-
Fundamental Skating and Jumping Concepts (Tom Zakrajsek)
World and Olympic coach Tom Zakrajsek discusses helpful and important concepts that rarely get discussed by coaches. He begins by discussing body awareness by thinking about the belly button and spine. This is a fantastic way for skaters to sense their core and understand more clearly how the hips and shoulders work together or in opposition. […] Continue reading →
-
Combined Flip and Lutz Exercise (Tom Zakrajsek)
World and Olympic coach Tom Zakrajsek explains an exercise that combines both the flip and lutz, where the focus is on rotational control and edge quality of the entrances. The basic exercise is simple in concept and uses a hockey line across the rink as an axis. The exercise consists of 3 consecutive forward outside three […] Continue reading →
-
Triple-Three-Turn Flip Jump Exercise (Tom Zakrajsek)
World and Olympic coach Tom Zakrajsek teaches the details for a classic flip jump exercise or entry consisting of 3 three turns prior to the singe/double/triple flip. The exercise starts with a forward outside three turn on the non-picking foot, followed by a back inside three turn and another forward outside three turn on that foot […] Continue reading →
-
Good Jumps are Actually Vaults – Part 2 (Nick Perna)
International coach and jump specialist Nick Perna continues his important and overlooked discussion that good figure skating jumps are actually vaults. In Part 1 he introduced the basic concept of vaulting and explained how a good loop jump vaults up into the air. In this video, Nick begins by describing how a good salchow vaults […] Continue reading →
-
Drill for More Height on Loop, Flip, Lutz (Nick Perna)
International coach and jump specialist Nick Perna shares a drill he uses to help skaters properly lift into the air on the loop, flip, and lutz jumps. He begins by noting that many skaters struggle to achieve an h-position or 4-position on these jumps, often due to how they train rotation off the ice. The […] Continue reading →
-
Jump Landings (Robert Tebby)
World and Olympic coach Robert Tebby explains and demonstrates important fundamental concepts for jump landings. He begins by noting that our understanding of jump landings continues to evolve, which means our teaching methods also need to change and improve. As coaches we need to remain humble and open-minded and be willing to adapt. He then […] Continue reading →
-
Fixing Edge Change on Flip (Audrey Weisiger)
World and Olympic coach Audrey Weisiger works with a skater who is struggling with achieving the correct edge on a double and triple flip jump take-off. The primary solutions that Audrey is using here include a back inside edge skid take-off and a wide pick placement. Much like fixing the edge on a lutz jump, […] Continue reading →
-
All About Eulers – Part 2 (Kate Charbonneau)
Coach Kate Charbonneau continues her presentation on the Euler or “half loop.” In Part 1 she introduced the topic and offered a number of exercises she uses to teach the skill. She begins Part 2 by emphasizing the need to check the positions and be patient when adding speed. She says, “As they add speed […] Continue reading →
-
Fixing Flip Jump Edge (Jeremy Allen)
International coach and jump specialist Jeremy Allen discusses the potential edge change issue with the flip jump, and how to fix it. Historically, edge change has been more concerning with the lutz jump (and it continues to be), but as more and more skaters do the lutz correctly, more seem to struggle with the flip. […] Continue reading →
-
Split Lutz vs H-Position Lutz (Jeremy Allen)
International coach and jump specialist Jeremy Allen compares split lutz and h-position lutz take-offs and offers opinions on which to teach. This is a continuation of his presentations on beginning lutz, 3 helpful lutz drills, different lutz entrances and reach details, lutz technique considerations. Jeremy begins this video by describing and demonstrating the split lutz. […] Continue reading →
-
Lutz – Entry Steps and Pick Placement (Nick Perna)
International coach and jump specialist Nick Perna teaches a double/triple lutz class to advanced skaters at a seminar. Rather than starting immediately with the lutz, Nick begins by discussing the edge for the flip jump. For those struggling with the proper inside edge on the flip, he recommends thinking about it like a salchow. He […] Continue reading →
-
Using a Balloon for Jump Training – Part 3 (Lorie Charbonneau)
International coach Lorie Charbonneau continues her presentation on using a simple air-filled balloon as a jump training aid. In Part 1 she introduced the concept and had her skaters demonstrate single jumps as well as axel and double salchow with the balloons. In Part 2 the skaters demonstrated the other double jumps, as well as […] Continue reading →
-
Creating Ankle Flex in Flip Jumps (Michelle Leigh)
World and Olympic coach Michelle Leigh works with a skater to improve the flip jump take-off with improved ankle flex in the air. (In previous videos, Michelle worked with this skater to get ankle flex on double loop jump and ankle flex on double toe loop.) Michelle begins with a single flip and then a […] Continue reading →
-
Improving Beginner Skills – Part 3 (Kate Charbonneau)
Coach Kate Charbonneau continues a general lesson with a beginner level skater, using program elements as a roadmap for the lesson. Part 1 focused on footwork and spins, and Part 2 focused on some jumps. In this video, Kate has the skater run through the program to identify weak points to address with further coaching. […] Continue reading →
-
Single Flip Head Anchoring (Chris Conte)
In this short video, International coach and jump specialist Chris Conte helps a young skater understand and perform proper head anchoring on single flip jump. He initially describes it as, “Everything comes under the chin before the head turns.” In the context of the traffic light, it’s likely that Chris is calling the hips the […] Continue reading →
-
Combination Jump “Game” – Part 4, Euler Flip Combos (Lorie Charbonneau)
International coach Lorie Charbonneau continues an exercise/game she uses for encouraging skaters to efficiently work through all of their combination jumps. In Part 1 the game focused on double toe loop combinations while Part 2 focused on double loop combinations. In Part 3 the game focused on Euler double salchow combinations and this video (Part […] Continue reading →
-
Common Single Jump Errors (Nick Perna)
International coach and jump specialist Nick Perna begins a lesson with a young skater and works through the single jumps. Every coach in the world who works with skaters at this level regularly sees these errors. Nick starts with a backspin and then moves from waltz jump through single lutz. On waltz jump, Nick wants […] Continue reading →
-
Valuable Jump Exercises (Denise Myers)
World and Olympic coach Denise Myers shares a number of valuable jump exercises and other insights related to jumping. She begins with one-foot axels as a way to “snap the thighs together” on double axel. Similarly, the one-foot salchow can solve the same problem on the triple salchow. These exercises can also be helpful with […] Continue reading →
-
How to Jump Higher (Michelle Leigh)
World and Olympic coach Michelle Leigh discusses how to increase jump air time, which is the same as jumping higher. Sufficient jump height is critical in order to have enough air time to finish the desired rotation prior to landing. (See a discussion of minimum air times required for the various jumps here.) The classic […] Continue reading →
-
Flip Jump Lesson – Part 2 (Chris Conte)
International coach and jump specialist Chris Conte works with a skater to improve a single flip jump. (See previous part of this lesson focusing on loop jump here and Part 1 of the flip portion of the lesson here.) A very common issue for beginner flip jumps is the tendency for skaters to lean to […] Continue reading →
-
Jump Tracings – Part 3 (Michelle Leigh)
World and Olympic coach Michelle Leigh continues a video series discussing the tracings left on the ice by the 6 major jumps. By understanding what the tracings should look like, it helps get a clearer picture of proper technique and common errors. In Part 1 Michelle discussed tracings for salchow, loop, toe loop, and flip. […] Continue reading →
-
Flip Jump Lesson (Chris Conte)
International coach and jump specialist Chris Conte works with a skater to improve a single flip jump. (See previous part of this lesson focusing on loop jump here.) Chris begins by noting that a flip is basically a “loop jump through your toe pick.” He draws a desired tracing on the ice, explaining that the […] Continue reading →
-
Toe Loop Combination Jumps – Part 2 (Jeremy Allen)
International coach and jump specialist Jeremy Allen continues his series of videos where he discusses in detail all aspects of toe loop combination jumps. In Part 1 he discussed what happens on a good jump landing and how the reset works between the two jumps. In this video, he offers more details and addresses common […] Continue reading →
-
Jump Tracings – Part 1 (Michelle Leigh)
World and Olympic coach Michelle Leigh begins a video series discussing the tracings left on the ice by the 6 major jumps. By understanding what the tracings should look like, it helps get a clearer picture of proper technique and common errors. In this video, the tracings are discussed for salchow, loop, toe loop, and […] Continue reading →
-
Double and Triple Flip Common Errors (Chris Conte)
International coach Chris Conte continues his description of the physical processes of jumping, especially for toe jumps (although the concepts also apply to edge jumps). In the previous videos, Chris discussed the theory of how skaters create lift and how they create rotation and some specifics of flip jump theory as well as how to […] Continue reading →
-
Jump Theory: Creating Proper Alignment for Flip (Chris Conte)
International coach Chris Conte continues his description of the physical processes of jumping, especially for toe jumps (although the concepts also apply to edge jumps). In the previous videos, Chris discussed the theory of how skaters create lift and how they create rotation. This video is from a more advanced class at the same seminar/camp, […] Continue reading →
-
Jump Theory: How Elite Skaters Create Rotation (Chris Conte)
International coach Chris Conte continues his description of the physical processes of jumping, especially for toe jumps (although the concepts also apply to edge jumps). In the previous video, Chris discussed the theory of how skaters create lift. In this video, he focuses instead on rotation. He begins this video by explaining the need for […] Continue reading →
-
Jump Theory: How Elite Skaters Create Lift (Chris Conte)
In this important video, International coach Chris Conte describes the physical process of jumping, especially for toe jumps (although the concepts also apply to edge jumps). Chris uses imagery of a car hitting a speed bump as a way to better understand how the best and most athletic skaters create lift. In essence, Chris is […] Continue reading →
-
Champion Cords for Improved Landings (Sheila Thelen)
Figure skating specialist coach and Champion Cords inventor Sheila Thelen explains and demonstrates how to use the cords to create improved landing positions. By connecting the cord to same-side hand and foot, a nice stretch can be created on landings that improves free leg height. The tension of the cord also helps skaters build awareness […] Continue reading →
-
More Flip Jump Insights (Chris Conte)
In a class setting at a seminar, International coach Chris Conte offers helpful insights about the flip jump. He begins by addressing the position after the 3-turn or mohawk and just before the reach and pick. Chris wants the “toe behind the heel” or the free toe stretched behind the skating foot heel. The skaters […] Continue reading →
-
Flip Jump (Jeremy Allen)
International coach and jump specialist Jeremy Allen discusses the flip jump. As Jeremy notes, entry edge issues are more common with the lutz jump, but many skaters struggle with performing a flip jump off of a clear inside edge. Unfortunately, judges and IJS tech panels may still call a wrong edge even if a skater […] Continue reading →
-
Naming the Jumps: Flip (Chris Conte)
In this short video, International coach Chris Conte quizzes a class of skaters on jump names. All of the skaters in this class can do all of the jumps discussed, but notice how challenging it is for the skaters to think about how each jump is defined. The point of the discussion is Chris is […] Continue reading →
-
Common Flip Jump Errors and Fixes (Chris Conte)
In a class setting, International coach Chris Conte offers insights about common flip jump errors and how to fix them. He begins by demonstrating a single flip with a massive head turn problem. This is often caused by skaters attempting to create rotational energy for the jump with their head, but Chris explains that hip […] Continue reading →
-
Double and Triple Flip Jump Prints and Theory (Nick Perna)
International coach and jump specialist Nick Perna continues his series of videos discussing and explaining the prints left on the ice for various jumps. In this video he discusses the double and triple flip jump print. Other videos in this series: Axel Prints Part 1 Axel Prints Part 2 Salchow Prints Part 1 Salchow Prints […] Continue reading →
-
Double Flip Lesson (Audrey Weisiger)
World and Olympic coach Audrey Weisiger gives a fast-paced double flip lesson to a skater who can land the jump but is having problems with consistency and air position. Audrey covers a lot of ground and touches on jump direction, arm timing and movement, head anchoring, and reaching for the ice. One of the drills […] Continue reading →
-
Single Flip Jump Tips, Stop Scratching (Robert Tebby)
World and Olympic coach Robert Tebby gives a young skater a lesson on the single flip jump. For most of the lesson, Robert is focused on helping the skater avoid the toe pick scratching she is doing as she picks and pivots up into the jump. But first he address the “hammer toe” or “wood […] Continue reading →
-
The Lutz Class – Part 1 (Audrey Weisiger)
In this video from a few years ago, World and Olympic figure skating coach Audrey Weisiger teaches an on-ice class at one of her acclaimed Grassroots to Champions seminars. The topic in the class is the lutz jump, and as you’ll see, Audrey covers a lot of ground including theory, print/tracing on the ice, exercises, […] Continue reading →
-
Air Position Exercises and Insights (Nick Perna)
International coach Nick Perna begins a jump lesson with some h-position and d-position drills. The skater in the lesson is a relatively high level skater, and she makes the drills look easy. But for younger and less advanced skaters, there are often lots of movement and control problems. This is especially true when using the […] Continue reading →
-
Tips for Building a Double Flip (Michelle Leigh)
World and Olympic coach Michelle Leigh is working with a male skater on building a double flip from a solid single. This skater has not yet landed the double at the time this video was recorded, and Michelle covers some common issues in the development of a typical double flip. Because this skater has relatively […] Continue reading →
-
Split Flip and Split Lutz (Kori Ade)
World and Olympic coach Kori Ade uses the split jump as a teaching tool for developing flow and rotation and proper jump/pick timing on flip and lutz jumps. She uses the split flip and split lutz all the time with her skaters. She explains that pick jumps need to pick on the way up and […] Continue reading →
-
Jump Patterns and Setup Tips, Part 4: Loop, Flip, Lutz (Kori Ade)
World and Olympic coach Kori Ade continues a multi-part series on jump setup patterns and jump teaching tips. In Part 1, Kori discussed patterns and setups for the axel and in Part 2 she tackled the salchow. In Part 3 she discussed the toe loop and shared her “choctaw” concept for the toe loop take-off. The […] Continue reading →
-
Flip Jump Insights – Part 3 (Robert Tebby)
World and Olympic coach Robert Tebby continues his discussion of the flip jump. This video is a continuation of the class Robert is teaching in this video (Part 1) and this video (Part 2). Here he shares a drill at the wall to help with timing and head control. He asks the skaters to place […] Continue reading →
-
The Stomping Drill, Part 2: The Jumps (Nick Perna)
International coach Nick Perna continues his discussion of the stomping drill. In Part 1, he introduced the drill and showed how to use it with a variety of skating elements. In this video, he focuses on the jumps and how to use it effectively for salchow, toe loop, loop, flip and lutz. Notice that he […] Continue reading →
-
Cleaning Up Single Jumps (Michelle Leigh)
World and Olympic coach Michelle Leigh begins a lesson with a young male skater by reviewing his single jumps. This is a great chance to see what an elite coach like Michelle looks for on single jumps after a skater has learned them and is beginning to work on doubles. On the single salchow Michelle […] Continue reading →
-
Developmental Jump Drill for Young Skaters (Laurent Depouilly)
World and Olympic coach Laurent Depouilly offers a great jump setup drill for young skaters that allows for many repetitions in a short time and small space. The drill consists of a forward outside three turn with a back crossover on the same circle, winding up the arms much like a spin entry. After returning […] Continue reading →
-
Flip Jump Drill – Part 2 (Robert Tebby)
World and Olympic coach Robert Tebby continues his discussion of the flip jump. This video is a continuation of the class Robert is teaching in this video. Here he covers the same information in more detail and he also clarifies some aspects of the technique. There is a complete review of the “touch, toe, turn” […] Continue reading →
-
Seminar Exercises – Part 3 (Audrey Weisiger)
World and Olympic coach Audrey Weisiger teaches at one of her Grassroots to Champions seminars several years ago. The information in this series is as valid and useful today as it was when it was recorded. These drills are intended to challenge the skaters in a seminar setting and address deficiencies in fundamental technique. Make sure […] Continue reading →
-
Dragon Tail Exercise – Setup for Jumps (Laurent Depouilly)
World and Olympic coach Laurent Depouilly shares a jump setup drill he calls the “dragon tail” that he uses for all the major jumps except waltz jump/axel (but it can be used for that too). He primarily uses the exercise with the single jumps. The purpose of the drill is to get arm and core […] Continue reading →
-
Flip Jump Drill and Insights (Robert Tebby)
World and Olympic coach Robert Tebby teaches a flip jump drill and offers important insights about the flip jump. He references his earlier discussion of the toe loop here. The first critical aspect of the drill is the arms. Robert wants the axis-side arm to start moving early to the front and make connection with the […] Continue reading →
-
Off-Ice Jumps – Part 4: Loop, Flip, and Lutz (Michelle Leigh)
World and Olympic coach Michelle Leigh continues a multi-part series on off-ice jumping. In Part 1 she focused on some basics and the axel. In Part 2, she discussed the salchow and some drills to improve landings. In Part 3, she addresses issues with the off-ice toe loop. And in this session, she covers loop, flip, […] Continue reading →
