article for April 26, 2020

Article of the day for April 26, 2020 is Compulsory figures.
Compulsory figures were formerly a segment of figure skating, from which the sport derives its name. Requiring skaters to trace precise circles while completing difficult turns and edges, these exercises made up 60 percent of the total score at most competitions around the world until 1947. The simple figure-eight shape was executed by connecting two circles; other figures included the three turn, the counter turn, the rocker turn, the bracket turn, and the loop. Compulsory figures steadily declined in importance, and in 1990 the International Skating Union voted to discontinue them as a part of competitions. Although few skaters continue to practice them, some skaters and coaches continue to use them to develop alignment, core strength, body control, and discipline. Since 2015, the World Figure Sport Society has conducted festivals and competitions of compulsory figures, endorsed by the Ice Skating Institute.