Trevor Laak | iCoachSkating

Trevor Laak has been coaching since 1999. He lives in Madison, WI and coaches throughout Wisconsin, Illinois, and Minnesota. Trevor specializes in on-ice jump technique, with emphasis on computer video analysis and pole harness techniques. He works primarily as a consultant to other skating coaches.

Trevor is on the staff of Audrey Weisiger’s Grassroots to Champions seminar series. He has also presented at many PSA workshops and the PSA World Conference in 2011. He has worked with National and International level skaters and he has international coaching experience.

Trevor is also the founder of iCoachSkating.com as well as SkatingJumpSecrets.com and SkatingCoachQuiz.com. He also offers some research insights on his figure skating coaching blog. Trevor has a Masters Degree in Engineering and he worked for over a decade in the engineering field, accumulating 6 US Patents. Based on his technical background and through his interactions with top coaches around the world, Trevor is uniquely positioned to collect and organize teaching ideas and methods into overall coaching systems.

Most recent videos at the top…

Double Lutz Follow-Up and Drills (Trevor Laak)

Trevor Laak provides a follow-up analysis video to a double lutz video published previously discussing details related to jump timing and rhythm, the active take-off edge, toe pick placement, arm and shoulder timing, and more. This video shows the skater’s progress to a clean double lutz with reasonable flow, and discusses the entry used, the […] Continue reading →
Observations on Double Lutz Technique (Trevor Laak)

Trevor Laak analyzes a double lutz, discussing details related to jump timing and rhythm, the active take-off edge, toe pick placement, arm and shoulder timing, and more. The repeating power pull entrance for the lutz can be very helpful for skaters to feel the desired timing of the jump and stay on an active outside […] Continue reading →
Figure Skating Jumps – Are Figure Skaters Projectiles? (Trevor Laak)

Below is a revised and updated version (2022) of an article originally published in 2007 by Trevor Laak on his SkateCoach/wordpress.com blog which details jump height estimates based on jump air times. That article can be found at this link. The idea is simple: Ignoring negligible air friction and aerodynamic effects, once a skater leaves […] Continue reading →
iCoachSkating Coronavirus Update

For more information about iCoachSkating’s plan to address the lack of ice and issues associated with social distancing and community-wide and nation-wide lockdowns resulting from the coronavirus, please click on the appropriate link below. COACHES: Coaches, Please Click Here SKATERS/SKATING FAMILIES: Skating Parents and Adult Skaters, Please Click Here . . Continue reading →
Technical Analysis of Big Single Axel (Trevor Laak)

Trevor Laak analyzes an excellent single axel, sharing insights about what makes this jump so good. This axel was performed by Madison Xaphakdy and was entered in the iCoachSkating Axel Contest held in November of 2018. Madison’s axel won the 8-10 year old age group. Here is the axel and the analysis video is below. […] Continue reading →
Turning Double Salchow Into Triple – Part 2 (Trevor Laak)

Jump specialist Trevor Laak continues his lesson with a skater who is working on the triple salchow. The skater has a solid double but lacks consistently high enough air times to land the triple. In the first part of this lesson, Trevor focused on generating more jump height on the double by increasing the edge […] Continue reading →
Turning Double Salchow Into Triple – More Air Time (Trevor Laak)

Jump specialist Trevor Laak gives a lesson to a skater who is working on the triple salchow. The skater has a solid double but lacks consistently high enough air times to land the triple. This video is closely related to this video on creating more rotational energy and jump height for the salchow by Michelle […] Continue reading →
The Effects of Chronic and Acute Pain on Figure Skating Technique and Training (Chris Conte, Trevor Laak)

In the very short video below, National coach Chris Conte explains that skaters in pain almost always lack the ability to train through the pain successfully when they are attempting skills they have never mastered or had success with. The context of this observation is a lesson Chris is giving a skater with a high […] Continue reading →
Fixing a Flutz – Exercises and Process Pt 2 (Trevor Laak)

Jump specialist Trevor Laak continues his lesson with a skater to fix a change of edge problem on the lutz (or double lutz). In the first part of the lesson, Trevor focused on timing and pick placement, using a series of backward power pulls to create some rhythm and timing and a controlled active outside […] Continue reading →
Fixing a Flutz – Exercises and Process Pt 1 (Trevor Laak)

Jump specialist Trevor Laak works with a skater to fix a change of edge problem on the lutz (or double lutz). In the lesson, Trevor uses back power pulls and specific timing to try to help the skater get the feeling of picking during the active outside edge. If a skater can perform the pulls […] Continue reading →
Does Loop Jump Use Pole Vaulting Technique? (Trevor Laak)

Trevor Laak explains and shows how the loop jump CAN indeed be thought of as a vaulting jump. Historically, the toe jumps in skating (toe loop, flip, and lutz) have been compared to a pole vault, where the picking leg acts like the pole. A pole vaulter uses the sprinting entry speed along with precise […] Continue reading →
Double Lutz Analysis (Trevor Laak)

Jump specialist Trevor Laak analyzes the following double lutz jump: This skater was in a couple previous videos on iCoachSkating about the double lutz. Those videos were part of a lesson that Page Lipe was giving the skater. At that time the skater was not landing the jump, so it’s nice to see the update and […] Continue reading →
The Loop Jump – Survey Results Part 2 (Trevor Laak)

Jump specialist Trevor Laak continues a multiple part series on the loop jump. Please see Part 1 for a summary of when and how the survey was conducted. Responses from coaches and skaters were separated, and a relatively clear picture of the current level of understanding regarding the loop jump is available from the survey results. […] Continue reading →
The Loop Jump – Survey Results Part 1 (Trevor Laak)

Jump specialist Trevor Laak begins a multiple part series on the loop jump. A few months prior to posting this video, Trevor asked iCoachSkating subscribers to take a survey about the loop jump. The survey consisted of 15 multiple choice questions. Responses from coaches and skaters were separated, and a relatively clear picture of the current […] Continue reading →
Axel Theory – Pole Vault and Edge Pressure Concepts (Trevor Laak)

Jump specialist Trevor Laak offers 4 examples of double and triple axels showing how elite skaters use a pole-vaulting method to maximize jump height and create maximum rotational energy for the jump. This is a follow-up or clarification video to the skidded axel series by Chris Conte (Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4). […] Continue reading →
Jason Brown Quad Toe Loop Analysis (Trevor Laak)

Jump specialist Trevor Laak comments on a quad toe loop performed by US National Champion Jason Brown. Trevor discusses how much rotation actually occurs “in the air” and addresses the rarely understood aspect of different amounts of rotation for different parts of the body. He also analyzes the jump and explains aspects of the jump […] Continue reading →
Using Split Jump for Double Flip Development – Split Flip (Trevor Laak)

Jump specialist and video analyst Trevor Laak discusses how and why he uses the split jump and split flip as a development tool for double flip. This is the second follow-up to the analysis video Trevor recorded on a single flip with excessive shoulder rotation (see original analysis here). See Part 1 of the follow-up […] Continue reading →
Solutions for Better Jump Timing and More Flow (Trevor Laak)

Jump specialist and video analyst Trevor Laak shares 2 drills for improving the timing and flow of the flip jump. This is a follow-up to the analysis video Trevor recorded on a single flip with excessive shoulder rotation (see here). The goal is to improve the single flip so this skater can do a double […] Continue reading →
Analysis of Single Flip for Double Flip Development (Trevor Laak)

Jump specialist Trevor Laak analyzes a single flip for a skater interested in working on the double. Trevor provides a full analysis of the jump, but focuses on the “rotational jerkiness” caused by excessive shoulder pre-rotation. This is a common problem for skaters who are mastering the single flip in preparation for the double. Many […] Continue reading →
Analysis of Mirai Nagasu Triple Axel Attempt – Part 3 (Trevor Laak)

In this follow-up video, figure skating jump specialist Trevor Laak continues his analysis of a triple axel attempt by Mirai Nagasu at the 2014 Grassroots to Champions Supercamp in Lansing, MI on July 9, 2014. To see the Part 1 of this analysis and the original jump (full speed and slow motion), click here. In […] Continue reading →
Analysis of Mirai Nagasu Triple Axel Attempt – Part 2 (Trevor Laak)

In this follow-up video, figure skating jump specialist Trevor Laak continues his analysis of a triple axel attempt by Mirai Nagasu at the 2014 Grassroots to Champions Supercamp in Lansing, MI on July 9, 2014. To see the Part 1 of this analysis and the original jump (full speed and slow motion), click here. In […] Continue reading →
Analysis of Triple Axel Attempt – Mirai Nagasu 3A (Trevor Laak)

Jump specialist Trevor Laak analyzes a triple axel attempt by Mirai Nagasu at the 2014 Grassroots to Champions Supercamp in Lansing, MI on July 9, 2014. This jump was performed during G2C’s “Just Jump” contest which is a contest focused entirely on jumping high. Mirai was at camp to train with coach Tom Zakrajsek and […] Continue reading →
Double Axel Commentary – Mirai Nagasu’s Double Axel Part 2 (Trevor Laak)

Jump specialist Trevor Laak continues his comments (see Part 1 here) on a monster double axel performed by Mirai Nagasu at the 2014 Grassroots to Champions Supercamp in Lansing, MI on July 9, 2014. The jump was performed during G2C’s “Just Jump” contest which is a contest focused entirely on jumping high. Mirai was at […] Continue reading →
Double Axel Commentary – Mirai Nagasu’s Double Axel Part 1 (Trevor Laak)

Jump specialist Trevor Laak comments on a monster double axel performed by Mirai Nagasu at the 2014 Grassroots to Champions Supercamp in Lansing, MI on July 9, 2014. This jump was performed during G2C’s “Just Jump” contest which is a contest focused entirely on jumping high. Mirai was at camp to train with coach Tom […] Continue reading →
“Just Stay In!” – Another Perspective on Opening Jumps Early (Trevor Laak)

Trevor Laak offers a short computer video analysis. Historically these analysis videos have become known as Dartfish analysis, but with the prevalence of inexpensive apps for mobile phones and tablets, expensive PC software like Dartfish is no longer required. This video was created using the app Ubersense. The point of this video is to offer […] Continue reading →
Figure Skating Jumps – Minimum Air Times (Trevor Laak)

With so many coaches now using smartphones and tablet computers, air time measurements are easy for everyone to make. As discussed in the article below, minimum jump air time estimates are incredibly important. But it is necessary to measure air time correctly (described below) and have some reasonable assumptions and expectations when applying the numbers […] Continue reading →
Comparing Triple Lutz Technique – Lutz Analysis (Trevor Laak)

Trevor Laak provides a computer analysis of 3 different triple lutz jumps. The skaters performing the jumps are Ryan Bradley, Brandon Mroz, and Max Aaron who were on a practice session at the 2013 Grassroots to Champions Supercamp in July/August of 2013. Probably more than any other jump, there’s a huge variation in ways to […] Continue reading →
Toe Loop Myths Clarified – Video Examples (Trevor Laak)

Trevor Laak provides clarification using video examples for a recent video by Audrey Weisiger on toe loop myths. In this video, Trevor addresses these myths and shows they are not true. Myth 1: On a toe loop a skater should reach back as far as possible and put the toe pick in as far back as possible. […] Continue reading →
Axel Jump In Slow Motion Tips (Trevor Laak)

Trevor Laak analyzes a double axel as a way to identify key aspects for single axel instruction. You can see a full video of the jump being analyzed below in real time and slow motion on Trevor’s axel checklist page. (In the video below, Trevor mentions the video clip can be found on this page. But it can […] Continue reading →
Axel Jump Video Tips: Checklist (Trevor Laak)

Trevor Laak offers a checklist of insights for axel. This page shows an axel attempt in real time, once as the original video and once zoomed in. The video is then shown again in slow motion for your own analysis and comparison with Trevor’s notes below. NOTE: This video was captured in response to requests from […] Continue reading →
Axel Jump Slow Motion Details (Trevor Laak)

Trevor Laak responds to an email sent by a coach with questions about the recent survey of iCoachSkating.com subscribers on the details at the moment of take-off for the axel, salchow, and toe loop jumps. Here is the email and associated images: Hi Trevor, Are you saying that this picture (below) is a correct single axel takeoff? Or are you […] Continue reading →
Tips for Figure Skating Jumps Moment Of Take-Off: Axel – Salchow – Toe Loop – Part 2 (Trevor Laak)

Trevor Laak shares the results of the second part of a survey of iCoachSkating.com subscribers on the details at the moment of take-off for the axel, salchow, and toe loop jumps. Here are the survey questions covered in the video. SURVEY Image for question 4 of the survey (click on image to enlarge): 4. Does a […] Continue reading →
Tips for Figure Skating Jumps Moment Of Take-Off: Axel – Salchow – Toe Loop – Part 1 (Trevor Laak)

Trevor Laak shares the results of the first part of a survey of iCoachSkating.com subscribers on the details at the moment of take-off for the axel, salchow, and toe loop jumps. Here is a copy of the quiz for your reference. SURVEY Image for questions 1-3 of the survey (click on image to enlarge): 1. Which […] Continue reading →
Figure Skating Concussion Evaluation (Trevor Laak)

Competitive figure skaters are subjected to high acceleration impacts on a regular basis, making it likely that they will be more prone to concussive injuries than the broader population. Most ice rinks do not have medical personnel on staff, so injuries at the rink during figure skating sessions almost always must be handled, at least […] Continue reading →
Figure Skating Concussions – Baseline (Trevor Laak)

There’s a great deal of interest at this time in concussive injuries to young athletes. Particularly with recent lawsuits by former professional football players, concussion type injuries and their long term effects are getting a lot of attention. As noted in Wikipedia, concussions are mild brain injuries caused by a blow to the head or […] Continue reading →
Figure Skating Jump Landing Tips: (Trevor Laak)

Trevor Laak provides some video examples to demonstrate what actually happens with the free leg on a jump landing. This video is a follow-up to a jump landings video by Michelle Leigh and is intended to clarify the important concepts. Using 7 triples and one double axel as examples, Trevor clarifies what actually happens on […] Continue reading →
Camel Spin For Adult Figure Skaters (Trevor Laak)

Trevor Laak discusses the camel spin, particularly as it relates to adult skaters. Trevor covers three important issues for camel spin. The first is the lack of a long and controlled entrance edge. Trevor discusses the two standard entrances and gives a tip for opposite hand lead. The rotational energy from the spin needs to […] Continue reading →
Figure Skating Flip Jump Reach And Toe Placement (Trevor Laak)

Trevor Laak shares some video to demonstrate the reach and toe pick placement on a flip jump. This video is a follow-up to a flip jump video by Audrey Weisiger and is intended to clarify the important concepts. Using 8 double and triple flip examples, Trevor clarifies what actually happens on the reach. The video […] Continue reading →
Adult Skaters Loops Jump Tips (Trevor Laak)

Trevor Laak discusses the loop jump, particularly as it relates to adult skaters. There are two key issues for loop jump that are often misunderstood by skaters and coaches, and just understanding these can cause a breakthrough for the skater. The first point is that the loop jump takes off forward. Many coaches still teach […] Continue reading →
Adult Ice Skating: Back Spin (Trevor Laak)

Trevor Laak discusses the backspin, particularly as it relates to adult skaters. The backspin is generally a very challenging spin for low level skaters, and many adult skaters have a particularly hard time with the spin. Trevor explains why and addresses the major issues with exercises and drills. The first drill develops balance and builds […] Continue reading →
Figure Skating Survey: Double Axel Experience (Trevor Laak)

How many different female skaters have you taught to do a double axel? These survey results suggest it’s pretty rare to have much success with this. Continue reading →
GOE Figure Skating Scoring: Survey Results – Double Loop (Trevor Laak)

Watch example double loop jump. Answer these questions. 1. Is this a clean double loop? In other words, would this skater get credit for a double loop in competition? (a. Yes, it’s a clean double, or b. No, it would be downgraded to a single) 2. What Grade of Execution (GOE) would you give this double loop? (-3, -2, -1, 0, +1, +2, +3) Compare your results with those who took the survey. Continue reading →
Computer Setup At The Rink (Trevor Laak)

Trevor coaches in Madison, Wisconsin. See his video analysis setup. More information will be available shortly regarding software. Continue reading →
Pole Harness Safety Harness: How To (Trevor Laak)

Trevor Laak teaches Viktors Ayele how to use the pole harness. Continue reading →
Axel Jump Help: Compare Wtih Fall (Trevor Laak)

Click the video below to watch an analysis of a successful and unsuccessful axel by the same skater. Analysis by Trevor Laak. Continue reading →
Double Lutz Jump: Slow Motion Techniques (Page Lipe) (Trevor Laak)

Play the top video first to see two axel attempts that are being analyzed. Continue reading →
Dartfish Video Ice Skating Tips: Axel – For Double Axel (Trevor Laak)

Then play the second video to the see the analysis by Trevor Laak. Continue reading →
Computer Video Analysis: Double Toe Loop (Trevor Laak)

Play the top video first to see the jump being analyzed. Continue reading →
How Figure Skating Jumps Work: Development Of Double Lutz (Trevor Laak)

Play the top video first to see the jump being analyzed. Continue reading →
Figure Skating Slow Motion Video: Double Axel-Double Toe Combination (Page Lipe) (Trevor Laak)

Play the top video first to see the jump being analyzed. Continue reading →