Figure Skating Off-ice Training: Off ice jump class

Figure Skating Off-ice Training: Off ice jump class – Part 6 (Kori Ade)

This off-ice training video is the final part of a multi-part off-ice jump class by Kori Ade. In Part 1, Kori had the class do heel clicks and air turn variations. In Part 2, Kori has the class do exercises for rhythm, quickness, and balance. In Part 3, the focus was on flying sit spins and flying camels and Part 4 covered straight line walking waltz jump and axel drills. In Part 5, Kori worked on lunge axels.

In this video Kori begins by having the class do a series of explosive jump drills, alternating between tuck jumps and Russian split jumps. When done correctly these movements fall under the category of plyometric exercises. Plyometric exercises are one of the best ways to achieve height and quickness needed to complete double and triple jumps. When executing plyometric exercises, the skater practices moving from a muscle extension to a contraction in an “explosive” manner. The goal is to train the muscles so they are more explosive for on-ice jumping.

Kori offers feedback to the class to maintain the needed quickness by saying “don’t land on the ground, just jump off the ground.” She also says, “no bouncing between, just take-offs,” and “quickness off the ground.” These short phrases help the skaters stay focused on the primary goal. Notice that she does not focus on the technique of the tuck jumps or Russian splits.

The final exercise in this video is basic off-ice multi-rotation air turns. Kori recommends having the skaters step forward with their free leg, backward with their free leg, then step onto both feet side-by-side, and immediately jump up and rotate. This off ice exercise helps to improve quickness and power and helps develop better awareness or “feeling” or rotation in the air. In this drill, Kori lets the skaters choose to cross their feet or not. Again the focus is on the explosive nature of the drill (and a reasonable axis in the air).

Both of these drills are great for skaters of all skill levels.

Check out the other parts of this series: Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5, and Part 6.