What are the USFS Moves in the Field requirements for Preliminary?

The Preliminary MIF test is the second level in the Moves track and continues to develop fundamental skating skills with more demanding patterns and edge quality.

Preliminary MIF typically requires (per 2024–25 USFS Singles Test Requirements):
- Forward and backward perimeter stroking (continued from Pre-Preliminary)
- Forward and backward circle eights — figure-eight pattern done on a circle, demonstrating sustained edge work
- Waltz Eight (continued, with higher quality expectations)
- Forward alternating three-turns (continued, often with longer stride patterns)
- Additional turn variations and edge work specific to this level

What's NOT yet introduced at Preliminary:
- Spirals as a separate test element — already required at Pre-Preliminary in the form of forward right/left foot spirals; back spirals enter at higher levels
- Mohawks — these typically first appear at the Pre-Juvenile MIF level, not Preliminary
- Power circles — appear at Pre-Juvenile and above
- Brackets and counters — appear at higher levels (Juvenile and above)

Preliminary MIF is where skaters really start to be tested on edge quality — outside vs inside, deep vs shallow, fast vs slow. Coaches spend a lot of time refining these basics before MIF tests.

The MIF test is often where progression slows. If your skater is stuck on Preliminary MIF for several months, that's not unusual. Edge quality is hard to teach and hard to learn.

Want to see whether your child's circle eights are carving balanced edges? SkateMarks tracks the blade angle and shows you whether each edge is doing what it should.