International coach and jump specialist Chris Conte continues an on-ice jump class. In Part 1 he introduced power swizzles, and in this video he shares swizzle hops and a variety of insights about power on the ice. Chris begins by discussing power versus speed. In skating force is often equated with energy, and Chris defines power as force applied over a specific amount of time, so increasing the force or decreasing the time increases the power production. He says, “Force applied over quicker periods of time gives you more explosive power and the glide (becomes) longer.” [Editor’s note: The physics definition of power is “the amount of energy transferred per unit of time.” Work represents a means of transferring energy, and work is defined as “force multiplied by the distance the force is applied.” So technically, the power of a skating push is the force of the push times the length of the push divided by the time it takes to make the full push. Power is increased by increasing the force, lengthening the push, and making the push in less time.]
Chris demonstrates crossovers for the group, and unfortunately the audio cuts out due to his movements. During the crossovers he shows two different techniques. In the first he only pushes on the undercut and on the second he pushes on the undercut and the pump. We can see the difference in power produced for the two techniques. In figure skating we generally assume that a strong push and long glide are superior to less powerful pushes with higher tempo (which is another way to generate the same power). Chris even says, “How many blade lengths of glide per push is the amount of power I’ve got.” [This assumes glide distance is related to how powerful the push is, and although this is a simplification, it’s generally true in skating.] Speed on the ice is a natural result of strong pushes and efficient glides between the pushes, and figure skating covets power generation with relatively slow tempo (compared to hockey players for example, who tend to use a much higher push tempo).
Next Chris introduces a basic two foot swizzle hop from a standstill. This is a great exercise because it teaches control and proper blade usage, as well as timing and power. As a point of emphasis, Chris does not want skaters to tap their boots together because he does not want to risk damaging boots or blades and it is simply not necessary when learning to jump with power. Next he has the class do a repeating series of backward power swizzles followed by swizzle hops. The arm and leg movements and timing are important which is why is repeatedly says, “Scoop up (power swizzle), scoop jump (swizzle hop).” For the next exercise he has the class simply do repeated swizzle hops with no power swizzles in between. A common error is bending forward at the waist and another is being too far forward on the blade (“get off the balls of your feet”). Chris wants the skaters to use each swizzle to press up into the jump but also land and have flow afterward. He quotes the great Russian coach Alexei Mishin who says, “Work and then feel the pleasure” meaning to enjoy the glide. Chris encourages the class to relax and let go of some of the tension and stiffness in their skating.
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