By Garrett Lucash

Following is a brief analysis of the programs skated at 2019 New England Regionals in the Junior Ladies Free skate event.  The purpose of the analysis is to determine which skills might be necessary to qualify (finish in the top 4) for sectionals.  We will break down the analysis into several functional categories: jumps, spins, step sequence, and component skills.  To learn more about the IJS system, please refer to our blog that covers the basics.  We also covered Juvenile Boys, Juvenile Girls, Intermediate Boys, and Intermediate Girls events.

Jumps

There are 7 jumping passes in the Junior free skate allowing up to two 2-jump and one 3-jump combinations. In the entire event 3 different skaters performed triple jumps (two of them were 1^stand 2^ndplace).  Most of the skaters achieved negative total grade of execution (GOE) for their jumps. Interestingly, the 4^thplace skater who did not attempt a triple jump or even a double axel outscored the skater who attempted the most triple jumps in the entire event for jumps. This was achieved through positive GOE scores from the judges and reflects the importance of jump quality.

Bottom Line: It appears that having 1-3 triple jumps in the free program should be enough to qualify for sectionals with slightly positive GOE total on jumps.

Spins

Junior free skate allows for 3 spins.  Four of the top five skaters achieved 3 level 4 spins.  There were only 3 (out of 18 possible) level 4 spins from the entire remainder of the group.  The top four skaters received strong GOE on their spins (1.98 average).  The remaining skaters showed a significant decrease for spin GOE, some even received overall negative GOE scores.

Bottom Line: To finish top 4, a skater should have 3 level 4 spins planned and perform them with high quality to achieve the 2-point GOE average.

Step Sequence

The top 3 skaters performed level 3 step sequences for 3.3 point base value (only one other skater performed a level 3 StSq).  Four skaters performed level 2 (2.6 bv) and two skaters performed level 1 (1.8 bv) step sequences.  Step Sequence was also significantly higher from the top four skaters (.74 average) over the rest of the competitors.

Bottom Line: To place top four at regionals, a skater should have a level 3 step sequence or higher and achieve positive GOE.

Component Scores

The top 4 skaters achieved higher component scores than the remaining skaters.  First place was the only skater to score above 6 points for an individual component score (skating skills at 6.06 and performance at 6.13) and her total component score was 4 points higher than second place.  The weakest component score throughout the event appears to be transitions.

Bottom Line: Overall, a skater should achieve component scores in the mid 5-point range to place in the top 4 at regionals.

Final Thoughts

Overall, there is much room for growth in the Junior Ladies event and we might see a more competitive event next year with strong skaters moving up from Novice.  This growth can be made in all categories – especially the jump base value (triple jumps) and component scores.  To reach the podium, a skater should plan several triple jumps, load her combos in the second half, perform at least two level 4 spins and one level 3 with a very high GOE total, achieve a level 3 step sequence with positive GOE, and score solid component scores throughout.  That skater might stand out from the others with strong transitions in her program.