The Pair as a Team

A far stronger partner either controls the competition or holds back, and the teamwork suffers.

Source: Special Olympics Figure Skating Coaching Guide (2021) · recall

For athletes 21 and under the guide wants partners within 3 to 5 years of age.

Source: Special Olympics Figure Skating Coaching Guide (2021) · recall

For athletes 22 and over the guide allows a gap of 10 to 15 years.

Source: Special Olympics Figure Skating Coaching Guide (2021) · recall

Signs include no undue risk of injury, following the rules, every partner able to contribute, and blending skills.

Source: Special Olympics Figure Skating Coaching Guide (2021) · recall

Partners understand how to blend their skills so that the athlete with less ability performs better.

Source: Special Olympics Figure Skating Coaching Guide (2021) · recall

The badge 4 synchronized sit spin needs a recognizable sit position held for at least three revolutions, in unison.

Source: Special Olympics Figure Skating Coaching Guide (2021) · recall

The guide puts no more than four pair teams in one warm-up group.

Source: Special Olympics Figure Skating Coaching Guide (2021) · recall

Each level adds one badge: 1-2, then 1-3, then 1-4.

Source: Special Olympics Figure Skating Coaching Guide (2021) · applied

Ability grouping and age grouping come first; meaningful involvement then gives each partner a role.

Source: Special Olympics Figure Skating Coaching Guide (2021) · applied

B, 19 and 21, are two years apart. A and D are 21 and under but seven years apart; C, 30 and 48, are 18 years apart.

Source: Special Olympics Figure Skating Coaching Guide (2021) · applied

For lack of safe lifting positions the guide has the athletes work on lifts off the ice before the ice.

Source: Special Olympics Figure Skating Coaching Guide (2021) · recall

For a poor jump or lift the guide's correction is to work on timing and knee bend.

Source: Special Olympics Figure Skating Coaching Guide (2021) · recall

Practising off the ice and bending the knees helps the lifted partner jump up into the lift.

Source: Special Olympics Figure Skating Coaching Guide (2021) · recall

The lifting partner remains on two feet during the lift and the landing, then may extend a free leg.

Source: Special Olympics Figure Skating Coaching Guide (2021) · recall

The waltz jump lift uses the open dance lift position with an armpit grip.

Source: Special Olympics Figure Skating Coaching Guide (2021) · recall

One partner pivots while the other holds a spiral position for at least one full revolution.

Source: Special Olympics Figure Skating Coaching Guide (2021) · recall

In the pivot figure the man pivots in a hand-to-hand grip and the woman may be in a spiral, spread eagle or extended leg position.

Source: ISU Technical Panel Handbook, Pair Skating 2026/27 · recall

Both bend in unison, the lifted partner waltz jumps with help and is set down on a back outside edge, free leg extended.

Source: Special Olympics Figure Skating Coaching Guide (2021) · applied

Lifts are worked off the ice first, timing and knee bend are drilled, then the lift goes onto the ice.

Source: Special Olympics Figure Skating Coaching Guide (2021) · applied

C has four pair teams, the guide's limit. A has six, B five and D seven.

Source: Special Olympics Figure Skating Coaching Guide (2021) · applied