Figure Skating discipline
Pairs
Pairs is skated by two partners who combine unison elements with lifts, throw jumps, twist lifts, and death spirals that are unique to the discipline.
Overview
Pairs is skated by two partners who perform as a unit, combining singles-style elements with maneuvers unique to the discipline.
Distinctive elements include overhead lifts, throw jumps, twist lifts, and death spirals, alongside side-by-side jumps and spins performed in unison.
Because so many moves are partnered, success depends heavily on timing, trust, and coordination between the two skaters.
What defines it
- Overhead lifts, throw jumps, and twist lifts are signature elements not found in singles.
- The death spiral, in which one partner circles low to the ice while held by the other, is a characteristic move.
- Side-by-side jumps and spins must be performed in unison by both partners.
- Programs are typically divided into a short program and a free skate.
- Synchronization and communication between partners are central to the discipline.
Getting started
- 1Build individual skating skills first, since pairs elements draw on the same fundamentals as singles.
- 2Find a coach and a rink with a pairs program to be matched with a partner and learn partnered elements progressively.
- 3Focus early on unison and communication with your partner before advancing to more demanding lifts and throws.
Other Figure Skating disciplines
The forms of Figure Skating sit alongside each other — explore the rest.
Explore across the knowledge base
Follow the threads that connect Pairs to the rest of SocialSportHub.
Sports
- Figure SkatingAn artistic ice sport combining glides, spins, jumps and footwork into flowing routines.
- VolleyballA non-contact team sport of rallies, jumps and teamwork — indoors or on the beach.
- Ice HockeyA fast team sport on ice that combines skating skill with quick passing and goal-scoring.
- Race WalkingA technique-driven endurance sport that turns walking into a fast, low-impact discipline.
- QigongA gentle mind-body practice that pairs simple, flowing movements with slow, focused breathing.
Playing surfaces
Movement comparisons
- Catch vs ThrowCatch vs Throw: how these two movements differ, what they share, and how to tell them apart — from mechanics to the sports that use them.
- Push vs ThrowPush vs Throw: how these two movements differ, what they share, and how to tell them apart — from mechanics to the sports that use them.
- Strike vs ThrowStrike vs Throw: how these two movements differ, what they share, and how to tell them apart — from mechanics to the sports that use them.
- Acceleration vs DecelerationAcceleration vs Deceleration: how these two movements differ, what they share, and how to tell them apart — from mechanics to the sports that use them.
- Acceleration vs JumpAcceleration vs Jump: how these two movements differ, what they share, and how to tell them apart — from mechanics to the sports that use them.
Player roles
- All-RounderAn all-rounder is a versatile player who contributes across attack and defence rather than specialising in a single phase, position, or skill.
- CaptainThe captain is a team's on-field leader who communicates, makes in-game decisions and sets standards — a role any player can hold, not a fixed position.
- Pace-SetterThe player who sets and controls the tempo of play or the rhythm of an endurance effort, dictating how fast the game or race unfolds.
Figure Skating