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 edge. This part of the lesson covers additional details for when skaters stop making progress using the series of power pulls. When adding rotation and speed, skaters commonly revert to old habits. So it’s critical for coaches to slow down the process again, focus on the details and make sure the movement patterns are correct.

Trevor takes the skater back to the wall and discusses pick placement in more detail. The old-fashioned concept (at least in the USA) of reaching back and placing the toe pick into the ice as far back as possible is one of the most common teaching methods that actually causes a flutz or undesired change of edge. Trevor explains that a strong reach is necessary, but the feet actually come quite close together before the pick goes into the ice. Trevor has the skater think about picking to the instep of the skating foot, as closely as possible.

The discussion at the end of the video is important. The process of correcting a flutz typically takes weeks (and sometimes months) of intense and detailed “work.” Skaters who flutz really need to think of the lutz as a completely new jump, and accept that the are beginners at the jump. Very few skaters take the process of fixing a change of edge problem seriously (enough), so coaches need to adopt a zero-tolerance policy regarding quality attempts, and enforce it. It’s better to quit for the day than do sloppy drills or jumps.

Sorry, this content is for members only. Click here to get access.   Already a member? Login below… Email Password   Remember me (for 2 weeks) Forgot Password

Add to “My Favorites” (Beta testing)