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The Skater’s Companion

Skate care

Figure Skate RoH Check

A guided figure skate hollow self-assessment for comparing grip, glide, and release after a fresh sharpen.

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Figure RoH Check

Figure Skate Hollow Self-Assessment

Use this after a fresh sharpen to check whether the current hollow feels suitable for figure skating. The result suggests a direction only: deeper, shallower, or stay the same.

Important: A deeper hollow usually feels like more bite or grip. A shallower hollow usually feels like more glide and easier release. Neither is better by default.
That's fine. If the result suggests a change, ask what hollow you are currently on, then ask for a small move from that baseline.

Before you start

Stop and ask your sharpener or coach to check the blades if one skate feels very different, one edge catches but the opposite edge does not, the blade feels burred or scratchy, or you feel unsafe stopping or controlling speed.

Freshly sharpened blades often feel a little more defined at first. Warm up before judging.

Test 1 - Straight glide and gentle edge roll

Checks basic glide and whether the blade feels too sticky or too slippery before harder movements.

Start with a comfortable push and glide on two feet. Gently move from flat to a light inside edge, back to flat, then to a light outside edge. Repeat at slow, controlled speed.

I can usually do this cleanly on both feet or both directions.
I can usually do it, but one side or direction is weaker.
I am still learning this movement. It will not strongly affect the result.
I do not do this movement. It will not affect the result.
This is stronger evidence that the hollow is driving the feel.
This may point to technique, edge level, blade alignment, profile, or fatigue.
This still records the feel, but the result should be treated more cautiously.
Sticky or grabby even when gliding; hard to flatten or move smoothly from one edge to another.
Uncertain under you, as if it may slide sideways when you ask for a gentle edge.
You can glide, roll onto a light edge, and come back to flat without catching or sliding.
The result may be affected by nerves, fresh sharpen feel, or not being warmed up.

Test 2 - Large edge arcs

Checks whether your edges hold securely without locking in too hard.

Skate large, slow arcs on familiar forward inside and outside edges if you know them. Try both feet and both directions.

I can usually do this cleanly on both feet or both directions.
I can usually do it, but one side or direction is weaker.
I am still learning this movement. It will not strongly affect the result.
I do not do this movement. It will not affect the result.
This is stronger evidence that the hollow is driving the feel.
This may point to technique, edge level, blade alignment, profile, or fatigue.
This still records the feel, but the result should be treated more cautiously.
The edge bites hard, pulls into a tighter curve than intended, or feels difficult to release.
The edge does not hold the curve; the skate drifts wider, slips sideways, or wants to flatten.
The blade holds the arc you choose and lets you increase or reduce pressure predictably.
If one side is much weaker, it may be technique or alignment rather than hollow.

Test 3 - Edge change / slalom release test

Checks whether the hollow lets you release and change edges smoothly.

Skate a gentle two-foot slalom, then try one foot only if that is familiar. Focus on the release from one edge to the other.

I can usually do this cleanly on both feet or both directions.
I can usually do it, but one side or direction is weaker.
I am still learning this movement. It will not strongly affect the result.
I do not do this movement. It will not affect the result.
This is stronger evidence that the hollow is driving the feel.
This may point to technique, edge level, blade alignment, profile, or fatigue.
This still records the feel, but the result should be treated more cautiously.
The change feels sticky, snatchy, or abrupt; the blade is reluctant to release and speed drops quickly.
The slalom feels flat or skiddy and the blade does not give enough grip when you press.
The blade changes edge smoothly and the release feels clean.
If the pattern is new, do not use this test strongly for hollow choice.

Test 4 - Familiar turns

Checks whether your hollow supports clean turns without catching or washing out.

Choose turns you already perform reliably, such as a three-turn, mohawk, bracket, rocker, counter, or twizzle entry. Try both directions if possible.

I can usually do this cleanly on both feet or both directions.
I can usually do it, but one side or direction is weaker.
I am still learning this movement. It will not strongly affect the result.
I do not do this movement. It will not affect the result.
This is stronger evidence that the hollow is driving the feel.
This may point to technique, edge level, blade alignment, profile, or fatigue.
This still records the feel, but the result should be treated more cautiously.
The blade catches or grips at the turn point; the turn feels blocked, scratchy, or hard to release.
The turn skids or slides and the entry or exit edge feels insecure.
The turn rotates cleanly, the exit holds, and the blade is not stuck or slippery.
If the turn is normally inconsistent, mark the confidence low so it does not mislead the result.

Optional Test 5 - Spin test

Checks whether the hollow works for spinning, especially for skaters who regularly spin.

Only do this if you already spin safely. Use your normal spin and focus on entry, centering, rotation, and exit.

I can usually do this cleanly on both feet or both directions.
I can usually do it, but one side or direction is weaker.
I am still learning this movement. It will not strongly affect the result.
I do not do this movement. It will not affect the result.
This is stronger evidence that the hollow is driving the feel.
This may point to technique, edge level, blade alignment, profile, or fatigue.
This still records the feel, but the result should be treated more cautiously.
The spin feels grindy, slow, or sticky; the entry catches or the blade is hard to settle.
The entry edge slips, the spin travels more than usual, or the blade does not feel secure enough to centre.
The entry feels secure, the spin centres about as expected, and the exit is controlled.
Spins are sensitive to technique, posture, rocker position, fatigue, and nerves.

Optional Test 6 - Controlled stop or scrape test

Checks whether the blade gives controllable braking without grabbing or sliding.

Use a stop you can already do safely: snowplough, T-stop, hockey stop, or another familiar controlled stop. Start slowly.

I can usually do this cleanly on both feet or both directions.
I can usually do it, but one side or direction is weaker.
I am still learning this movement. It will not strongly affect the result.
I do not do this movement. It will not affect the result.
This is stronger evidence that the hollow is driving the feel.
This may point to technique, edge level, blade alignment, profile, or fatigue.
This still records the feel, but the result should be treated more cautiously.
The stop grabs suddenly, chatters, or feels too abrupt; a light scrape is difficult.
The blade slides too easily and does not slow you confidently.
You can increase or decrease the stop gradually and feel in control.
If stopping is not yet reliable, exclude this test from the hollow result.

Result preview

Complete the tests to see a result.

Only tests you are technically confident performing should strongly influence the recommendation.

Deeper evidence:
Shallower evidence:
Stay same:
Useful tests:

If you change hollow, make it a small change from your current setting. Give it at least two sessions, then repeat this assessment.

Free to use. Complete the check here; sign in only if you want to keep it in your skating record.