2011 US Men’s Champion Ryan Bradley works with a skater on the initial stages of double loop development. They are working on the jump from a forward inside three-turn entry, which can be a great way for skaters to feel the rotation of the jump while maintaining shoulders vs hips positioning. Many skaters starting the double loop simply don’t generate much rotational energy from edge pressure as desired, so the rotation from the inside-three turn can be very helpful to prevent excessive pre-rotation of the shoulders and arms.
Ryan is teaching a down-up-down knee rhythm with a final up being the jump. The first down is during the preparation for the three-turn, the up is the three-turn itself, and the second down happens in the take-off edge itself. Ryan wants a strongly checked non-axis arm which stays in front, while the axis side arm swing through (not around). Notice the focus on smooth and rhythmical movements rather than being jerky.
On the first double attempt, the skater waits too long on the take-off edge and kills the rhythm. The second attempt has better rhythm, but the skater loses control of the shoulders and arms. Ryan explains the timing for the axis arm and jumping knee. He also returns regularly to the single loop, helping the skater lock in the feeling of a correct take-off. Part of the emphasis is on flow, and helping the skater feel the forward take-off, including the forward movement of the entire body. The final double loop attempt is by far the best attempt of the day, mainly lacking the conviction to stay in the desired rotation position. It’s a work in progress.
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