Similarities and differences between short and long programs in figure skating

There are several Olympic types of figure skating. Single figure skating is a kind of sport in which individual sportsmen perform on ice while in pair skating the program is performed by a duet. All competitions include two main programs: the short one and the free skate. Both types of programs include various spins, jumps and other elements and moves. What do they have in common and why are they differentiated?

Similarities

It goes without saying that the short and the long programs are performed on ice, with the help of figure skates. They are a part of the Olympic Games and other competitions held worldwide.

One of the main similarities between those segments is that they have a certain limit of time during which they should be performed. Moreover, since the season of 2014-2015, skaters have been allowed to choose vocal music for their performances in both segments. According to the requirements, in the free skate the rhythm should be changed to the opposite. The program is expected to be harmonic and well-balanced. It is not enough to perform the elements in a technically right way. All of them should form a complex unity that possesses emotional expression.

The segments are skated in a certain sequence. The first part of the competition is the short program which is usually followed by the free skate on the next day if the score is appropriate. The total sum is totted up by counting the score for music interpretation, structure, linking elements, the ability to skate and virtuosity.

Time restrictions

The first difference between the programs in figure skating is the duration of performances. The short one lasts for 2 minutes and 40 seconds in single and pair skating. As for the synchronized skating that is not considered an Olympic kind of sport, sportsmen have 10 more seconds.

The second segment of competitions is longer than the previous one. Senior skaters have to perform for not more than 4 minutes, while juniors’ programs last for 3 and a half minutes only.

Requirements for single skaters

The list of differences does not include only time restrictions. The next thing that helps spectators distinguish short programs from long ones is the elements. A group of 7 required elements should be included in the first segment in any sequence.

Men skaters are expected to perform:

• At least one triple jump (it is also possible to do a quadruple),
• An axel jump,
• A combination of jumps,
• Not less than one flying spin (for those who doesn’t know what it is: it starts with a jump),
• A sit spin with one change of foot (a camel spin may be performed instead if it),
• A combination of spins,
• At least one step sequence.

Women single skaters should perform either a sit spin or a leaning spin without a change of foot. There are not any changes in the rest of the elements.

In free skate segment sportsmen are allowed to select any skating elements. However there are restrictions that are connected with the amount of certain moves.

• There should be not more than 7 jumps, including one axel.
• The number of spins is 3 (a spin combination is included).
• One step sequence and one choreographic sequence are possible.

Requirements for pair skating

Again, there are 7 required elements in the short program. They include hand-to-hand lifts, twisted lifts, throw jumps, solo jumps, spin combinations, death spirals and step sequences. All moves should be performed in harmony with the chosen music. In free skating the program should be well-balanced. A free program in pair skating is considered to be good if it contains both typical pair skating moves and single elements that can be performed either symmetrically or in parallel.

All in all, there are both similarities and differences between the programs in figure skating. They are necessary to make sure that the winners are the best of the best, and even though there are some restrictions, performances are still spectacular.