Definition:

A serpentine is basic three lobed compulsory figure done in figure skating. One and one-half circles are skated on each foot.

The figure is skated by first doing a half circle on the ice on the center lobe. Then, the skater executes a change of edge on the same foot and completes a full circle on the end lobe of the figure. The same action is repeated on the other foot.

Examples:

Since compulsory figures are rarely done by today's figure skaters, most of the ice skaters of today don't know what a serpentine is; however, serpentine like step sequences are done in today's programs.


In a serpentine step sequence, skaters do steps and footwork on a serpentine shaped pattern on a skating rink's surface. A serpentine figure only uses a small section of the ice, while a serpentine step sequence will cover the entire ice arena.