Figure skating jumps are a fundamental aspect of the sport, showcasing the skater's athleticism, precision, and artistry. Here is a summary of the key elements of figure skating jumps:
Toe Jumps
These jumps involve the skater using the toe pick of one skate to launch into the air.
- Toe Loop: The skater takes off from the back outside edge of one foot with assistance from the opposite toe pick and lands on the back outside edge of the same foot. It is often used as the second jump in a combination.
- Flip: The skater takes off from the back inside edge of one foot with assistance from the opposite toe pick and lands on the back outside edge of the opposite foot. It is considered slightly more difficult than the toe loop.
- Lutz: The skater takes off from the back outside edge of one foot with assistance from the opposite toe pick and lands on the back outside edge of the opposite foot. The key challenge is to maintain the outside edge on takeoff.
- Toe Wally: The skater takes off from the back inside edge of one foot with assistance from the opposite toe pick and lands on the back outside edge of the same foot. It is a variation of the Walley jump, which is an edge jump.
Edge Jumps
These jumps are executed from the edge of the skate blade without the use of the toe pick.
- Waltz: The skater takes off from the forward outside edge of one foot and lands on the back outside edge of the opposite foot. It is a basic jump, usually learned early in a skater’s training.
- Axel: The skater takes off from the forward outside edge of one foot and lands on the back outside edge of the opposite foot. It is the only jump that involves a forward takeoff and includes an extra half rotation.
- Salchow: Takes off from a backward inside edge and lands on the opposite foot's backward outside edge.
- Loop: Takes off and lands on the same backward outside edge.
Special Jumps
- Split Jump: The skater takes off from one foot and performs a split in the air, with both legs extended to the sides, and then lands on one foot. It is not a rotational jump but is often used to showcase flexibility and artistic expression.
Jump Rotations
- Single: One rotation in the air.
- Double: Two rotations in the air.
- Triple: Three rotations in the air.
- Quadruple: Four rotations in the air.
Execution and Scoring
- Takeoff and Landing: The skater must have a clean takeoff and a controlled landing, usually on a backward outside edge.
- Height and Distance: The jump should achieve significant height and distance across the ice.
- Rotations: The number of rotations completed in the air is critical for higher difficulty and scoring.
- Edge Quality: Proper edge control on takeoff and landing is essential to avoid deductions.
Common Combinations
Skaters often combine jumps to increase difficulty and scoring potential.
- Jump Combinations: Multiple jumps executed in succession without steps in between.
- Jump Sequences: Jumps linked together with steps or turns in between.
Importance in Competition
- Jumps are a major component of both short and free skate programs.
- Each jump and combination is assigned a base value and evaluated by judges for execution quality.
- Successful jumps contribute significantly to the skater's overall technical score.
Understanding these fundamental aspects of figure skating jumps can enhance appreciation of the skill and precision required to perform them successfully in competition.