Figure Skating – Jump Landings

  • Jump Landings – Part 2 (Chris Conte)

    International coach and jump specialist Chris Conte continues a short series of videos on important concepts and drills for developing jump landings. In Part 1 Chris introduced important foundational ideas and talked about single jump landings, including free leg placement and alignment over the landing hip. In this video, the focus shifts to landings for waltz… …Continue reading →

  • Axel Class – Higher Level Skaters: Part1 Waltz Jump Features

    International coach and jump specialist Nick Perna begins an axel class for higher level skaters who can already do single axels and are working toward double axels. He begins by sharing a list of features of good waltz jumps in preparation for axel work. He notes that “if you have a poor quality waltz jump, you’re… …Continue reading →

  • Double Axel – Part 1 (Jackie Brenner)

    National level coach Jackie Brenner shares insights and drills for double axel development. She begins by asking the skater to walk through a double axel. Notice that there is no ‘rotation’ in this walkthrough, as the skater instead focuses on specific positions and movements. To emphasize take-off edge pressure, Jackie has the skater “pulse” the edge… …Continue reading →

  • Jump Landing Mechanics – Part 1 (Trevor Laak)

    Coach Trevor Laak begins a series of videos discussing jump landing mechanics, covering theoretical aspects of jump landings and practical exercises and movements. He begins with a concept he calls “landing accuracy” which is the idea that the precision of landing movements has to improve when moving from singles to doubles to triples, and eventually quads. He… …Continue reading →

  • Jump Landings – Part 1 (Chris Conte)

    International coach and jump specialist Chris Conte begins a short series of videos on important concepts and drills for developing jump landings. This includes “organizing rotation to landing,” recognizing that good jump landings happen in the air and begin before the skater makes impact with the ice. Chris says, “A great landing happens in the air.”… …Continue reading →

  • Building Axels – Part 2: More Waltz Jumps (Nick Perna)

    International coach and jump specialist Nick Perna continues a seminar class on building axels. In Part 1 he began by describing and demonstrating aspects of good and bad waltz jumps and began analyzing some waltz jump examples in the class. In this video he continues analyzing waltz jumps, commenting on a variety of errors and corrections.… …Continue reading →

  • Double Toe Loop – Part 1 (Chris Conte)

    International coach and jump specialist Chris Conte begins a group lesson covering drills and concepts for double toe loop development. He starts by showing a video of a typical “triangle position that we use in landings coming out to get a reach.” He is talking about the movement of the free leg on elite level jump… …Continue reading →

  • Building Axels – Part 1: Waltz Jumps (Nick Perna)

    International coach and jump specialist Nick Perna begins a seminar class on building axels, and in this video he starts with waltz jumps. He begins by explaining, “We need to have a good foundation on a waltz jump in order to have a good foundation for an axel, double axel, etc.” Jump height necessary for an… …Continue reading →

  • Flipper Foot Landing Concept (Nick Perna)

    International coach and jump specialist Nick Perna shares an important insight about jump landings, especially landings of triple and quad jumps. He calls this concept the “flipper foot” and he notes that you don’t hear it talked about a lot.  He continues, “In a good proper landing a skater will do what they call the ‘eagle… …Continue reading →

  • Triple Jump Lesson – Part 1 (Chris Conte)

    International coach and jump specialist Chris Conte begins a jump lesson with one of his skaters, focusing on triples. He has the skater do a double axel just to get the feeling of air position and landing which will be necessary for the triples. (He had previously given this skater a harness lesson for triple axel.)… …Continue reading →

  • Rocker Counter Concept for Double Loop (Nick Perna)

    International coach and jump specialist Nick Perna continues discussing methods of getting quickly into rotation on jumps (“concept of rotation”). In previous videos he covered his “rocker cross stroke” concept for axel and double axel and salchow and toe loop. In this video, he introduces a similar concept for double loop (and flip and lutz). Because a loop… …Continue reading →

  • “Floating” the Jumps (Jackie Brenner)

    National level coach Jackie Brenner discusses the idea of “floating” jumps as part of the development process when adding another rotation to a jump (typically doubles to triples, and single to double axel). After introducing herself and her skater, Jackie clarifies the issue. She says, “What happens sometimes when we go from double to triple… …Continue reading →

  • Axel Development Ideas – Part 1 (Mirai Nagasu, Rafael Arutyunyun)

    Olympic Team medalist and coach Mirai Nagasu offers feedback to an axel class at a camp, and World and Olympic coach Rafael Arutyunyun discusses the importance of the method and timing of loading/exploding on the axel. Mirai is working with just a portion of the overall group of skaters on the ice, and the overall session… …Continue reading →

  • Backspin Double Loop – Part 2 (Tom Zakrajsek)

    World and Olympic coach Tom Zakrajsek continues his presentation on “backspin double loop” jump exercises. In Part 1 he introduced the exercise and explained it in detail, and he also showed some advanced variations. In this video Tom shares two more variations of the exercise that are particularly appropriate in the developmental process. He begins… …Continue reading →

  • Double Toe Loop Lesson – Part 2 (Kori Ade)

    World and Olympic coach Kori Ade continues a double toe loop lesson at a camp. As noted in Part 1, this lesson started with a discussion of working on the triple toe, and although this skater isn’t really ready to work on the triple, Kori uses that as motivation to continue to improve the double.… …Continue reading →

  • Big Muscle Backspin – More (Tom Zakrajsek)

    In this short video, World and Olympic coach Tom Zakrajsek returns to his discussion of the “big muscle backspin” as a tool for improving jump air position. In a previous video, Tom introduced the concept and shared his ideas about how to make a basic backspin into a more useful jump training tool. In this… …Continue reading →

  • Axel Development – Part 2 (Robert Tebby)

    World and Olympic coach Robert Tebby continues his discussion of single axel development. Part 1 offered a ton of detail, from the overall process Robert uses to the specifics of that process. In this video, he begins by noting some common errors. He explains that because we’re asking skaters to create rotational energy (which Robert… …Continue reading →

  • Introduction to Beginner Axel – Part 3 (Nick Perna)

    International coach and jump specialist Nick Perna continues an axel development class for young skaters at a camp, introducing the early concepts as they relate to waltz jump. A significant percentage of this class is not really ready to work on the axel, but as Nick demonstrates it’s never too soon to teach important concepts… …Continue reading →

  • Introduction to Beginner Axel – Part 2 (Nick Perna)

    International coach and jump specialist Nick Perna continues an axel development class for young skaters at a camp, introducing the early concepts as they relate to waltz jump. A significant percentage of this class is not really ready to work on the axel, but as Nick demonstrates it’s never too soon to teach important concepts… …Continue reading →

  • Triple Toe Loop in Combination Lesson (Audrey Weisiger)

    World and Olympic coach Audrey Weisiger gives a lesson to a skater who is working on triple triple jump combinations, and in particular, triple toe loop as the second jump. Audrey begins the lesson with a double toe loop “with arms in a frame the whole time” and she asks the skater to increase the… …Continue reading →

  • More Insights on Jump Landings (Robert Tebby)

    World and Olympic coach Robert Tebby continues his discussion of jump landings (see previous video here). Robert says this about landings, “We want to separate what’s technically correct and what’s going to help us actually land a jump, and then what actually looks good.” In terms of aesthetics of the landing position, he likes a… …Continue reading →

  • Jump Landings (Robert Tebby)

    World and Olympic coach Robert Tebby explains and demonstrates important fundamental concepts for jump landings. He begins by noting that our understanding of jump landings continues to evolve, which means our teaching methods also need to change and improve. As coaches we need to remain humble and open-minded and be willing to adapt. He then… …Continue reading →

  • Off-Ice Seminar Class – Part 6 Jump Landings (Chris Conte)

    International coach and jump specialist Chris Conte continues an off-ice jump class for skaters at a seminar. In Part 1 Chris taught some basic walking and skipping drills which served both as a warm-up and as an introduction to fundamental movements. In Part 2 Chris worked on the basic concepts of small stationary and non-rotating off-ice… …Continue reading →

  • Double Axel Development – Part 1 (Tom Zakrajsek)

    World and Olympic coach Tom Zakrajsek begins a series of videos discussing some of the drills and exercises he uses when developing a double or triple axel. There are a ton of insights about the axel (and double and triple) in these videos, and he guides us through the process of making the jump more… …Continue reading →

  • Loop Jump Insights (Doug Leigh)

    World and Olympic coach Doug Leigh shares thoughts and exercises about the loop jump. He begins by discussing jump landings in general, showing an exercise at the wall that simulates air position and checking the rotation at landing. He begins this by facing the wall and standing on the toe pick of the non-axis skate… …Continue reading →

  • Head Anchoring And Head Position in Jumps (Robert Tebby)

    World and Olympic coach Robert Tebby discusses the position and movement of the head in jumps and jump development. Robert says, “Everyone has come to the conclusion that keeping your head straight (on take-offs) is a good thing, and something that all of the high level skaters do.” He explains that your sense of balance… …Continue reading →

  • Off-Ice Seminar Class – Part 5 Jump Landings (Chris Conte)

    International coach and jump specialist Chris Conte continues an off-ice jump class for skaters at a seminar. In Part 1 Chris taught some basic walking and skipping drills which served both as a warm-up and as an introduction to fundamental movements. In Part 2 Chris worked on the basic concepts of small stationary and non-rotating off-ice… …Continue reading →

  • Toe Loop as Second Jump in Combination – Part 3 (Robert Tebby)

    World and Olympic coach Robert Tebby continues his presentation (see Part 1 here and Part 2 here) on the toe loop as a second jump (toe loop in combination). He begins here by explaining that even if the first jump in the combination is not ideal (or even quite poor), the skater should try the… …Continue reading →

  • Head Anchoring for Jumps (Tom Zakrajsek)

    World and Olympic coach Tom Zakrajsek discusses the important of head anchoring on jumps, as well as a great way to describe it to skaters. He begins by saying, “If your head is not anchored over your jumping side it’s going to be really hard to straighten that leg on the take-off.” Tom’s favorite description… …Continue reading →

  • Double Lutz Lesson (Debbie Warne-Jacobsen)

    National level coach Debbie Warne-Jacobsen continues a series of videos covering a lesson for an adult skater who is working on her USFS Senior Free Skating test. In the first part of this lesson, the focus was on the double salchow-Euler-double salchow combination jump. In the second part of this lesson, they are worked on… …Continue reading →

  • Insights Regarding Seatbelt Air Position (Doug Leigh)

    World and Olympic coach Doug Leigh shares insights and benefits of using the “seatbelt” air position for jumping. He begins with a short discussion of philosophy on continuing education, with passion, details, finesse, and purpose. As an introduction to air position, Doug initially talks about how the air position flows into the landing, so the… …Continue reading →

  • Toe Loop as Second Jump in Combination – Part 1 (Robert Tebby)

    World and Olympic coach Robert Tebby teaches toe loop as a second jump (toe loop in combination). He begins by drawing a circle on the ice near the boards, and then dividing the circle into thirds. One radial line points towards the boards, and the other two radial lines point into the rink at an… …Continue reading →

  • Off-Ice Seminar Class – Part 2 (Chris Conte)

    International coach and jump specialist Chris Conte continues an off-ice jump class for skaters at a seminar. In Part 1 Chris taught some basic walking and skipping drills which served both as a warm-up and as an introduction to fundamental movements. In this video, the focus is on the basic concepts of small stationary and non-rotating… …Continue reading →

  • Crossing the Feet on Double Toe Loop (Nick Perna)

    International coach and jump specialist Nick Perna gives a lesson on double toe loop. He begins by asking for a double toe, but the skater never crosses the feet and lands the jump on two feet facing forward. Nick is reasonably happy with the jump take-off, and has the skater do some walk-throughs to feel… …Continue reading →

  • Barrier Step Up Exercise – Part 2 (Tom Zakrajsek)

    World and Olympic coach Tom Zakrajsek continues his explanation of the “barrier step up exercise.” In Part 1 Tom taught the first phase of the exercise, and in this video he teaches the second phase which he calls the “merry-go-round.” After the skater can do the basic exercise taught in Part 1, the “merry-go-round” adds… …Continue reading →

  • Landings and Landing Positions (Sheila Thelen)

    Figure skating specialist coach Sheila Thelen teaches a class of beginner skaters to improve their jump landings. She begins by describing the arm positions, with the axis side arm pointing into the circle and the non-axis side arm pointing outside the circle. The inside arm is shoulder level and the outside arm is raised slightly… …Continue reading →

  • Single Axel Development – Part 2 (Audrey Weisiger)

    World and Olympic coach Audrey Weisiger continues her axel lesson with a young male skater. In Part 1 of the lesson, the focus was on the take-off itself and the quickness needed to transfer the weight in the air. In this part of the lesson, Audrey shares a powerful exercise that can help many skaters… …Continue reading →

  • Barrier Step Up Exercise – Part 1 (Tom Zakrajsek)

    World and Olympic coach Tom Zakrajsek teaches what he calls the “barrier step up exercise” which is important for learning proper jump air position and landing movements. This kind of exercise is important because it helps skaters learn these positions and movements in an accurate way, without the risk/distraction of actually jumping. The “barrier step… …Continue reading →

  • First Up, Second Up, Third Up (Tom Zakrajsek)

    World and Olympic coach Tom Zakrajsek explains what he means by the terms “first up,” “second up,” and “third up” as these terms continue to be used more and more commonly among coaches and skaters. Tom says, “When I’m coaching jumping I’m always queuing the skater by saying ‘up, up, up.’ I really feel there… …Continue reading →

  • Big Muscle Backspin (Tom Zakrajsek)

    World and Olympic coach Tom Zakrajsek discusses the importance of a “big muscle backspin” as a tool for improving jump air position. This is essentially a regular backspin with details that make it more valuable as a jump training tool. Tom explains, “The idea of the big muscle backspin is that skaters have to pull… …Continue reading →

  • Building a Triple Toe – Part 3 (Chris Conte)

    International coach and jump specialist Chris Conte continues his lesson with a skater who wants to learn a triple toe loop. In Part 1 Chris analyzed the double and decided to work on improving the double rather than trying triples. He discussed air time and the need for more reach and more back angle. In… …Continue reading →

  • Landing Position Ideas and Insights (Rohene Ward)

    Coach and choreographer Rohene Ward shares insights and ideas for landing positions. For this presentation he has 4 advanced skaters as demonstrators, all having slightly different body types and jump landing technique. Rohene begins by noting that he chooses a basic landing position for each skater based on their specific needs and tendencies. The skaters… …Continue reading →

  • Using a Balloon for Jump Training – Part 4 (Lorie Charbonneau)

    International coach Lorie Charbonneau finishes her presentation on using a simple air-filled balloon as a jump training aid. In Part 1 she introduced the concept and had her skaters demonstrate single jumps as well as axel and double salchow with the balloons. In Part 2 the skaters demonstrated the other double jumps, as well as… …Continue reading →

  • Triple Flip Triple Toe Loop Combination Lesson (Rohene Ward)

    Coach and choreographer Rohene Ward gives a jump lesson to eventual 2022 US Ladies Champion Mariah Bell (this video was taken several years before she won her national title). This lesson focuses entirely on the triple flip triple toe combination jump which Mariah was working on at the time. Rohene has her do a double… …Continue reading →

  • Double Toe Loop Combination Drills (Debbie Warne-Jacobsen)

    National level coach Debbie Warne-Jacobsen offers exercises for working on two jump combinations where the second jump is a double toe loop. A great way to improve double double combos is to work on single double combinations. Debbie has the skaters to single lutz double toe loop, single flip double toe loop, and single loop… …Continue reading →

  • Double Axel Lesson (Michelle Leigh)

    World and Olympic coach Michelle Leigh gives a double axel lesson. She begins the lesson by having the skater watch a successful double axel example by an elite skater (Carolina Kostner). This provides an opportunity to review characteristics of a good jump and it provides mental imagery for the skater to emulate. Sometimes seeing the… …Continue reading →

  • Creating Ankle Flex in Flip Jumps (Michelle Leigh)

    World and Olympic coach Michelle Leigh works with a skater to improve the flip jump take-off with improved ankle flex in the air. (In previous videos, Michelle worked with this skater to get ankle flex on double loop jump and ankle flex on double toe loop.) Michelle begins with a single flip and then a… …Continue reading →

  • Common Waltz Jump and Axel Issues (Chris Conte)

    International coach and jump specialist Chris Conte gives a lesson at a seminar, and this portion of the lesson focuses on the waltz jump and the axel. Chris begins by asking for three waltz jumps in a row with nice rhythm. He then encourages this skater to lunge less with the upper body on each… …Continue reading →

  • Tips for Double Loop Double Loop Combinations (Ryan Bradley)

    2011 US Men’s Champion Ryan Bradley gives a skater a lesson on double loop double loop combinations. After watching a double loop single loop combo, Ryan notes, “You really have to be aggressive on the way out on these loop combos.” He recommends keeping the axis arm back and the non-axis hip high on landing… …Continue reading →

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