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One of the biggest confusions in watching skating is trying to figure out which jump is which

. To the casual viewer, every jump looks the same. This Jumps section in Skating 101 will offer quick tips on how to spot the differences in the jumps.

There are six different types of jumps that are recognized in the International Judging System (IJS), the toe loop, salchow, loop, flip, lutz, and axel. Each jump is distinguished based on its distinctive takeoff, but all jumps land in the same manner.

Toe vs. Edge

The six jumps are divided into two more specific categories toe jumps and edge jumps. Toe jumps take off with the assistance of the tap of the toepick, often seen in a linear setup pattern that goes down the long side of the rink. Edge jumps take off utilizing the edge of a blade, often seen in a radial setup pattern that is on the short side of the rink.

Direction of Rotation

Skaters generally rotate in the counterclockwise direction, but there is minority of skaters who rotate clockwise. These lefty skaters are actually not always left-handed, but their natural direction of rotation is different than most. Almost all skaters jump and spin in the same direction of rotation, though a very small percentage is more comfortable jumping in one and spinning in the other.

All jump descriptions in Skating 101 are written based on the more common counterclockwise rotation. Simply substitute right for left, and vice versa, to make the conversion to clockwise jumping.

After the jumps, spins are next in line as the most recognizable elements in skating. They are easier to identify because the various positions are very different.

There are three main categories of spins: upright, camel and sit. Each spin essentially enters in the same way with the skater stepping on a forward outside edge and using a spiraling edge to create momentum and force. Good quality spins are centered, meaning they stay in one place on the ice. When a spin travels, it moves across the ice and displays a lack of control. Spins are executed on both feet.

American Jackson Haines is regarded as the first skater to introduce spins. He is often called the father of figure skating and originally started as a ballet dancer who brought his style on to the ice.

The upright spin consists of the skaters body staying more or less vertical to the ice. This category of spins includes one-foot spins, backspins, cross foot spins and layback spins. The backspin is often used to simulate the rotating position for jumps, as it resembles the tight air position required. The rotation of a jump happens so quickly and the backspin is a good way to train the body in what to do once in the air. The layback spin is where the back is arched and the free leg is drawn up slightly.

The name sit spin pretty much says it all. This is a spin where the skaters body is located close to the ice and the skating knee is bent. It is fast as the skater is in a tight position and able to gather a lot of momentum.

Camel spins do not resemble the animal! The skaters body is horizontal to the ice except for the spinning leg. When it was introduced, skaters did not lift the free leg as high as they do now, resulting in a less then glamorous position. A camel spin position is defined as having the free leg knee higher than hip level.

In a short or free program, spins are first identified by the Level of Difficulty and called by the Technical Specialist on the judging panel. There are four different levels and skaters include variations to achieve the highest possible Level of Difficulty.

We will explore these variations on spin positions and flying spins. Wait until we get to the death drop or doughnut spin!

by: SimMiles

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