A xel *. Jump with change of foot and positive direction of rotation. Now this jump is performed in 1.5 revolutions (single), 2.5 (double) and 3.5 revolutions (triple). There is a half-turn jump, the so-called flip jump, or a triple jump*, similar to an Axel jump in the method of repulsion. This jump is the basis of axel jumps with a large number of revolutions (Fig. 62).

Perform an axel after a powerful run-up. During preparation for the push, they move on to sliding back and forth, during which it is important to maintain a stable position. To do this, the last jolting step of the run is followed by a short-term fixation of the body parts. In this phase, it is necessary to monitor the straight position of the body, do not protrude the pelvis, do not lower your head or slouch. The transition from the run to the push should be performed easily and naturally. When teaching this detail of the jump, it is necessary to explain to the novice skater that reducing speed, scraping the ice with teeth, and stooping do not make it easier, but complicate the high-quality execution of the jump.

The transition to sliding forward-outward on the pushing leg should not cause a noticeable change in the direction of body movement. The initial rotation in these jumps is created by the stopping movement of the skate of the jogging leg. Other methods usually lead to failure. This is especially evident when performing a jump of 2.5 revolutions or more.

An attempt to acquire initial rotation by increasing the curvature of the push arc usually leads to a violation of the stability of the movement of the longitudinal axis of the body in flight. In Fig. 63 shows two options for making a push arc - small (a) and large (b) curvature. In the first case, the directions of movement of the skate and the whole body almost coincide, and then the conditions for creating stable movement in flight are favorable. In the second case, the directions of movement of the skate and the whole body diverge, resulting in a loss of stability of the body towards the end of the push.

Trying to create the initial rotation of the body by rotating the upper body causes the lower part to rotate in the same direction, and this ultimately leads to an increase in the curvature of the push arc with the negative consequences noted above.

In practice, there are several options for making the end of the push arc, in other words, various options for the stopper: a tooth stopper, in which the tip of the push leg is separated from the ice, rolling over the teeth of the skate (the mark on the ice in this case is thin); rib stopper, in which the ridge of the supporting leg rotates relative to the direction of sliding and performs braking by scraping off the ice with the front part of the outer rib; a combined stopper, in which its beginning is rib-shaped and its end is toothed. The pronounced scraping by the edge turns into a mark of the teeth.

When teaching the push in axel jumps, you should take into account the features of each method of performing a stopping movement. The toothed stopper helps maintain high horizontal speed due to the absence of prolonged braking by the skate. However, the stopping movement performed by the skate tooth is shorter in time and less effective in creating a rotational movement. Therefore, the amount of initial rotation acquired by the skater with a tooth stopper is, other things being equal, less than with an edge stopper.

The combined stopper allows you to combine the advantages of both methods and create in the athlete a very important feeling of confidence and ease of pushing off. This method ensures the most correct, stable movement of the longitudinal axis of the body in flight. Skaters who use a combination stopper jump more consistently.

The position of the body during the push in the Axel jump allows you to perform a powerful swinging movement with your arms and free leg in the forward-upward direction. Thanks to the pronounced swing movements of large amplitude, with the help of which you can achieve maximum height and length of flight, the Axel jump is one of the most spectacular jumps.

Salchow *. Jump with a change of foot and a positive direction of rotation (Fig. 64). The most common approach to a jump is the forward-outward - back-inward three. Another option is performed by stepping, for example, the right one is forward-inward, the left one is back-inward. There is a variant of the approach that begins with a three-piece back-out - forward-in, followed by a transition to a back-in pushing arc. This option is dynamic and has a surprise effect.

It is easier to achieve a high number of revolutions in this jump than in other jumps. The fact is that initial rotation is created in two of the most effective ways - sliding along a curve and rotating the upper body. In addition, some amount of rotational motion may be imparted to the body when transitioning to the push leg. After a run-up, which ends with sliding backwards, the skater performs a three-piece forward-outward - back-inward. This movement should be accompanied by moving the free leg and the same arm back, which facilitates the subsequent swing movement.

The takeoff from the ice occurs in a backward-inward arc and is accompanied by an active swinging movement of the free leg and arm in the direction of the general rotation of the body. Confident gliding along the push arc is one of the main conditions for successfully performing a jump. Therefore, it is recommended to start learning the Salchow jump by learning the triple back-out - back-in at high speed with a long back-in glide. The free leg is straightened and is located exactly above the mark, and the arm of the same name is laid back. It is also advisable to squat on the supporting leg, carefully maintaining balance.

Subsequently, triples are performed sequentially on the pushing leg, ending with a jump in one revolution.

An approach to a jump can also be a backward-outward - back-inward pull. This approach externally creates the impression of suddenness of the jump. During the push, it is important to avoid strong scraping of the ice with the teeth and strive for a smooth, continuous execution of the three-way arcs, sharply extending the pushing leg and emphasizing the swing movements at the final moment of the push.

Loop *. Jump without changing legs with a positive direction of rotation (Fig. 65). It is performed similarly to a back-out loop, which is where its name comes from. This jump is a complex edge jump, since it is necessary to prevent premature rotation of the body in the direction of rotation, as well as perform swing movements of limited amplitude. It is recommended to start learning a jump by mastering a step, including a three-way turn back-outside-forward-inside, followed by a transition to a back-inside move on the other leg. This step is repeated in a circle. When mastering it, you need to ensure that the free leg is in front of the push leg in a crossed position, and not allow the upper body to prematurely turn in the direction of rotation.

Having mastered this step, you can begin to learn the most common version of the approach, performed in a three-way forward-outward - back-inward manner with the pushing leg moving backwards-outward. Here, as in other jumps, gliding stability is extremely important in preparation for the push and directly during the push. The starting position for the push is practiced by performing triples forward-outward with a long slide back-inward. In this case, the arm, which is the same as the pushing leg, is pulled back, and the head is turned inside the sliding arc. The initial rotation in a loop jump is achieved by rotating the upper body, so the described starting position allows you to perform the necessary swing and increases the amplitude of the rotational movement.

When learning a loop jump, it is useful to perform a backward pirouette, the approach and entry into which are similar to the loop jump.

Oller*. Jump with a change of foot and a positive direction of rotation (Fig. 66). The method of repulsion is similar to a loop jump, but the landing in it occurs on the swing leg. Therefore, what is important here is a vigorous swinging movement of the straightened free leg in the direction of the general movement of the body and fixation of the position of both legs in flight. To confidently perform a landing with a backward-inward move, you need to move your free leg and arm of the same name back and hold it in this position. As an auxiliary exercise for mastering the landing, it is recommended to glide for a long time in this position.

Valley. Jump without changing legs with a negative direction of rotation (Fig. 67). It is usually performed after tightening back-out - back-in, during which the head and. the arms are turned in the direction opposite to the rotation in flight. The free leg is pulled back and remains behind throughout the jump. The push is carried out with the inner edge of the skate and is accompanied by an energetic rotational movement of the upper body in the direction opposite to the curvature of the push arc.

Internal axel. The jump is performed by pushing the inner edge of the supporting leg (Fig. 67). ,In the initial position before the push, the free leg is behind, the opposite hand is in front. In the push, the legs and arms are grouped, and the landing occurs in a backward-outward move on the pushing leg. When learning, it is important to control the execution of the end of the push arc and not allow a triple turn, otherwise the technical design of the jump changes and it turns into a loop jump. When sliding along a push arc, you should tilt your body slightly inside the arc, since the push can cause an imbalance to the outside of the push arc.

Ship. This name combines a group of edge jumps performed with a positive and negative direction from the “ship” position (Fig. 67). Landing can also be in the “ship” position, i.e. on two legs or on one - in the usual position. The push and landing are performed on both the outer and inner ribs. In any version of the jump, the main thing is to clearly maintain the position in the push and during the landing. The jump requires perfect mastery of the boat position. Performed in 1, 2 and 3 turns. In programs it is effective, original, and makes the skater’s jumping arsenal more diverse.

Summarizing the description of the main principles of the technique of performing edge jumps, it should be emphasized once again that the main condition for the successful execution of this group of jumps is confident, stable gliding on the edge of the skate. It is the sliding by inertia along the closing curve that creates the prerequisites for creating in the final part of the push the initial rotation necessary to perform a significant number of revolutions in the air, currently reaching 3 and 4.

Confidence and dynamic stability of the skater's body on the push arc are largely determined by the execution of the previous arcs - the last take-off arc and the approach arcs. These arcs should be performed naturally, logically, so that when performing triples and steps, the body does not change the general, general direction of movement. Otherwise, a loss of balance occurs, accompanied, as a rule, by distortion of the natural straight position of the body, scraping the ice with the teeth of the skate and other errors. It is important that the arcs that make up the approach are balanced in length. For example, in a Salchow jump, you should not unnecessarily lengthen one approach arc and shorten the second one. The same consideration is also true when approaching with stepovers in loop jumps, oller and internal axel.

Toe jumps

Lutz. Jump without changing legs with a negative direction of rotation (Fig. 68). One of the most difficult and at the same time spectacular jumps. In the initial position before the push, the skater slides back and forth in a gentle arc. The free leg is in front, the arm of the same name is slightly pulled back, the gaze is turned forward. In preparation for a push, the free leg is moved back next to the supporting leg, and the shoulders are turned in the direction opposite to the rotation in flight. The pushing leg is placed on the ice at a distance of two to three skate lengths behind the supporting leg. As a result of an energetic push with both feet, the skater comes off the ice. The supporting leg leaves the ice first, then the push leg.

The rotational movement is created in two ways: rotation of the upper body and the stopping movement of the teeth of the skate of the push leg. Rotation begins to be created by rotating the upper body. Only after this can the stopping movement begin. When performing both methods in the reverse order or the same method, the efficiency of the turn drops significantly, since the time from the moment the skate touches the ice until the takeoff is often not enough to impart the necessary angular velocity to the upper body.

The late start of the stopping movement is also a mistake, since the rotation of the body at this moment turns out to be excessive. It complicates the take-off and reduces the height of the jump.

Attempts to create an initial rotation by curvature, a pushing arc, lead to a distortion of the nature of the jump - it turns into a Salchow jump with an additional push from the tooth of the skate of the fly leg.

When mastering a jump, the amplitude of the rotational movement of the upper body plays an important role. To develop the mobility of the spinal column, it is advisable to perform rotational movements with a gymnastic stick or barbell on the shoulders. As exercises aimed at improving the technique of creating a rotational movement, it is recommended to use the cascade execution of a valley jump, accompanying it with an energetic rotational movement of the upper body, which is very important for successful mastery of the Lutz jump.

To coordinate shoulder rotation with the stopping movement, it is important to ensure that the skater has a pronounced negative rotation of the upper body before the push. This initial position provides the necessary amplitude of rotational movement and creates the prerequisites for increasing its effectiveness.

Flip. Jump without changing legs with a positive direction of rotation (Fig. 69). Most often, this jump is performed after a triple forward-outward - back-inward with the skate of the pushing leg placed on the back of the teeth. After turning in three in the initial position before the push, the free leg and the same arm are pulled back, which facilitates the subsequent rotational movement of the upper body. During the push, the initial rotation obtained by turning the upper body is supplemented by the rotation that occurs as a result of the stopping movement of the teeth of the skate of the push leg.

The skater must achieve vigorous extension of not only the pushing leg, but also the supporting leg, otherwise the body will lean forward when landing. In this respect, the flip jump push is similar to the lutz jump push.

A flip jump can also begin by stepping from a forward-inward move to a back-inward move. This variation is similar to the Salchow approach, but features flatter approach arcs that are executed in such a way that the approach appears to be performed while gliding in a straight line.

Tulup *. Jump with a change of foot and a positive direction of movement (Fig. 70). The push is performed after turning the three forward-inward - back-out, then placing the toe of the skate of the pushing leg back in the direction of the general movement. For the push, a three-way forward-outward transition is also used. The first method is preferable when performing the maximum number of revolutions; the second method ensures a more stable execution of the push. Mechanically, the jump is close to a Salchow jump.

The sheepskin jump is characterized by a rapid increase in the angular velocity of rotation of the body in the push. This is explained by the high efficiency of the stopping movement with the skate of the pushing leg, performed at the final moment of the push. The ability to quickly achieve a high speed of body rotation makes the jump one of the most convenient for making three or more revolutions.

With an open or protracted version of the jump, the swing movements in it end as in an axel. If the skater intends to make the maximum number of revolutions, it is better to perform the swing movement in a more restrained manner, similar to the corresponding version of the push in the Salchow jump.

A common mistake is to have the pushing leg too crossed at the back at the beginning of the push-off. As an auxiliary exercise, it is advisable to include in training the sequential execution of threes forward-inward - back-outward.

Leg-split. This jump is performed in 0.5 revolutions. The main thing here is a high takeoff and fixing the position of a full split at the top point of the flight. To master a jump, it is most advisable to use a push after moving from a forward-inward move to a backward-inward move. When pushing off, you should pay attention first of all to a high take-off and take the position of the splits only at the top point. Russian and classic versions of twine are common (Fig. 71). The first is more often performed by men, the second by women.

Landing in a split jump has its own characteristics. It begins on the toe of the skate, and then the skater makes the transition to the three forward-inward - back-outward as quickly and energetically as possible.

Cascades of jumps. Jump cascades have become an integral part of not only free programs. They are introduced as a compulsory element in the short program of free skating.

You should not mix cascades of jumps and combinations of jumps. A jump combination is two or more jumps following one another and united by a common technical or aesthetic concept. The cascade is a special case of a combination of jumps without turns and changing legs between jumps.

The uniqueness of the cascade technique lies primarily in the fact that to perform the next jump, the movement speed remaining from the previous one is used.

To achieve the highest speed, it is advisable to perform the first jump of the cascade with a flat flight path. This allows for easier shock absorption upon landing. The deep cushioning after landing from a previous jump often makes the next one more difficult.

There are two options for connecting jumps into cascades. In the first, the residual rotation from the previous jump is predominantly used for rotation in the subsequent jump. Integrity of execution is especially important here, and deep cushioning between jumps is undesirable. An example of such a variant of the cascade is the combination of an axel - a loop jump (Fig. 72, a), a lutz - a loop jump, two loop jumps, etc.

In the second variant, the initial rotation is created in the same way as when performing a single jump, for example in the Lutz - toe loop cascade (Fig. 72, b), Salchow - toe loop. With this connection method, the landing from the previous jump must be performed in the starting position for the push, which allows you to create an additional initial rotation. It is necessary to achieve the swing position in order to perform the second jump well.

In cascades; As in any jumps, it is especially important to maintain rigidity in the relative position of the body parts in flight. Performing these jumps places high demands on the level of development of the skater’s specific physical qualities, and primarily on the speed of the push, speed and density of the group.

Special exercises in jump training

The effectiveness of jump training at all stages is largely determined by the use of special leading and simulating exercises, as well as special devices.

When learning how to prepare for a push, the first step is to master a stable, confident slide before the push. To do this, you can combine a run-up with a long slide in a position corresponding to the position of the body immediately before the start of the push. Particular attention should be paid to ensuring that the transition to the push occurs voluntarily and is confidently controlled. The following method is very effective. The skater runs up, assumes a fixed position, and transitions to the push only at the coach’s signal. In this way, the skill of performing a push from a stable starting position in the intended place on the site is developed. Fixing the posture before the push is aimed at achieving stable gliding. After mastering this detail of the run-up, they move on to performing a jump in which there is no long pause between the run-up and the push.

The last step of the run is especially important. It must certainly be powerful and energetic in order to further increase the speed of the body in the direction of the jump. An important condition that determines the quality of the push and jump is the correct coupling of the last run-up arc with the push arc (Fig. 73).

To avoid sudden changes in direction when moving to a push arc, you can use a control exercise. The skater takes a running start, moves into a push arc, but does not push off, but glides in a fixed position. If he is able to maintain a stable position for a long enough time (4-5 s), it means that the coupling of the last take-off arc with the push arc is good; loss of balance, violation of posture indicate an incorrect choice of direction of the push. To correct a mistake, for example, in an Axel jump, the following technique is recommended: if the balance is disturbed on the outer side of the push arc, then the angle of the push leg should be reduced; if inside the push arc, then the angle should be increased. This technique is also useful when practicing jumps such as Salchow, sheepskin coat, and flip.

To confidently create the initial rotation, it is advisable to use special exercises. These include sequential execution of triples (Fig. 74, top), a series of jumps on two legs from a backward position in 1 revolution with landing on two legs (Fig. 74, middle), sequential execution of a vall jump, as well as a lutz jump 1 revolution without pushing.

The stopping movement with the teeth of the skate is learned by jumping lutz, flip and sheepskin coat without turning in the air, as well as by simulating these jumps, replacing rotation in flight with rotation on the ice, as shown in Fig. 74 (bottom).

It is useful to include the listed exercises in the warm-up before jumping. They help to better master the technique of rotational movements and prepare the afferent systems of the skater’s body for unsupported rotations.

When learning multi-rotation jumps, you should pay attention to the speed of the tuck. The faster the skater groups, the more turns he can make. To master high tuck speeds, it is recommended to perform simulation exercises with rubber shock absorbers (Fig. 77).

To improve the grouping, weights are also used, attached to the hands and feet, like bracelets.

An effective exercise for improving landing on ice is depth jumping from a chair-shaped stand proposed by the author (Fig. 75). The skater stands on the seat, holding the backrest. The teacher sets the stand in motion, and the athlete jumps off it and lands in a back-out motion.

To improve the posture when landing, it is advisable to perform the described exercises with weights attached to the hands and to the foot of the free leg.

A special device that can be used to improve technique and increase the level of physical qualities required to perform jumps is a longue, both stationary and portable (Fig. 76). A stationary lounge can be strengthened both at the skating rink and in the open air - on the sports ground. With the help of longis, they practice the correct position of the arms and legs when grouping, and improve ungrouping and body position in landing.

The use of longis in the gym and on the ice can be very effective for learning and improving elements that are not related to rotation around a vertical axis. These include split and butterfly jumps. When improving multi-rotation jumps using a longi, exercises can be performed with partial or complete shutdown of vision.

Jumps are the most important element of figure skating, but for the uninitiated it is difficult to distinguish a sheepskin coat from a Salchow or a loop. Sovsport.ru has written a simple guide to the six main jumps in figure skating especially for you.

Before moving on to the main thing, let's decide that when we say “left” or “right,” we will mean those who make rotations in jumps to the left, counterclockwise (about 85% of them). This is the first thing. And secondly, there are two simple elements that are also good to have an idea about before studying jumps in figure skating.

Mohawk is a step in which the athlete changes the direction of movement, stepping from one foot to the other.

A three is a turn on one foot with a change in the direction of movement and the edge of the skate.

1. TULUP (English toe loop)

Basic score (triple sheepskin coat) – 4.3 points

The easiest jump. In particular, because at the moment of take-off the skater’s hips are already turned in the right direction in advance, and this, in fact, adds half a turn. It is usually performed with the right foot, after the three “forward-inward” (the number “3” is written on the ice). Before the jump, the athlete helps himself to push off by hitting the ice with the tooth of the skate of his left foot - hence the definition of a sheepskin coat as a “tooth” jump. Landing on the right foot.

The main feature: a single toothed jump with entry from the right foot.

Video (triple toe loop – Denis Ten)

2. SALCHOW (eng. salchow)

Basic score (triple Salchow) – 4.4 points

The approach to the jump is carried out exclusively from a turn (three or mohawk). The push occurs from the inner edge of the left leg, and at this time the right leg makes a characteristic swing around the body. Landing on the outer rib of the right leg. Often it is with the Salchow that young skaters begin to learn jumps in figure skating.

The main feature: there is no impact of the tine on the ice. And, in simple terms, its main difference from the ritberger is that the legs do not cross before the jump; the jump takes place as if from two legs at once.

Video (triple Salchow - Yuna Kim, Mao Asada, Adelina Sotnikova):

3. RITBERGER (English loop)

Basic score (triple loop) – 5.1 points

Take-off and landing - with the right foot. Before the jump, the whole body, with the exception of the right leg, turns clockwise all the way, and after pushing with the right leg, it spins counterclockwise, throwing the skater up.

The main sign: there is no impact with the tooth of the skate (left foot) on the ice. It differs from the Salchow not only by entering with the right foot, but also, to put it in amateur terms, by crossing the legs before the jump.

Video (triple tweeter – Sasha Cohen):

4. FLIP

Basic score (triple flip) – 5.3 points

Jump jump (right foot hitting the ice). The jump is carried out from the inner edge of the left leg, landing on the right leg.

The main feature: a jagged jump from the left leg, very similar to a lutz. The main difference is that the approach to the flip most often occurs from a “three”, that is, only immediately before the jump the skater turns back forward.

Video (triple flip - Yuna Kim and Adelina Sotnikova)

5. LUTZ (eng. lutz)

Basic score (triple Lutz) – 6.0 points

The most difficult jump in figure skating, not counting the Axel. Similar to a flip, but performed from the outside edge, which makes the “swing” a little more difficult to get off the ice.

Main feature: jagged jump from the left foot. The main difference from the flip: the approach to the Lutz is most often a long arc, the skater rides backwards for a long time.

For the first time, the American Brand Mroz was officially credited with a quadruple lutz in Colorado Springs on September 16, 2011:

And this is how the lutz is performed by Alyssa Chisney, who jumps with an unconventional “right” rotation:

6. AXEL (eng. axel)

Basic score (triple axel, i.e. axel in three and a half turns) – 8.5 points

What helps to easily distinguish this jump in figure skating from the rest is that the skater enters the Axel facing forward. Actually, that’s why it never has a whole number of revolutions - when they say “single axel” they mean an axel of one and a half turns, “double” - two and a half turns, etc. It is considered the most difficult jump in figure skating. The athlete slides backward on his right foot, then steps onto his left, simultaneously turning to face forward. Squatting, the skater jumps into the air, slowing down with his skate and throwing his right leg forward. Landing on the fly (right) leg.

The main feature: the only jump that is entered from the front.

Video (triple axel – Evgeni Plushenko and Mao Assad)

It is worth noting that there are still jumps in figure skating that are used only as links in combinations of other jumps, but they do not have the status of independent elements. For example, "oiler" or "half loop" (English half loop) and flip or waltz jump (English waltz jump). In the first case, the leg describing a semicircle is bent, in the second it is extended.

Wieder (oiler – Adelina Sotnikova)

Video (reversible)

Well, here are some very good jumping lessons from three-time US champion Michael Weiss. You can understand a lot without even knowing English.

Ritberger:

The “Tulup” jump is called from the English toe loop, so it has nothing in common with winter fur clothing. For a long time it was believed that only especially gifted skaters could perform jumps. For a long time, flip and lutz were considered the most difficult, their implementation deserved a storm of applause. But now many professionals can perform double and triple figures, and the triple sheepskin coat is no longer new in figure skating. What a sheepskin jump represents and how to perform it, we’ll figure it out below.

The translation of the word “tu loop” means “loop on the toe.” The first skater to perform it was Bruce Mapes in 1920. This is a simple jump available to professional skaters. His first “show” was the World Championships in 1964, where he performed a triple jump. The ultimate dream for figure skaters is the quadruple sheepskin coat; no adult has yet been able to show it perfectly in competitions.

There is a special system for evaluating this figure; the gradation of points depends on its complexity. A single jump will score 0.4 points, a double toe loop in figure skating will score 1.3 points, and a triple jump will score 4.0 points.

Execution technique

Step-by-step explanation of the technique:

1. The jump should be done with alternating legs, the direction of movement is positive.
2. The leg push is done after turning the three forward-inward, then back-out.
3. Afterwards, the skater places the toe of the boot of the pushing leg in the direction of the general movement, that is, back. There is another option for performing a push - this is a three-way transition of the leg back and forth. This option is needed to achieve a sustainable push. In the first option, the skater has the opportunity to perform a maximum of revolutions. Coaches note that mechanically the sheepskin jump in figure skating is very close to the salchow technique.

Description of a sheepskin jump: a feature of the figure is the increase in angular speed at which a person rotates along its axis during a push. At the same time, the skater notices how high the efficiency of the pushing off leg is when the stopping movement of the skate occurs. This action is carried out at the final stage of the push. It is the high speed of rotation of the body that is convenient for performing several revolutions. Therefore, it becomes possible to do a quadruple jump, that is, 4 rotations.

The skater regulates his swing movements independently. If the jump is slow, open, the swing at the end is similar to an axel. When an athlete wants to achieve the maximum number of revolutions in the air, the swings should be done with restraint, like a Salchow push.

How to do a sheepskin coat on skates to avoid mistakes? A common mistake among athletes is to cross their legs too much. During a push, the pushing leg from behind is strongly pulled behind the other, which affects the technique and quality of the action. Exercises during training will help solve this problem: forward-inward - back-outward. By honing the technique, the skater learns step by step to gradually perform triples, which will improve the execution of the jump.

Methods of execution

Skaters have several ways and options for performing a sheepskin coat.

• Three-piece rotation forward-inward - back-outward.
• The pushing leg is placed in the direction in which the whole body will move. The foot is placed with the toe of the skate.
• Open.
• Protracted.

What is the difference between sheepskin jumping and other types of jumping?

Comparing it with other elements of figure sports will help you understand the difference between this jump. Let's start with the fact that all jumps in figure skating are divided into two subgroups:

• Costal: Salchow, Axel, loop. These elements differ significantly from other jumps; their technique is not related to the execution of the sheepskin coat.
• Toe (tooth): flip, sheepskin coat, lutz. They are called serrated because of the location of special teeth on the edge of the ridge.

Jumping from an edge is a more difficult task, and the technique differs significantly from a toe jump, so let’s look at the differences in the last subgroup.

1. Flip. The skater moves his left leg back with the inner edge. With his right foot he kicks, spins, then lands on the same foot. At this moment, the back-out move is performed again. The flip is remembered with a distinctive click. A child beginner likes to do it because of the characteristic impact on the ice. It is also distinguished by its three rotations; skaters have not yet been able to rotate 4 times.
2. Lutz. Ranks first in difficulty in all cog jumps. The history of its origin dates back to 1913; until now, few skaters can do double and triple jumps like this perfectly clean. There is even a fact in history of performing a quadruple Lutz. You can learn how to do Lutz after mastering the sheepskin coat. Its difference from the others: the athlete squats on his left leg, rests the tip of his skate on the ice surface with his right leg, and jumps. At this time, the athlete’s torso unwinds, he helps himself by swinging his arms and body. When several revolutions are made, they are carried out in a counterclockwise direction, the athlete again stands on the ice moving backwards and outwards. The jump diagram is provided by the trainer during training.
3. Sheepskin coat. Finally, let's move on to the sheepskin coat, this is an easy element in ice skating. They begin to master it first. Distinctive characteristics: there is no need to squat when performing it, landing on the pushing-off leg, difference in the direction of rotation and landing. It is important to push off correctly, for example with your left foot, land on your right, and vice versa. The landing should be backwards and outwards.

To jump correctly, the entire body must work harmoniously and swing. Particular attention is paid to skates; hockey skates are not suitable for performing figure elements - they are not equipped with important teeth and differ in the bending of the blades. Filming is often carried out while skaters are pushing off the ice. This is a very good tool to understand the technique of performing a sheepskin coat by champions. It can be slowly reproduced while learning the basics of figure skating.

Quadruple sheepskin coat in women's figure skating

Just doing a sheepskin coat is no longer a surprise in ice skating. Double and triple rotations during a jump are the achievements of female athletes. Cascade elements are also used. At world-class competitions in women's figure skating, cascade jumps are the main requirement for the professionalism of participants. Often athletes in the program perform a triple jump cascade with double jumps. This occurs when skating alone. The sheepskin coat is suitable for the second element in the cascade, since it is more convenient for them to finish the program.

It is quite difficult for women to perform the quadruple element of taking off the ice. The first performer of the triple sheepskin coat was Marina Titova. Her element was counted in 1971. Few people can do the quadruple sheepskin coat; men do it more often. But in the history of figure sports, there have been attempts by women to perform such an element. Suriya Bonaly tried to do it at the beginning of 1991, but due to the lack of rotation, the element was not counted. It is known about Miki Ando, ​​who did a quadruple jump in training. But a wide range of fans were never able to see him in her performance. At competitions in single skating, the athlete did not perform such a program.

Most recently, in March 2018, an athlete from Russia, Alexandra Trusova, distinguished herself by performing a quadruple toe loop at the World Teen Championships. It was a clean figure, counted by the judges. For Alexandra, victory with 225.52 points (for two quadruple jumps) became an open ticket to the big sport. The girl notes that long-term preparation led to such results; she is more happy with the implementation of two quadruple jumps than with the victory itself.

Conclusion

Where do young world figure skating champions come from? Even children in figure skating master the sheepskin coat. But hard training, ups and downs, lead to results known to the world skating community. All professional figure skaters can practice the skill of performing a sheepskin coat. But it is important not to stop there in single skating. Performing double, triple, maybe even quadruple “take-offs” over the ice leads to high scores in competitions and victory.

How interesting it is to watch the beautiful synchronized movements of figure skaters on the ice, and how difficult it is for them to perform certain movements. At the same time, few people know and distinguish between the types of jumps themselves. But many winter sports fans can name the most successful skaters. Moreover, not only their numbers and carefully selected costumes are remembered, but also that jump in figure skating, which they did in a certain stage program. Today we tried to find out what modern jumps are like. And also about which one is the most difficult.

General information about jumping in programs

Jumping is considered a mandatory element and part of the program for athletes involved in professional figure skating. These elements are the most striking; they are performed on ice in all disciplines. Only figure skaters who have chosen sports dancing as their main activity work without jumping. According to experienced athletes, a jump in figure skating gives an intense sensation and requires not only beauty, but also high quality performance.

What types of jumps do figure skaters have?

Over time, additions and changes appear in any sport. At the moment, modern figure skaters include several types of jumps in their demonstration performances. There are six of them in total. Every jump in figure skating belongs to its own subgroup. There are two of them in total, each with three jumps of different types. So, jumps are distinguished:

• Costal
• Serrated.

In this case, the first type assumes that during the exercise the skater pushes off with the edge of his skate (it is called the support skate) from the ice surface. And the toothed ones allow you to push from the tooth or toe of the free leg. Moreover, any jump in figure skating is specific. It requires the athlete to have special training and mastery of the technique.

Possibility to complicate the current performance program

Many athletes can complicate their program by arranging real “waterfalls” or “cascades” of jumps. As a result, jumps are performed with two, three and four different variations. And only the strongest skaters can perform jumps with four revolutions at once.

What are jagged and rib jumps?

The rib elements include such elements as Salchow, Axel and loop. And for the jagged ones - lutz, sheepskin coat and flip. Currently, the most difficult jump in figure skating is the Axel. Not every athlete is able to perform it. We will tell you more about it and other types of jumps below.

Features of execution and history of the sheepskin coat's origin

The first jumps in figure skating with this name were performed by American Bruce Mapes in early 1920. These elements got their name due to the difficulties of translation. So, this is not one, but two words at once - toe and loop, which translated into Russian means “loop in a sock.” This jump is usually performed using the outer edge of the left foot. Moreover, after performing it, the athlete finds himself in the same position as before the jump.

What is a flip?

As you already understand, the performance of jumps in figure skating has its own history. Thus, the second most complex element, called flip, was first performed in the mid-70s. As it turned out, the name of the person who first implemented it has not been preserved.

However, it is reliably known that it was a man, and in women’s skating this element was mastered only by the beginning of the 80s. This is not surprising. The technique for performing this spectacular element is quite complex. It is done from a U-turn. And then the skater pushes from the inner edge of his left leg and jumps.

History of origin and features of lutz performance

Lutz is far from the first most difficult jump in figure skating, but it also cannot be called easy. It is performed along a peculiar S trajectory, and the upward push is made from the outer edge of the left leg. The first time this jump was successful was the Austrian Alois Lutz in 1913.

Rittberger and Salchow jumps

Salchow is considered one of the simplest edge jumps. It received its name in honor of the Swede Ulrich Salchow. It was this athlete who first performed it in 1909. This element is performed from a turn. It is accompanied by an additional swing of the right leg, and the left leg (its inner edge) is used as a push leg.

The Rittberger, or loop, was performed by German figure skater Werner Rittberger in 1910. This is a jump of medium difficulty, performed from the outer edge, but not with the left, but with the right leg.

A few words from the story of the first jump

The first jump in figure skating was made by the best Norwegian figure skater Axel Paulsen. It was this man who first performed an unusually difficult rotation and landing using speed skates. This was in 1882. Subsequently, this element was named after the Norwegian athlete - axel.

What is the axel technique?

As we have already said, the Axel is the most difficult jump in figure skating. The year of its execution is forever etched in the history of modern figure skating. Its complexity lies in the fact that it is performed with a certain forward message. Because of this, the total number of revolutions is incomplete.

Depending on the complexity of these revolutions, the axel can be single, double, triple and quadruple. So, a single jump involves performing one and a half revolutions. Double - two and a half, triple - three and a half, and quadruple, respectively, four and a half. It is interesting that despite the rapid development of training techniques for modern athletes, performing a quadruple Axel is still considered very rare. Only the best skaters can cope with such a task.

"Turnover" and "one-legged" jumps

An axel performed in less than one and a half revolutions was called a “flip”, “Spanish” or “waltz jump”. Despite its similarity to the initial element, this jump is performed without preliminary grouping, which makes it simpler. Most often it is used instead of some kind of connecting element in a long sports program.

In the case when, during a jump, the skater lowers himself onto the same leg with which he pushed off, this element is usually called a “one-legged” axel.

Features of performing the axel

If we already know the year of the first difficult jump in figure skating, it’s worth studying the features of its implementation in a little more detail. What's so complicated about it? To perform it, athletes say, it is necessary to go counterclockwise. It is done like this:

• First, the skater performs a warm-up slide on his right leg in order to gain speed.
• Then he lunges and turns around.
• Shifts body weight to the left leg and slowly lowers, squatting on it.
• Next, he slides on his left foot.
• Jumps up, braking with the blade of the skate and at the same time raising his free leg forward.
• A rotation is performed in the air, during which the athlete groups and lands on his right foot.

Interesting facts about performing difficult jumps

The first person to perform the axel after its creator was Dick Baton. The figure skater perfectly repeated this difficult jump during the 1948 Olympic Games. Then a jump with three revolutions, albeit with characteristic errors, was performed by a skater from Canada, Vern Taylor. This also happened in 1948. Exactly three years later, I was able to repeat the triple jump, but without errors. Alexander Fadeev.

As you can see, conquering the axel, and even then with great difficulty, was given exclusively to men. This element requires excellent physical fitness from the athlete. However, athlete Sonya Henie managed to eliminate this injustice. She became the first skater to perform this element without errors or falls. After her, the baton was picked up by Carol Heiss, who in 1953 completed an Axel with two revolutions. The no less charming Midori Ito achieved the triple jump in 1988. Despite the fact that many years have passed since then, none of the girls or men have been able to do an axel with four revolutions.