sport, there are countless websites and blogs that bring the speed skating community together.

FAQ