General Principles
There are two basic types of jumps in freestyle skating: rotational jumps and positional jumps. The primary objective of a rotational jump is to rotate while airborne. Advanced skaters complete more than one turn in the air when performing rotational jumps. The goal of positional jumps is to attain an aesthetically pleasing position while airborne. These jumps rarely require more than one revolution. There are a few jumps that do not fit conveniently into either of these categories and will be considered separately.
Entrance Edge
The entrance edge is the blade edge from which the skater enters a given jump. The entrance edge may also be called the “take-off edge”.
Landing Edge
The blade edge upon which the skater lands a jump is called the landing edge. Counter clockwise (CCW) skaters land most rotational jumps on a right back outside (RBO) edge. The landing edge is also called the
Jump Preparation
Also called “preparatory steps” or “prep”, these are steps or turns required for the skater to achieve the correct entrance edge to perform the jump. The more complicated the steps and turns leading into a jump, the more difficult the actual jump becomes. In competition, an advanced skater may be required to perform a jump “out of footwork”, meaning the skater performs a series of complicated steps, turns, and glides before achieving the actual entrance edge. Beginners use very basic preparatory steps that simplify performance of the jump.
Toe Assist
Some rotational and positional jumps require the skater to vault with the toe pick to assist in the entrance of the jump. The toe assist provides a “pole vaulting” action to the take-off, which contributes to the jump’s height and distance. Assisting with the toe pick may also be called “vaulting”, “picking” or “tapping”.
Jump Combinations
Jump combinations are two or more jumps strung together without additional steps or turns performed between the jumps. The most common combinations include two jumps performed in series. Since most jumps land on a RBO edge, any such jump may be executed first, but the second jump must take-off from a RBO edge to create a seamless combination. Therefore, the second jump is usually a loop or toe loop. In some cases a half loop is used to change to a LBI, so a salchow can be added to the combination.
Jump Sequence or Jump Series
Unlike jump combinations, jump sequences include additional steps, turns, strokes or gliding motions between the individual jumps. However, the steps are minimized such that the jumps are performed in quick succession.
Rotational Jumps
General Principles
The primary objective of rotational jumps is to rotate while airborne. In these jumps, the skater appears to spin in the air. In modern competition, triple jumps (three revolutions in the air) are common in men’s and ladies’ competition. Men also perform quadruple jumps, or “quads” (four revolutions). Beginning skaters start with single revolution jumps. As a skater gains experience, he graduates to double jumps.
Rotation Position
In order to complete revolutions in the air, a skater must achieve a body position that favors fast, controllable rotation. The ideal air position for a CCW rotational jump consists of an upright, straight-backed posture with the left leg crossed over the right leg and the arms folded across the chest. The toe pick of the right foot should point toward the ice, ready for the landing. The body should not tilt in the air but hang perpendicular to the ice. Because this is also the correct position for a fast back scratch spin, the rotational posture used for jumping is commonly called “the backspin position” (figure to the right). Execution of a single jump does not require a tight rotational position, but to complete a triple or quadruple jump; the athlete must achieve a compact, very straight posture. While many skaters can perform multi-revolution jumps with the left leg wrapped loosely around the right leg, the ideal position requires the legs to be tightly crossed at the ankles with the boots together. Wrapping the free leg results in an awkward unwinding motion during the landing.
Axis of Rotation
The axis of rotation refers to how the body rotates in the air. For CCW jumpers, the left leg crosses over the right. In preparation for landing, body weight centers over the right leg. The right leg must point straight toward the ice and align with the body's central axis of rotation in order for the skater to balance on one foot upon connecting with the ice. If the landing leg is off-axis, the skater will have to compensate upon landing and is likely to fall.
Counter-Rotation
There are three basic counter-rotation (or counter-revolution) jumps including the lutz, toe walley and walley. Counter-rotation jumps are characterized by the skater gliding into the jump in the opposite direction to which he will rotate in the air. Counterclockwise skaters will glide clockwise into the jump but will execute the rotation in their natural counterclockwise direction. An inherent difficulty to these jumps is taking off from the intended edge. While initiating rotation, many skaters switch edges before lifting off the ice. An exaggerated change of edge is a serious error when performing a counter-rotation jump.
Differentiating Jumps
Observers may distinguish between rotational jumps by noting the entrance edge of the jump as well as whether the jump takes off with or without a toe assist. While most CCW rotational jumps land on a RBO edge, some land on a LBI, so the landing edge should also be considered. Apart from the preparatory edge (and landing edge in a few cases), no difference exists in the actual air position of rotational jumps. Occasionally a skater will vary his arm positions by holding one or both arms over the head, placing them at his sides or on his hips, etc. This does not change the identity of the jump; although, some popular variations are named after their originator, such as the Tano Lutz, named for 1988 Olympic gold medallist, Brian Boitano.
Toe Jumps
Also known as “toe assisted jumps”, these rotational jumps require tapping with the toe pick to assist in the
Toe Loop Jump
The toe loop is generally considered the easiest toe jump and is one of the first full-revolution jumps learned by beginners. It is most often entered from a RFI3 turn. After checking the turn on the RBO edge, the skater reaches back with a straight left leg, picks the ice with the left toe and draws his body back into the jump. The right leg passes forward across the body throughout the turn into the jump and reaches for the rotational axis. A change of axis occurs in the toe loop because the skater jumps from the left toe pick onto the axis of rotation to perform an aerial backspin over the right side of the body. After completing the desired number of revolutions, the skater lands on his RBO edge. The skater should not hesitate and stand on the toe pick, turning completely forward before jumping. Rather than creating a fluid jumping motion, this error results in a “toe waltz jump” which is not a toe loop at all but a waltz jump initiated from the toe pick.
Toe loops can be performed as singles, doubles and triples. Quadruple toe loops are becoming a staple of elite men’s skating. Toe loops are also used in jump combinations and may be added to any jump that lands on a RBO edge to create a combination.
Toe Walley Jump
Toe walleys are so similar to toe loops that a distinction is not usually made between the two for the purposes of competition. While the toe loop takes off from a RBO edge, the toe walley lifts off from a RBI edge. The most common preparation for a toe walley is a LFO3 turn followed by a push and change of feet to a RBI edge. From the RBI edge, the skater reaches back with the left leg, picks and pulls backward into the jump. Since most skaters change to a RBO before jumping, they actually perform a toe loop rather than a toe walley. This is why these jumps are not differentiated in competition. If the jump is executed correctly, it is actually a counter-revolution jump, like the lutz, described below.
Flip Jump
A flip is generally entered from a LFO3 or mohawk. If a LFO3 is used, the turn must be very flat so the skater is not gliding on a deep curve before picking. A straight preparatory sequence contributes to control of the jump, and distance and height in the air. From a LBI edge, the skater reaches back with his right leg and picks with his right toe. The skater draws back with the toe pick and pushes upward. The flip lands on a RBO edge. This jump may be performed as a single, double or triple.
Half Flip
A half jump only involves a half of a turn in the air. Like the flip jump, the half-flip takes off from a LBI edge assisted by vaulting with the right toe pick. Common preparatory steps include a LFO3 or mohawk. After completing a half revolution, the skater lands on his left toe pick facing forward then pushes off onto a RFI edge.
The half-flip jump is a basic skill taught to beginning skaters. However, more advanced competitors may use the jump in a footwork sequence. It is also the foundation for toe assisted split jumps, which will be covered in the Positional Jump section.
Lutz Jump
The lutz is a counter rotation jump, meaning the skater glides into the jump in the opposite direction to which he will rotate the jump in the air. CCW skaters will glide clockwise into the jump but will execute the rotation in their natural counterclockwise direction. The juxtaposition of directions in the lutz makes it a difficult element.
A long shallow LBO edge into a corner of the rink is the most common preparation for a lutz; although other more complicated steps are also used. Before picking with the right toe, the skater deepens her LBO edge. Reaching straight back, she taps with the toe and draws herself backward. Ideally, the skater does not change edges to an LBI before taking off into the lutz. This is not usually a problem with a half or single lutz, but becomes difficult for some skaters to avoid when performing multi-revolution lutzes. The jump lands on a RBO edge. Competitive skates commonly perform triple lutzes. Quads have been attempted in competition by American skater, Michael Weiss.
Half Lutz
The half lutz is performed identically to the basic lutz jump; however, it lands forward on the left toe pick then the skater pushes onto a RFI edge.
Edge Jumps
In contrast to toe jumps, edge jumps take-off from a clean edge unassisted by vaulting with the toe pick.
Waltz Jump
The waltz jump is a half revolution jump and is often the first venture from the ice surface made by beginning skaters. The skill takes off from a LFO edge. Facing forward, the skater bends the left knee and reaches the free leg straight ahead of her body. Kicking of the free leg, reaching forward with both arms and springing from the left knee combine to lift the skater upward and linearly across the ice. The legs should be straight and parted in the air. When performed by advanced skaters, the legs stretch almost to a split position. Because accomplished skaters perform this jump with great speed and vigor, the position seems to hover in the air as the athlete flies over ten or more feet of ice. After completing a half turn, the jump lands on a RBO edge.
This is a critical jump in the development of a figure skater because the movements involved in the take-off of this jump are similar to those required for the toe loop and salchow. The forward edge take-off provides the foundation for the axel jump.
Three Jump
A three jump is basically a LFO3 turn performed in the air. It also resembles a waltz jump performed on one leg. The jump takes off exactly like a waltz, but instead of shifting balance to the right side to land the jump on the RBO edge, as in a waltz, the skater simply completes a half turn while centered over the left side and lands on a LBI edge. In combination, this jump can be followed by a salchow.
Salchow Jump
A salchow represents a step up in difficulty from the waltz jump; however, execution of the jump is very similar. Salchows are generally initiated from a LFO3 turn or a mohawk. If a LFO3 is used, the turn must be very flat so the skater is not gliding on a deep curve before jumping. A straight preparatory sequence contributes to control of the jump, as well as distance and height in the air. From the shallow LBI edge, the skater begins to turn forward while passing the free leg close to the body. The skater then reaches forward with the free leg and arms while simultaneously springing into the air from a bent left knee. This combination of movements is similar to the waltz jump. Like the toe loop, the salchow also requires a change of axis in the air. After completing the rotations, the skater lands on the RBO edge.
Salchows are commonly performed as triples in competition, and some elite male skaters have landed quadruple salchows. Surya Bonaly of France was the first woman to attempt a quadruple jump in competition. Unfortunately, she did not complete her quadruple salchow.
Loop Jump
The loop is unique because it takes off and lands on the same foot unassisted by toe picking or reaching with the free leg. Common preparatory steps include backward crossovers in the natural jumping direction, a LFO3 turn followed by a step onto the RBO edge, or a RFI3 turn. Any combination of steps and turns that result in a RBO edge can be used to initiate a loop jump. While gliding backward, the skater deepens her RBO edge and springs upward from a deeply bent right knee. No change of axis is required to achieve the aerial backspin position. After completing the revolutions, the jump concludes on a RBO edge, just as it started. Elite skaters commonly perform triple loops.
Any jump that lands on a RBO edge can be combined with a loop jump. Rather than extending the free leg into the common arabesque landing position, the free leg remains in front of the body. Deepening the bend in the skating knee, the skater prepares to launch into a loop jump directly off the landing edge of the first jump. The skater explodes upward into the backspin position and lands a single or multiple revolution loop on the RBO edge. Loops may also be performed in series as a multiple loop combination.
Half Loop Jump
“Half” loop is actually a misnomer, because this jump requires a full rotation. It takes off like a basic loop jump, but the skater reaches forward with the left leg creating an open position in the air. The half loop lands on the LBI edge, rather than the more common RBO edge. For a variation, the skater may also kick forward into the jump executing a split position before landing.
In jump combinations, including a half loop allows a skater to transition from a typical RBO edge landing to a LBI edge. From the LBI edge, the skater can leap immediately into a salchow. It would also be possible to pick into a flip jump; however, this combination is rarely performed in high level competition.
Walley Jump
Like the lutz, a walley is a counter-rotation jump. It is somewhat similar to the loop because it takes off and lands on the same foot without a toe assist. The jump initiates from a RBI edge, usually with the free leg swinging backward to lift the skater into the air. It lands on a RBO edge. Multi-revolution walleys are rarely performed. However, a series of two or more walleys in alternating directions (CCW then CW) adds difficulty to a competitive routine. A walley or walley series can be followed with a double or triple jump to create a technically challenging jump sequence.
Axel Jump
The axel is the ultimate jump in figure skating. A single axel takes off from a LFO edge, rotates one-and-a-half times in the air, and then lands on a RBO edge. The forward entrance and extra half revolution make the axel the most difficult of the single jumps. Consequently, a double or triple axel requires an extra half revolution more than is necessary to perform any other double or triple jump.
To execute an axel, the skater must bend deeply in the knee on the LFO entrance edge then reach forward with the free leg and arms while simultaneously springing from the skating knee. This motion is identical to that used to perform a waltz jump. Like the toe loop and salchow, the axel requires a change of axis in the air. As the skater jumps into the air, she must immediately snap her hips over the rotation axis achieving the backspin position to complete one-and-a-half revolutions.
Triple axels are a staple of men’s skating; however only two women have performed them in competition,
Open Axel Jump
A variation on the basic axel, the open axel is performed in an open position rather than the tightly contracted backspin posture. The open axel looks like a backspin before the skater pulls the free leg and arms in to increase the spin’s speed and create a blurred effect. To perform an open axel, the skater must be capable of a high jump taken with speed to have time in the air to rotate with his arms and legs open. This jump is usually performed as a single. However, for some elite skaters who can also perform triple axels, it is not necessary to pull into a tight backspin position to complete a double axel.
Delayed Axel Jump
The delayed axel is a variation on the basic axel. The skater springs into the air while reaching forward with the free leg. The snap over the rotation axis does not happen immediately, as required for a basic axel. By holding the extended position for an instant, a delay occurs before the one-and-a-half revolutions are completed. To create the delay, the skater must be able to jump very high while traveling fast over the ice. This allows time in the air to hesitate before snapping into the backspin position.
Some elite and professional skaters perform double axels that are so big, they can seem delayed. In most cases, the delayed axel is a single jump.
Tuck Axel Jump
A variation on the basic axel, the tuck axel requires the skater to tuck one or both legs close to his body while in the air. The skater may assume a sit spin position or pull both legs up in a squatting or cross-legged pose. For the jump to appear spectacular, it is usually performed as a delayed axel and the skater seems to hesitate for a moment in the air in a tucked posture.
Jozef Sabovcik, the 1984 Olympic bronze medalist, performs a magnificent tuck axel.
One-Foot Axel Jump
This jump combines the principles of the axel and half loop. The one-foot axel takes off like a basic axel, but the skater lands on the LBI edge as in a half loop. Because of the inside edge landing, this jump is often combined with a salchow.
Inside Axel Jump
This variation is performed entirely on one leg. It lifts off from the RFI edge, completes one-and-a-half revolutions the lands on the RBO. Because the free leg does not aid in the take-off, the jump cannot achieve the same height and distance of a basic axel. While this jump is challenging, its small stature makes it difficult to recognize and causes it to become lost in footwork sequences.
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The definitions provided in the technical glossary are offered in good faith for personal use. They are not necessarily official definitions.
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