Side-by-side and other elements - Figure Skating - Pairs
A spiral sequence with the lady gliding in a catch-foot position and the male in arabesquePair skaters also perform single skating elements in unison. These elements include: jumps, spin, step sequences, spiral sequences and other moves in the field.
Keeping in line with "two skating as one", the quality of a side-by-side element is not evaluated by an average of each skater's completion. Instead, skaters should begin a side-by-side element together, maintain unison and close proximity to each other throughout, and finish together.
In side-by-side jumps, pairs must perform the same jump in unison and as closely together as possible. If one partner underrotates a jump, both jumps are marked as the lower of the two. Due to having to maintain identical timing and pattern of entry, skaters who are able to perform a jump separately may struggle when performing the jump with a partner. Unlike single skaters, pair skaters do not have the option to delay a jump until they feel ready or add an extra stroke because they will be out of synch with their partner.
Side-by-side spins are evaluated on unison and timing, difficulty and quality of positions, closeness, centering, and rotational speed. Pairs sometimes shout auditory cues to their partner in order to maintain and adjust their timing.
Spiral sequences do not have to be performed in identical positions. Speed, ice coverage, depth of edge (lean) and quality of positions determine the score.
Moves in the field include spread eagles, spirals, ina bauers, cantilevers, dance lifts and others. Pairs may create variations and combinations of these moves.
