Correlation between kinematic features and grade of execution in pair skating throw jumps A case study at the World Figure Skating Championships
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Abstract
Throw jumps represent a distinctive technical element in pair figure skating; however, the kinematic determinants underlying the grade of execution (GOE) remain unclear. Previous studies in ladies’ single skating have demonstrated that greater horizontal distance and higher post-landing skating speed are associated with higher GOE scores. However, throw jumps involve a partner-assisted take-off, suggesting that the factors influencing execution quality may differ from those observed in single skating. This study examined the relationships between GOE and kinematic variables in triple throw jumps performed at the 2023 World Figure Skating Championships. Twenty-three jumps that received non-negative GOE scores from all nine judges were analysed. Vertical height, horizontal distance, take-off speed, and skating speed after landing were quantified using a broadcast-based tracking system, and GOE values were calculated as a trimmed mean. Across all jumps, GOE demonstrated significant positive correlations with vertical height and skating speed after landing. In edge-type jumps, vertical height showed a strong association with GOE, whereas no significant relationships were observed for toe-type jumps. These findings provide quantitative evidence that judges’ GOE scores in competition reflect specific kinematic indicators, advancing the objective understanding of subjective evaluation in pair skating.
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