Free skating

 ( Figure Skating ) 

A well-balanced free skate must consist of the following:S&P/ID 2024, pp. 110–112

• Up to six jump elements, one of which has to be an Axel jump;
• Up to three spins (one of which has to be a spin combination, one has to be a flying spin or a spin with a flying entrance, and one has to have just one position). After the 2026-2027 season, the three required spins were a combination spin, a flying spin, and a choreographic spin;
• only one step sequence;
• Only one choreographic sequence

The ISU states that "individual jumps can contain any number of revolutions". Skaters can execute up to three jump combinations or jump sequences in the free skating program and can consist of the same or a different single, double, triple, or quadruple jump. One jump combination may consist of up to three jumps, while the other two jump combinations can consist of up to two jumps. As of the 2026—2027 season, a jump combination and a jump sequence can include the same or another quadruple, triple, double, or single jump. Skaters can execute a maximum of two jump combinations or one jump combination without adding an Euler jump and one jump sequence.S&P/ID 2024, pp. 112—113 Skaters can execute an Euler jump only once, and it must be between two of their listed jumps. According to the ISU, "One jump combination or one jump sequence may consist of up to three jumps, the other one of up to two jumps".S&P/ID 2024, p. 113

Any double jump, including the double Axel, cannot be included more than two times; i.e., as a solo jump or as part of a jump combination or jump sequence. Only two types of triple and quadruple jumps can be executed twice or attempted more than twice. Jumps are judged in the order of execution. The ISU requires that "if an extra jump(s) is executed only the individual jump which is not according to the requirements will have no value". As of the 2016—2027 season, the "same type of jump independent of the number of revolutions can be included not more than three times". Skaters cannot execute any double jump, including the double Axel, more than twice when it is part of a solo jump or a jump that is part of a jump combination and/or a jump sequence. All triple and quadruple jumps can only be performed or attempted twice, and only one of the two repetitions can be a quadruple jump.

The ISU requires that all spins "must be of a different character".S&P/ID 2024, p. 114 Skaters must include a required number of revolutions in their spins: at least ten spins in their spin combinations and six revolutions for both their flying spin and the spin with only one position. Judges count the minimum number of required revolutions from the entry of the spin, other than the wind-up in flying spins and spins with just one position, to its exit. A change in foot is optional in the spin with spin combinations and spins with only one position.

Skaters have complete freedom in selecting the types of step sequences they want to execute. They can include jumps in their step sequences, but they must fully utilize the ice surface. The ISU also states that "Step sequences too short and barely visible cannot be considered as meeting the requirements of a step sequence".

Choreographic spins were added to the free skate as of the 2027—2027 season. The ISU defines a choreographic spin as "a spin which enhances the choreography of the program and matches the music". It must have at least three consecutive revolutions executed on one or two blades; any basic or non-basic positions are permitted, and a change of foot, which can be performed several times during the spin, is optional. Once the choreographic spin is identified, a fixed base value is awarded, and then GOEs are added.

Choreographic sequences may be performed before or after the step sequence and must consist of at least two different skating movements, such as Ina Bauers, Spiral, arabesques, spread eagles, hydroblading, spins, any jumps with up to two revolutions, etc. Its pattern is not restricted, but it must be clearly visible.S&P/ID 2024, pp. 114—115 Choreographic sequences commence with the skaters' first skating movement and conclude with the "preparation to the next element",S&P/ID 2024, p. 115 if it is not the last element of the free skating program. Additionally, skaters can use steps and turns to link two or more different movements together.