Described as one of the most artistic games ever, figure skating has some technicalities that might seem complicated to a non-fan. The skaters turn and jump spectacularly, with each jump having a designated name. Each type of jump comes with its points, with the most difficult one to perform having the most points. So, what are the six jumps in figure skating? Read on to find out.
Skaters can do jumps at any moment of their routine, such as changing motion or turning. Some of these turns are very difficult and require skill and dedication to execute. While some jumps are more common, others are rarely performed due to their complexity. These jumps not only showcase the skater's talent but also earn them important points in competitions. How many different jumps are there in figure skating? Read on to learn more about these exciting leaps.
Understanding the Jumps in Figure Skating
In figure skating, there are six main jumps that athletes perform. These jumps are categorized into two types: toe jumps and edge jumps. Toe jumps include the toe loop, the flip, and the lutz, where the skater uses their toe to launch into the air. On the other hand, edge jumps consist of the Salchow, loop, and Axel, where the skater relies more on the edge of their skate for takeoff.
Here are the six figure skating jumps:
1. The Toe Loop
This jump is one of the most valued in competitions, as it earns the highest points. The toe loop was popularized by Russian figure skater Maxim Kovtun. In this jump, the skater starts from the back outside edge and lands on the same foot. A right-footed skater will begin with their right foot and land on it, while a left-footed skater does the opposite. It's important to note that the skater lands on their toes.
2. The Salchow
The Salchow is another fundamental jump in figure skating. It involves starting the jump on one foot and landing on the other. The jump begins on the inside edge and concludes on the opposite foot's edge. For instance, if a skater initiates the jump on their right foot, they will land on their left foot, and vice versa.
3. The Loop
The Loop jump is classified as an edge jump. The skater begins with their back outside edge and lands on the same foot. Although it is similar to the toe loop, the loop does not utilize the toe for assistance during takeoff, making it a unique challenge.
4. The Flip
The flip jump starts with the back inside edge and requires the skater to land on the opposite foot. This jump is also pick-assisted, which adds to its complexity and resemblance to the toe loop. If a skater initiates the jump from the right back inside edge, they will land on their left foot, and vice versa.
5. The Lutz
The Lutz is often regarded as the most challenging jump in figure skating. It differs from the flip in terms of the edge from which the skater takes off. The counter-rotational aspect of the Lutz makes it difficult for many skaters, and attempting to cheat the jump often results in landing on the wrong foot. This jump was first executed by 2010 Olympic gold medalist Kim Yu-Na.
6. The Axel
The Axel is celebrated as one of the coolest leaps in figure skating, as it is the only jump where the skater launches headfirst. This jump features three and a half rotations, making it a significant technical challenge. Mao Asada is renowned for her expertise in the Axel, being one of the few women to consistently perform it. The skater takes off from the forward outside edge and lands on the opposite foot.
Ilia Malinin made history by landing the quadruple Axel, marking a significant milestone in the sport on September 14, 2022. This talented young skater's achievement showcases the incredible potential and evolution of figure skating skills.
Diving Deeper into Figure Skating Jumps
What are the main figure skating jumps? The primary jumps are the toe loop, Axel, Lutz, loop, flip, and Salchow. These jumps can be further categorized into toe and edge jumps based on the energy source used during the jump. Understanding these categories helps skaters focus on improving their skills and performance.
The Easiest Jump in Figure Skating
The Waltz jump is recognized as the easiest and most fundamental jump in figure skating. It is primarily performed by beginners as a stepping stone toward mastering the Axel jump. This jump requires only half a rotation, allowing the skater to face the opposite direction upon landing. It serves as a crucial learning tool for newcomers to the sport.
In summary, the six jumps in figure skating—Axel, Lutz, loop, toe loop, flip, and Salchow—represent the core skills required for success in competitions. Mastering these jumps, along with understanding their classifications, is essential for any aspiring figure skater. These leaps not only enhance the performance but also contribute significantly to the scoring in competitions.
Source: Legit.ng
