Ice Hockey vs. Figure Skating: How do They Compare?
Growing up, Geannette Wittendorf developed a love for the Olympics at a young age, and has continued to support this worldwide sporting event throughout her entire life. Ice sports are among the some of the favorites that Geannette Wittendorf proudly cheers on as a bystander, though hockey reigns supreme in her eyes.
Ice hockey and figure skating may appear to be two similar sports played on the ice, but in reality they lie on completely different ends of the spectrum, sharing more differences than commonalities. Through years of watching her favorite Olympians compete against the greatest on the world, Geannette Wittendorf considers herself well versed in the commonalities and differentiators between the two. Though Wittendorf may be biased to hockey, she fully understands that an equal amount of blood, sweat and tears goes into each sport. How does figure skating and ice hockey compare out on the ice?
Figure skates and ice hockey skates vary due to the nature of each sport. Both skates are meant to ease mobility for those wearing them, but in different ways. Toe picks (ridged spikes on the front of the blade) allow figure skaters to jump and spin more easily. Ice skates have a lighter and shorter blade, allowing the hockey player to reach maximum speed on the ice as quickly as possible.
Technique
Both sports require endless amounts of training and technique. Figure skating is known for pristine elegance on the ice, whereas hockey is well known for intensity, and even the occasional brawl! With respect to the tactics behind each sport, both ice hockey and figure skating are equally difficult. The biggest difference that sets hockey apart from figure skating are the key elements of the sport - the hockey puck and stick! Not only do hockey players need to master the art of skating, they also have to master puck handling, game plays, defensive and offensive techniques. Nonetheless, figure skaters also need to learn long routines, extremely difficult landings, as well as strength and partner techniques.
Competition
Hockey is obviously a team sport, but figure skating is just as, if not more, competitive. Hockey players are focused on competing as a team, but figure skaters mostly function independently, or with a partner. Their routines are centered on individuality, and their routines are personal to each competitor. Just as any individual sport, not landing first place is sometimes a harder hit when you're solely responsible for your performance.
Ice hockey and figure skating may appear to be two similar sports played on the ice, but in reality they lie on completely different ends of the spectrum, sharing more differences than commonalities. Through years of watching her favorite Olympians compete against the greatest on the world, Geannette Wittendorf considers herself well versed in the commonalities and differentiators between the two. Though Wittendorf may be biased to hockey, she fully understands that an equal amount of blood, sweat and tears goes into each sport. How does figure skating and ice hockey compare out on the ice?
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Footwear
Figure skates and ice hockey skates vary due to the nature of each sport. Both skates are meant to ease mobility for those wearing them, but in different ways. Toe picks (ridged spikes on the front of the blade) allow figure skaters to jump and spin more easily. Ice skates have a lighter and shorter blade, allowing the hockey player to reach maximum speed on the ice as quickly as possible.
Technique
Both sports require endless amounts of training and technique. Figure skating is known for pristine elegance on the ice, whereas hockey is well known for intensity, and even the occasional brawl! With respect to the tactics behind each sport, both ice hockey and figure skating are equally difficult. The biggest difference that sets hockey apart from figure skating are the key elements of the sport - the hockey puck and stick! Not only do hockey players need to master the art of skating, they also have to master puck handling, game plays, defensive and offensive techniques. Nonetheless, figure skaters also need to learn long routines, extremely difficult landings, as well as strength and partner techniques.
Competition
Hockey is obviously a team sport, but figure skating is just as, if not more, competitive. Hockey players are focused on competing as a team, but figure skaters mostly function independently, or with a partner. Their routines are centered on individuality, and their routines are personal to each competitor. Just as any individual sport, not landing first place is sometimes a harder hit when you're solely responsible for your performance.
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