Spins, step sequences and choreographic sequences
Beyond Jumps
Besides jumps, there arethree kinds of elements.
The three are spins, step sequences and the choreographic sequence. A jump’s base value depends on its kind and rotations. For spins and step sequences it depends on the kind and the level, and a choreographic sequence has a fixed base value.
A spin has3 basic positions.
An upright spin is done standing up. The skating leg is straight or only slightly bent.
A sit spin is done in a crouch. The thigh of the skating leg is parallel to the ice or lower.
In a camel spin, the skater leans the upper body forward. The free leg is stretched backward, with the knee higher than the hip.
A combination spin changes position along the way. It earns its full base value when it includes all 3 positions.
Both programs need three spins.
The Short Program has a flying spin, a spin in one position and a combination spin, which changes position along the way. From this season, the Free Skate has a choreographic spin in place of the spin in one position. Every spin must hold one position for at least 2 rotations. When the skater changes foot, they must complete at least 3 rotations both before and after the change.
- Flying spin
- Spin in one position
- Combination spinOne change of foot
- Combination spin
- Flying spin
- Choreographic spinNew this season
Spin and step base values depend on the level.
There are five levels: B (Basic) and 1 to 4. The level depends on how many features the element includes. Features are requirements, set in the rules, that raise the level. Level 1 needs 1 feature, and Level 4 needs 4 features.
PlusFeatures for a spin include difficult variations of a position, a jump change of foot, spinning in both directions in a row, a clear increase in speed, and holding one position for 8 rotations or more.
A step sequence makes wide use of the rink.
A step sequence links turns and steps without a break. Turns change direction on one foot, and steps move the skater from one foot to the other. The level depends on the variety of difficult turns and steps, rotating in both directions, upper-body movement and more.
- Rocker
- Counter
- Bracket
- Twizzle
- Loop
A choreographic sequence is a showcase with no set form.
Skaters link two or more kinds of movement to the music, such as spirals, spread eagles and Ina Bauers. There are no levels and the base value is fixed, but scores still differ through the grade of execution (GOE).
This season, one of the three spins in the Free Skate has become a choreographic spin. Any position is allowed as long as the skater keeps spinning for at least 3 rotations. Its base value is fixed too, and only the grade of execution (GOE) moves the score.
- Choreographic sequence
- Base value3.50
- Choreographic spinNew this season
- Base value3.50
Fixed value
A spin’s GOE comes from speed and position
The judges assess a spin on 6 criteria, and how many of them apply guides the GOE. To earn +4 or higher, the first 2, speed and position, are essential. “Traveling”, where the center of the spin drifts as it goes, lowers the GOE.
- Fast, or getting faster
- Clear, stable positions
- Looks effortless
- Stays on center
- Original
- Matches the music
A step sequence’s GOE comes from edges and music
The judges also assess a step sequence on 6 criteria. The most important are the first 2: accurate turns on deep edges, and matching the music.
- Deep edges and accurate steps and turns
- Matches the music
- Powerful, effortless skating
- Original upper-body movement
- Wide use of the rink, with an interesting path
- Clear acceleration and deceleration