Identify Figure Skating Jumps, In Real Time

Identify Figure Skating Jumps, In Real Time

So, we once did a gifset on jump identification, in slow-mo. But it’s time for an ambitious upgrade — now, identify jumps in real time, without slowing down or pausing.

All skaters land (clean) jumps in the same way: on the outside edge of one foot, gliding backwards. Skaters who rotate counterclockwise during their jump will land on their right foot while skaters who rotate clockwise will land on their left. All the examples below feature skaters who rotate counterclockwise. 

Therefore, the first and most important thing in jump identification is to scrutinize the takeoff instead of anything else. Look carefully at what the skater does with their feet before they jump, anything else is not particularly relevant in naming a jump. 

Toe Jumps

If the skater strikes the ice with their toe pick, it’s either a Toeloop, Flip or Lutz. These jumps are known as Toe Jumps because of the skater’s use of their toe pick. 

The Flip 

Skaters usually do a turn immediately before this jump. Notice how Zhenya swings her right foot while doing the turn; this is very characteristic of flip jumps. This is a very common entry into the flip, but it’s not a necessary one, skaters can opt to perform a flip with a different entry. 

Zhenya rotates towards the foot that is placed on the ice during her takeoff. Her own torso and leg are “blocking” the direction of her rotation, such that she is assuming a closed body position just before takeoff.

Take note of how the foot that is placed on the ice is on an inside edge. If a skater uses an outside edge instead, they will be penalized for incorrect technique.

The Toeloop

Skaters usually do a turn immediately before this jump. Again, while this is a very common entry to the toeloop, skaters don’t necessarily have to do it. 

Yuzuru rotates away from the foot that is placed on the ice during his takeoff. His torso and leg are not “blocking” the direction of his rotation, such that he is assuming an open body position just before takeoff. 

The Lutz

Skaters don’t usually do any turn immediately before this jump. Instead, they do a long backwards glide. Notice how Yuna gradually deepens the outside edge on her gliding foot as she goes backwards; this is one distinct indication of a lutz jump. Once again, this is just a very common entry to the lutz but skaters can use other entries too.

Yuna rotates towards the foot that is placed on the ice during her takeoff. Her own torso and leg are “blocking” the direction of her rotation, such that she is assuming a closed body position just before takeoff.

Take note of how the foot that is placed on the ice is on an outside edge. If a skater uses an inside edge instead, they will be penalized for incorrect technique. Skaters who make this mistake often switch to the inside edge at the very last second, just before takeoff.

Edge jumps

If the skater does not strike the ice with their toe pick, it’s either a Salchow, Loop or Axel. These jumps are known as Edge Jumps because the skater takes off from the edges of their blades.

The Salchow

The skater’s legs assume a “/ \” shape.

After that, the skater sweeps his right foot forward and takes off.

The Loop

The skater’s legs assume an “X” shape.

After that, the skater briefly “sits” down before launching into the jump.

The Axel

Skaters typically do a long glide backwards before this jump. This is common but not necessary.

After that, they turn their head and take off in a forward direction.

And that’s all you need to know! It also helps if you watch videos of many, many skaters, so you can practice identifying jumps with these common indicators from various camera angles. :) 

As a challenge, try identifying all the jumps in these programs (x, x, x, x, x) and let us know if these tips were useful! (Not all the takeoffs in those videos are the typical ones, but we’re sure you’ll get the hang of it eventually if you watch enough skating). ^^;;;

Until next time, folks!

More from us: Part I (Jump Identification in Slow-Mo)   ✦   Part II (Jump Identification in Real Time)   ✦   Part III (Combination Jumps)   ✦   Part IV (Spin Identification)   ✦   Part V (Steps Identification)  ✦   Part VI (Step Sequences)   ✦   Part VII (Grade of Execution - Jumps)   ✦   Part VIII (Transitions)   ✦   Summary of Figure Skating Scoring System