Breaking Down the Elements: Junior Pairs Free Skate

The junior pairs free skate consists of 9 categories of elements that must be completed in 4:00 +/- 10 seconds.

Lifts

• Maximum of 2
• One must be from Group 3 or 4
• Full extension of lifting arms
• Minimum 2 revolutions by lady and minimum 1 revolution and maximum 3 1/2 revolutions by man
• Only 1 lift may include a carry feature.  Carry type lifts (1/2 rotation exit/entry) are permitted but not included in the allowed number of lifts (counted as transitions)

Twist Lifts

• Maximum of 1
• No limit to number of revolutions
• Takeoff may be Toe Loop, Flip/Lutz, or Axel
• Each twist lift must have different take-off

Throw Jumps

• Maximum of 2
• Must be different

Solo jumps

• Maximum of 1
• No limit on the number of revolutions

Jump Sequence/Combination

• Maximum of 1
• Jump combination may consist of 2 or 3 jumps.  No limit to number of jumps in Jump sequence.  Both may include jumps with the same name. 

Pair Spin/Combination Spin

• Maximum of 1
• Pair Spin: Minimum 6 revolutions, optional change of position
• Pair Combination Spin: At least 1 change of position and 1 change of foot by each partner (3 revolutions before and after change of foot) and Minimum of 8 revolutions

Solo Spin/Combination Spin

• Maximum of 1
• Solo Spin: minimum 6 revolutions, optional change position
• Solo Combination Spin: minimum 10 revolutions, optional change of foot (3 revolutions before and after change of foot)

Death Spiral

• Maximum of 1
• When death spiral position is attained, both partners must execute 1 revolution with man in full pivot positions
• Lady must skate on a clean edge with her body and head close to the ice surface.
• Variations of arm holds and pivot positions possible

Spiral Sequence

• Maximum of 1
• Sequence consists primarily of spirals.  Spiral is 1 blade on the ice and free leg (knee/foot) higher than hip level.
• Minimum 2 spirals by both partners for 3 seconds each OR 1 spiral for 6 seconds each for a fixed Base Value.

The main differences between junior and senior is that juniors may only execute 2 lifts, they may execute either spins or combination spins and the death spiral can be the same as the short program.