Figure skating jumps are an important part of the sport, whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro.
For the beginner, nailing the first jump is the ultimate experience that you’ll be happy to repeat over and over again until it becomes second nature.
For the seasoned pro, jump combinations must be mastered to beat out the competition and advance to the podium.
Every skating element (or skill), from takeoff to landing and body position, needs to be studied and practiced in painstaking detail both on and off the ice.
Jumps form an essential element of competitive figure skating that requires great height and distance (along with other jump elements) to "nail it!".
Figure skating jumps for both male and female skaters all look the same to the untrained eye but as you'll soon see, each have different variations.
In fact, there are multiple jumps that competitive figure skaters must master to become elite skaters like Alexandra Trusova and Yuzuru Hanyu.
From individual jumps to quintuple jumps it all starts with learning the basics to ensure a clean program and maximizing your athletic prowess.
These jump combinations are then incorporated into the skater’s routine, with revolutions (turns in the air) added to increase their difficulty all the way to quadruple jumps.
To get yourself to that level, start by mastering the following figure skating jumps.
First, Figure Skating Jumps Explained
While ice skating by itself may seem simple, jumping in ice skates is a whole different story.
To become "standouts", figure skaters push the boundaries of skating by incorporating basic jumps that can take quite some time to learn before performing a jump in competition.
These intricate jumps and routines you now see on TV during the Olympics are actually less than 80 years old but are what make the sport so fun to watch.
Here's the breakdown on jumps:
- The setup (your body, feet, and arm positions)
- The takeoff
- The jump (the actual time in the air)
- The spin
- and the landing.
Before executing a jump, you’ll have to learn the basics after becoming skilled at skating.
Beginners first learn a bunny hop, a non-rotational jump that gets them accustomed to leaping off the ice in their skates from one leg and landing on the opposite one.
Next comes the Waltz jump, which involves a half-rotation and will help lead you into all the other jumps once you master it.
From there, there are six recognized jumps in figure skating you'll need to achieve after mastering the Waltz jump:
- The Salchow
- The Loop
- The Flip
- The Lutz
- The Axel
Jumps in figure skating are named after the skaters who originally invented or pioneered them since their inception.
These types of jumps are now expected in competitions. shows and events throughout the world.
After mastering these techniques, the skater increases the difficulty by adding revolutions in the jump phase ( for instance, a double, triple, or the rare and sometimes controversial quadruple jump! ).
Along with spins, twists, and jump combinations, jumps help create a routine that a panel of judges will score based on technique, difficulty, and creativity.
Edge vs. Toe Jumps
There are two different categories of common jumps figure skaters will learn.
1. Edge Jumps
Every ice skating blade has two edges on each side of a tiny "radius of hollow."
The jumps generate power from the outside or inside takeoff edge of the skate to lift the skater off the ice to perform a rotation.
2. Toe Jumps
The skater uses the toe pick (the serrated tip of the figure skate blade) to help them launch (jump) into a rotation.
The skater still uses an edge to take off, but by tapping the toe pick into the ice just before the jump, the skater creates a lever to propel the body, which helps gain elevation in the jump.
Except for an Axel, figure skaters start from a backward position using an inside or outside edge.
Factors like which foot (left or right) or edge (inside or outside) the skater lands on determine the type of jump.
How Long Does it Take to Learn Figure Skating Jumps?
It’s important to note that jumping is not for beginners.
If done incorrectly, ice skating jumps could result in an injury and be prepared to do a lot of falling.
It can take several years of consistent skating and training before you move on to jumps.
Most Olympic skaters start training at a very young age and before long move on to more difficult jumps like loops, flips, and axels.
When starting out, understand that jumps can take at least 6-12 months of consistent work so it's important to be patient.
It's important to learn a jump until you feel completely comfortable BEFORE adding any rotations.
Then, as the rotations increase... so does the difficulty!
The "learning timeline" depends on several factors, including the skater’s age (older skaters tend to take longer to learn a jump), training regimen, natural ability, coaching, and willingness to fail until it stick!.
The Toe Loop
Origin: The toe loop is one of the easier jumps to learn, created in the early 1920s by Bruce Mapes.
As the name implies, this is a toe jump, where you’ll use the toe pick to help you leap off the ice.
Typically, skaters will try to learn this jump along with the Salchow after the Waltz jump has been perfected and they feel comfortable.
Note: You’ll start and land on the same back outside edge.
The ease of this move makes it perfect to combine with other advanced jumps when entering a competition so let's get started!
How Do You Perform a Toe Loop?
First off, It helps to build momentum going into the jump by "setting up" with an inside three-turn, outside three-turn, or mohawk.
You can also perform this jump in a clockwise or counterclockwise position.
To perform the toe loop:
- Ge into your checked position, traveling backward on the right foot. The left foot is bent slightly but extended behind the left leg in a coss position (similar to Salchow).
- You should be on your right back outside edge with the left toe pick pointed downward, ready to drive into the ice.
- The left arm should be in front and the right arm behind in an ‘L’ position (this position will flip if you’re skating on the left foot).
- The right foot then draws toward the back foot, which then crosses over (to the left side of the left foot) to create the energy necessary for the jump.
- Take the hips, upper body, and arms with the draw to build that momentum. The back arm should draw to meet the other arm. As the body rotates, the arms should also be tucked into the torso.
- Next, bend the skating knee and take off from the right toe pick using that momentum you’ve generated, making a full rotation.
- Finally, land on the right foot on a back outside edge and checkout with the arms extended to maintain your balance.
Mastering the Jump
Make sure to practice working on your back outside edge so you’re comfortable with taking off and landing on your edges.
Practice maintaining a strong core and moving your torso while training both on and off the ice.
(Other terms for the toe loop jump: double toe loop, triple toe loop, quadruple toe loop)
The Salchow
Origin: The first men’s figure skating champion, Ulrich Salchow, invented this jump around 1909.
It’s an edge jump that can be done clockwise or counterclockwise.
The Salchow takes off from the back inside edge of one foot and lands on the back outside edge of the other.
Note: It’s a ¾ rotation jump since ¼ of the rotation starts before lift-off.
US and Olympic champion Nathan Chen once pulled off a quadruple Salchow, Lutz, flip jump, and toe jump in the same routine at the age of 17.
How Do You Do a Salchow?
You have to enter the Salchow from a three-turn, mohawk, or even a backward crossover.
A forward outside edge three-turn is one of the best setups, with long turns and a strong, tall torso.
Another option to consider is a forward inside-edge mohawk.
Let's get started:
- At the end of the turn in the checked position, swing the extended free leg around to the front, then away from the body. The arms should be extended to form a ‘T’ (left arm over the left knee and right arm extended away over the right leg.
- It’s important that you lead with the heel and not the toe to help generate momentum. Leading with the heel also differentiates the Salchow from a Waltz.
- Hooking that leg and bringing the arm over completes ¼ of the rotation on the ice.
- Take off from the standing leg on the inside edge, rotate, then land on the outside edge of the opposite foot. You want to make sure to propel yourself forward, or you will land in the wrong direction.
- Remember, the Salchow is an edge jump so try not to touch the ice.
- Don’t forget to ‘checkout’ on the outside edge of the opposite foot.
Mastering the Jump
The Salchow demands good control and enough speed to get high enough to perform a rotation.
To master the jump, practice your arm placement and speed of your three-turns.
From there, focus on landing without that back foot touching the ice unless you’re trying double or triple Salchow.
Like all jumps, the goal is to master the mechanics of the jump, so not to be confused with another.
(Common Salchow jump terms: double salchow, triple salchow)
The Loop
Origin: Another edge jump, the loop, is also called the Rittberger, named after its inventor, Werner Rittberger.
The toe loop consists of using the toe pick of the opposite leg to help you take off.
Note: With the Loop, there’s no toe assist.
However, like the toe loop, you’ll take off and land with the same foot using the back outside edge of the skate.
How Do You Perform a Loop?
You can set up the loop as you do most other jumps, with an inside three-turn or a mohawk with a left-back-inside edge.
This sets you up to perform a loop from a backward outside edge.
From there, you’ll do the following:
- If you’re rotating clockwise, use your left-outside edge. For counterclockwise, use your right outside edge.
- Build your momentum to set up the jump using either a three-turn or a mohawk.
- After the three-turn, adopt a slight lean on the right outside edge. Cross the left foot in front of the right, which should still be on the ice (counterclockwise setup).
- Since you don’t have the toe pick assist, adopt a slightly deeper knee bend to generate more energy in the jump. With the body leaning slightly, along with the knee bent, it almost looks like a seated position.
- With the knee bent, lift the left leg while taking off from the right. Generate as much power from the right leg as possible. The right leg makes a sharp, sweeping motion of about 90 degrees to help with takeoff.
- The right shoulders and arms should swing in the direction of the jump. Draw the arms in to help with the rotation.
- In the air, the legs are crossed, which can help with the number of rotations (double or triple loop, for instance).
- Land on the same back outside edge and check out with the arms spread and the left leg extended.
Mastering the Loop
Practice performing the sweeping motion with the leg, shoulders, and arms. That’s synonymous with the loop.
This is especially important if you’re aiming for double or triple toe loops.
More importantly, practice the sweeping motion of the standing leg between 90-120 degrees.
Being that you don’t have the toe pick assist, this motion generates the power necessary for the jump as your arms and shoulders won't be enough.
Understand that Toe loop jumps require great knee and hip strength, so focus on strength and plyometric exercises that target these areas.
(Other terms for the loop jump: loop jump, double loop, triple loop, quadruple loop)
The Flip
Origin: The flip has been around for decades, but its actual origin has been hard to pinpoint.
However, it’s a versatile jump with moderate difficulty that you can add to your "jumping arsenal".
Note: Flips take off from a backward inside edge and land on the outside edge of the opposite foot.
It’s also assisted by the toe pick and can sometimes be confused with the Salchow so be sure to polish the fine elements of the jump.
How do you do a flip?
You can try the flip once you have a handle on the single Loop and Salchow.
Like almost all other turns, the flip requires momentum and happens from a backward position, so you can build up to the flip using an outside three-turn or a mohawk.
Advanced skaters sometimes do a backward three-turn into a mohawk before going into the flip.
Here are some steps to perform the move:
- As you’re moving backward, extend your dominant leg behind you. This is your toe pick assist leg. (for instance, your right leg), and leave your skating leg slightly bent. The goal is to make as straight a line as possible and not cross the legs as in other jumps. Bend your back forward slightly.
- Your dominant arm should be in front of you and the other arm behind you, almost in an ‘L’ position.
- Reaching your extended leg as far back as possible, gently drive the toe pick into the ice. Keep your back bent forward slightly to not transfer all the energy to your back foot.
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Glide the standing foot around using an inside edge, then flick it up.
- Take off with that foot with the knee bent.
- Pull your arms down, and as you’re turning. When you’re jumping, the arms switch positions in one fluid movement. At full speed, the change in arms provides the initial momentum. While you’re in the air, tuck in your arms during the full rotation.
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Land on the opposite foot in the checkout position with your arms and trailing leg extended.
How to Master the Flip
Note: It helps to practice the leg movements holding onto the rink walls.
Make sure you have the front and back legs in the right position, and practice gliding that standing leg around and flicking it up, using the toe-pick to help you off the ice.
You can also try the flip by landing on two feet before you move on to one foot.
(Other terms for the flip jump: double flip, triple flip, quadruple flip)
The Lutz
Origin: Austrian figure skater Alois Lutz first performed the Lutz in a competition in 1913.
This jump is a toe pick-assisted jump similar to the flip, which we will get to later.
Note: Use the outside edge from a backward position, landing on the outside edge of the opposite foot.
The Lutz is considered the second most difficult jump to perform, requiring constant practice.
As you master the single Lutz, you can add rotations which will increase the score in the competition.
American Brandon Mroz performed the first recorded quadruple Lutz in 2011.
How Do You Do the Lutz?
It’s crucial that you master taking off and landing on the correct edge.
While the untrained eye cannot tell the difference, in competition, it will be considered an edge change, or you may be heavily penalized.
You’ll need to build some momentum heading backward with your hands spread wide with palms facing inside.
Some skaters use crossovers, but a glide may work as well.
Now it’s time for the jump:
- To get into position, drop your hands, then switch to form a ‘T’ with the body. The left arm should be in front of you with the right hand behind you.
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Tuck your right leg behind you with the toe pick into the ice, knee slightly bent while looking over your shoulder.
- Lean the left skate to the outside edge. Do so by keeping a strong core and an upright, tall posture. Try to avoid leaning too far forward or backward. Lean slightly to the outside edge
- Now stretch the right leg back to form a cross with the left leg. Tap that right toe pick to give the body leverage, then take off from the outside edge of the left leg while rotating the upper half of the body.
- The upper body and arms play a crucial role in the jump. Lifting the upper torso and head in an upward diagonal position provides more energy and control. The left arm is quickly tucked into the chest while the right arm is thrust forward and into the body to generate the rotation.
- When you make the rotation, you land and ‘checkout’ on the outside edge of the right foot.
Mastering the Jump
Note that some skaters prefer to do this jump from their dominant left foot.
The instructions are the same, but the legs and positioning are reversed.
The goal is to master achieving a proper outside edge first.
Elite coaches will spend time practicing the outside edge before learning the Lutz.
Additionally, extend your leg as far back as possible before tapping the toe to prevent dispersing the energy into the ice.
The Axel
Origin: This jump dates as far back as 1882, when first performed by Norwegian figure skater Axel Paulsen.
The Axel jump is arguably the most popular jump because of its high level of difficulty as it uses a forward takeoff - the only jump to do so.
Note: Mastering the axel and adding multiple rotations unlocks the peak of a skater’s powers.
A quadruple axel was avoided in competition until recently achieved by 17-year-old Ilia Manilin.
How Do You Do an Axel?
You’ll need to jump forward and rotate about 1 ½ times (between the ground and air), which can be scary for some.
As a requirement, you should already have a grasp of the other five jumps mentioned here.
The axel is an edge jump, so you must have your forward outside and back outside edge mastered.
Here are some of the steps for your axel:
- If you’re taking off clockwise, the axel starts from the left outside edge and lands on the right outside edge and a backward position. Do the opposite for a counterclockwise jump.
- Build your momentum by skating forward to get into position. Approach the jump with your right outside edge. Bend your knee and extend your trailing leg back as far as possible.
- Extend your arms as far back as possible, then swing the trailing leg, arms and shoulders forward as you explode off the skating leg.
- In the air, quickly draw in your arms, almost like wings, cross the legs and rotate 1 ½ times in the air.
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Land in a backward position on the opposite foot, using the outside edge.
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Perform a check out extending the arms and the opposite leg. It can take some time to stick your landing but keep trying until you can do it. Over time, you’ll be able to generate more power so you can perform a double or triple axel.
Mastering the Jump
What makes the axle so difficult is that it requires an equal amount of speed uncontrol.
Too much speed leads to falls, and insufficient speed means you will not complete your rotation.
Combining the Waltz and loop jumps can help you get accustomed to mechanics.
Most coaches recommend learning the steps from a standstill position first before adding speed.
You’ll need to work on the Waltz/loop combo, your outside edge work, and your back scratch spin, as each of these moves plays a role in the final result.
Mastering the axel also requires a strong mindset.
You have to believe you can land it, as you’ll have lots of falls and failures.
Why Do You Need to Master These Figure Skating Jumps?
If you’re figure skating for fun, jumps are not a requirement.
However, mastering your jump sequence increases your skill level.
It’s through trying, failing, learning, and finally succeeding that you also build strength, resilience, and confidence.
If being a competitive or professional figure skater is your goal, mastering these jumps is non-negotiable.
Figure skating is a fierce, competitive sport, with new skaters pushing the boundaries every year so mastering your jump elements is essential.
You can then add doubles and triples to your jumps to create a solid routine and get an edge on the competition.
How San You Improve Your Jumps?
Learning your jumps is just the start.
The feeling you get when you land one for the first time is indescribable, yet that’s just the beginning.
The hard part is to constantly improve your technique, which can take years.
You can do a few things to narrow the gap and improve your jumps in a shorter window.
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Don’t Forget Those Arms.
It’s common to think that all you need to pull off jumps are powerful legs.
However, mastering figure skating jumps requires your entire body, and the arms are no exception.
Spreading your arms wide and making tucking them in at the right moment helps you to turn in the right direction and generate more energy.
It’s not uncommon for skaters to use resistance bands to strengthen their arms, which helps execute double, triple jumps, and possibly even quadruple jumps in the future.
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Practice Your Posture and Rotations (On and Off the Ice)
Figure skating jumps can be broken down into multiple stages.
Nailing your jumps requires you to adopt the right body position at every stage.
Spend time practicing just one part of the jump, both on and off the ice.
This includes upper body positioning, knee and leg position inside and outside edges, and arms.
Record yourself at home using your smartphone so you can break down the film with your coach.
Recording yourself also helps you identify and correct mistakes.
There are also tools you can use, like slide boards, spinners, and balance bills which can help you master your posture without applying pressure or force to your joints.
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Try These Off-Ice Exercises
Strength and conditioning take your jumps to the next level.
This is why figure skaters have a detailed exercise program off the ice.
Even if you don’t have a strength coach, here are some helpful off-ice exercises:
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Plyometric jumping exercises will be your best friend. Depth jumps, broad jumps, and box jumps lengthen the muscles and help you generate more power by training you to press through your ankles and feet when taking off for a jump.
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Weighted squats, calf raises, leg raises, and leg lifts build muscle, helping you get airborne while protecting your ligaments and bones when landing.
- Don’t skip your rope work. Jump rope is excellent for figure skating as it improves stamina, jump height and power. Furthermore, incorporating moves like double-unders can significantly enhance your double moves like Double Axels.
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Stretching, especially before and after exercise, helps improve your flexibility and reduces the chances of injury. Stretching also helps you with nailing your technique. Invest in training or equipment to help you
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Consider At-Home Synthetic Ice
Sometimes you need to practice your figure skating jumps on ice, but you can’t get to a practice rink.
In that case, you can try a synthetic ice rink.
PolyGlide Ice is made of a special infused polyethylene you can skate on with your metal blades.
Each panel can connect like puzzle pieces, making the rink scalable and, in some cases, portable.
Here are a few to choose from:
With synthetic ice, you can create your own mini-rink in your backyard, driveway, garage, or spare room.
You can then spend time practicing specific jumps or turns in the off-season, making you much more prepared for the real ice.
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Practice, Practice, Practice (Followed by Rest)
Jumps are difficult to master as they often go against what your body naturally wants to do.
Therefore, only through practice can you achieve mastery.
There should be time scheduled to practice your jumps, especially if you’re doing combinations or advanced jumps with multiple rotations.
While practice is key, rest is equally important.
Proper rest helps you avoid injury and takes the stress off of nailing every jump.
Conclusion
Learning jumps is an exciting part of figure skating that allows you to compete at a high level.
You can create combinations or add rotations once you master the basics in a single jump.
Becoming a pro almost feels like a full-time job and you’ll need time with coaches to correct your mechanics as you continue to train.
You'll need to allocate some time to work on the routines and get in some off-ice conditioning exercises as well.
As an up-and-coming competitive skater, the six jumps mentioned above are your priority.
Try your best to learn them in order of difficulty, and you'll start to notice one builds on the other.
Above all, be patient, yet have fun!
Never lose that joy!
As we all know..... ice skating is an exhilarating experience.
In due time, you’ll take flight, mastering the figure skating jumps and becoming the competitive skater you’ve always dreamed of becoming!
So keep on Skating! .....(and Jumping!! ;-)
