International coach and jump specialist Jeremy Allen begins a series of videos where he discusses in detail all aspects of toe loop combination jumps. This series is an update to a good introductory video by Jeremy on combination jumps in general. The primary focus of this video is on how Jeremy teaches “the reset” which is how you move from the first jump to the second jump.
Jeremy begins by acknowledging the “eagle position” or “sticking the landing” which is the body position the skater is in shortly after impacting the ice after the first jump of the combination. This position is characterized by being aligned over the axis side with the skating leg bent (absorbing the impact) and the free leg crossed and bent. Jeremy explains that what happens next is the non-axis lower leg will naturally move in front (from crossed and bent position) and the non-axis foot will flex slightly. This flex happens automatically in nearly all cases and rarely needs to be taught. From the front, “as the free leg moves back it makes a slightly around” movement with the leg remaining straight or nearly straight.
Jeremy likes teaching the reset with a simple waltz jump, reset, toe loop combo drill with an emphasis on the reset itself. Once a skater gets comfortable with the basic movements, they can add speed and rhythm. Jeremy does some nice demonstrations to show what he is describing.
Next, he explains that many skaters have a natural rhythm or “little lilt” in their axis knee between the jumps, and he considers this “really good.” Jeremy notes that this lilt should not pull the skater off the back outside edge. He says, “That little bit of a bounce doesn’t have to create an inside edge.”
One of the most common errors when teaching toe loop combinations is asking the skater to push the free leg straight back, often from a strong h-position, typically resulting in a big drop of the free hip. A proper reset really requires the slightly around movement of the free leg, partly because it helps ensure the proper hip positioning, and partly because it helps maintain the rotational momentum from the first jump. He says, “Bringing that [free] leg a little bit wide and level is really important to create that momentum you need for the second jump.”
Jeremy ends the video by beginning a discussion of the rhythm of a good toe loop combination.
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leighmichelle Thank you Jeremy! So many great details