Biomechanical profile of basic elements of sports selection in figure skating in primary school-aged children (an analytical review)

<jats:p>The purpose of the study is to characterize, based on the analysis of scientific and methodological literature, the biomechanical profile of basic elements of the qualifying program in figure skating for children of primary school age, and to substantiate promising directions for the objectification of the initial sports selection procedure. Research methods and organization. A theoretical analysis, systematization, and generalization of domestic and foreign sources on figure skating biomechanics, sports selection, coordination training, and sensitive periods of motor ability development was conducted. The literature search was performed in the eLibrary, CyberLeninka, PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, and Frontiers databases for the period 2010–2026. The analysis was carried out in three areas: biomechanics of basic elements, selection methodology, and age‑related characteristics of motor development in children aged 7–10 years. Research results and conclusions. During the systematic analysis, it was established that the most informative indicators for predicting sports prospects are indicators of coordination abilities, postural control, stability of the body axis during rotation, power and temporal characteristics of take‑off, as well as the quality of performing complex balances. Gross absolute indicators (jump height or length) were recognized as less significant. Improvement of the initial selection system should be based on the introduction of quantitative biomechanical criteria using video analysis, tensometry, and inertial sensors, taking into account sensitive periods of development, gender differences, and the construction of multidimensional predictive models for assessing the prospects of young figure skaters.</jats:p>