Synchronized skating

Figure skating as a team sport

Synchronized skating ("synchro" for short) is the only team discipline in figure skating. A team of 16 skaters moves across the ice like a single body. Speed, precision and absolute simultaneity are the goal. Even a single mistake is noticed immediately.

Formations and elements

The basic elements have geometric names:

• Block: rows one behind the other that move together.
• Circle: one or more circles that rotate, often in opposite directions.
• Line: one or more lines that travel across the ice.
• Wheel: spokes rotating around a common centre.
• Intersection: two groups skate through each other at high speed – one of the most spectacular elements.

Add to that lifts, spins, twizzles and step sequences. Multi-rotation jumps as in singles are not part of it.

Competition and scoring

As in singles, there is a short program and a free skate. Scoring follows the ISU judging system with levels, GOE and program components. At international level, teams from Finland, Canada, Sweden and the USA dominate.

History

Synchronized skating emerged in North America in the 1950s, initially as a show act at ice hockey games. The ISU later officially recognised the discipline and has held world championships since 2000. Inclusion in the Olympic programme has been discussed for years but has not happened yet.

Getting started

Synchro is a great way to experience figure skating as a team, including for skaters who don't perform multi-rotation jumps in singles. Many clubs have teams from juniors to adults. You can find clubs via teams & clubs.

What makes synchro so difficult

In singles, a skater only has to think about herself. In synchro, 16 people must hit the same edge, the same arm position and the same speed at the same time – often in formations that rotate or cross at high speed. Distances of less than an arm's length are normal. That is why synchro teams train together a great deal, often off the ice too, with dry-land choreography rehearsals.

Criteria assessed include:

• Unison: all team members perform steps and positions identically.
• Formation accuracy: lines are straight, circles round, distances equal.
• Speed and flow: the team moves with speed without hesitating.
• Transitions: changes between elements are fluid and creative.

Age categories

Internationally, there are competitions for seniors, juniors and novices. At national level there are further categories for youth and adults, including teams for masters and adult skaters who only took up synchro as adults.