Lifts - Figure Skating - Pairs
Pair lifts are generally overhead, rotational, and require ice coverage, ie. to travel a distance across the ice. Scores are affected by the type of lift, type of entry, ice coverage and speed across the ice, changes of position, the quality of the lady's position, the man's stability and cleanness of turns (i.e. minimal snow flying), type of dismount, and unique features. Both partners usually must be on one foot as they exit the lift. Covering a shorter distance or slowing down significantly during the lift may lower a judge's evaluation.
Optional features to increase one's score include performing a difficult entry or dismount, a release to one hand, changes of position during the lift, stopping the rotation and/or rotating in both CW and CCW directions.
Lifts without rotation are termed carry lifts. Lifts below the man's shoulders are termed dance lifts and are counted toward the choreography mark, as are stationary lifts, lifts performed "on the spot", without traveling any distance.
Lifts are categorized by the grip and position used to initially lift the lady over the man's head. For example, in a hip lift, the man lifts the lady with his hand on her hip, and a press lift uses a hand-to-hand grip. The hardest type of lift is considered to be the Axel lasso lift, in which the lady rotates a full turn while she is lifted by the man in a hand-to-hand grip.
