Collection Figure Skating 2026.08.09

The Moment of Takeoff: How Figure Skating Jumps Change

A collection of techniques for reading the six basic jumps and assessing connections, rotations, and edges during competitions

#Figure Skating #Figure Jump #Axel #Jump Judging #Ice Sports

Figure skating jumps may all look similar at first glance, as they involve rotating several times in the air. However, if you observe the edge the skate rides just before takeoff, whether the opposite foot performs a toe pick, and whether the jump moves forward, you'll see the distinct differences among the six basic jumps. The toe loop and loop often appear as connecting jumps, while the flip and lutz introduce a thrilling tension due to their takeoff edges. This list focuses on differentiating the figure skating jumps from the moment of takeoff rather than just memorizing their names, encouraging you to distinguish them by viewing actual competition footage.

This list starts with the toe loop, salchow, loop, flip, lutz, and axel, then moves on to combinations and sequences, rotation deficiencies and edge assessments, and finally to Grade of Execution (GOE). Instead of listing technical terms in fragments, it explains what to look for in competition videos and score sheets. Understanding that even the same triple jump is scored separately for base value and execution quality makes reading results much easier. However, it's advisable to check the latest official guidelines, as the competition rules, athlete composition, and products for sale may change.

Jumps are not actions to mimic without proper coaching and a safe ice environment. The takeoff edge and toe pick explained here serve as guidelines for viewers and are not an instruction for self-study practice. Instead of making conclusions based on a single slow-motion shot, consulting the official protocol from the technical panel can help clarify the assessment. When observing, you can see the role that jumps play within a program when you consider not only the success of the landing but also aspects like height, distance, flow, and musical connection.

Toe Loop

This is a toe jump taken off while gliding backward. Typically, it uses the outside edge of the right foot to take off and pushes off the left foot's toe pick to jump, often appearing as the second connecting jump among the six basic jumps. Even if the entry seems short, the difference in the takeoff foot and the foot used for the toe pick makes it easy to distinguish from the flip and lutz. It is dangerous to try jumps without a coach's supervision on the ice. When observing, paying attention to the edge before takeoff, use of the toe pick, and flow after landing can make distinguishing the jumps much easier.

Salchow

This is an edge jump named after Ulrich Salchow. It is taken off from the inside back edge of one foot and lands on the outside back edge of the opposite foot without using a toe pick. Just before takeoff, if both feet spread apart and appear triangular or if the swinging leg makes a large circle, this can serve as a clue to distinguish it from the toe loop. It is dangerous to try jumps without a coach's supervision on the ice. When observing, paying attention to the edge before takeoff, use of the toe pick, and flow after landing can make distinguishing the jumps much easier.

Loop

This is an edge jump taken off from the back outside edge and lands back on the same foot's back outside edge. It often enters with crossed feet and takes off on a single foot without the assistance of a toe pick, giving the takeoff moment a solid and compressed appearance. Notably, when attached after a connecting jump, it does not change the landing foot and continues directly. It is dangerous to try jumps without a coach's supervision on the ice. When observing, paying attention to the edge before takeoff, use of the toe pick, and flow after landing can make distinguishing the jumps much easier.

Flip

This is a toe jump taken off from the inside back edge with a toe pick from the opposite foot. It often follows a three-turn or mohawk, so it’s good to observe whether a toe pick is used immediately after the change in entry direction. While the shape and movement are similar to the lutz, the key difference is that the takeoff edge is the inside edge, and an incorrect edge would be subject to assessment by the technical panel. It is dangerous to try jumps without a coach's supervision on the ice. When observing, paying attention to the edge before takeoff, use of the toe pick, and flow after landing can make distinguishing the jumps much easier.

Lutz

This is a toe jump taken off while maintaining a long back outside edge and using a toe pick from the opposite foot, jumping with force in the opposite direction of the rotation. The entry glide is long before takeoff, and the body typically exhibits an outward curve, which is a distinguishing feature. If it tilts into the inside edge like a flip, it may lead to an edge error called, so it’s better to observe the curvature of the entire body rather than just the foot. It is dangerous to try jumps without a coach's supervision on the ice. When observing, paying attention to the edge before takeoff, use of the toe pick, and flow after landing can make distinguishing the jumps much easier.

Axel

This is the only jump among the six basic jumps that takes off in a forward direction. The skater jumps forward and lands backward, meaning they need to rotate one and a half more times than the indicated rotation number, and a triple axel actually involves three and a half rotations. The clear scene of the skater extending their step forward during the entry moment makes it one of the jumps that beginner spectators can easily recognize first. It is dangerous to try jumps without a coach's supervision on the ice. When observing, paying attention to the edge before takeoff, use of the toe pick, and flow after landing can make distinguishing the jumps much easier.

Jump Combination

This structure connects directly to the next jump from the landing edge of the first jump without any extra steps or rotations. Typically, in the counter-clockwise direction, the skater lands on the outside back edge of the right foot, often attaching a toe loop or loop as the subsequent jump. If the initial landing is shaky, it disrupts the preparation for the next jump, which can significantly alter the quality of the entire connection. It is dangerous to try jumps without a coach's supervision on the ice. When observing, paying attention to the edge before takeoff, use of the toe pick, and flow after landing can make distinguishing the jumps much easier.

Jump Sequence

Several jumps are connected, but this is structured differently from combinations. Under current regulations, a sequence followed by an axel-type jump can be marked with +SEQ on the score sheet, so finding the flow transitioning directly to a forward jump after landing makes it easier to understand. Detailed regulations may change from season to season, so checking the protocol notation is accurate. It is dangerous to try jumps without a coach's supervision on the ice. When observing, paying attention to the edge before takeoff, use of the toe pick, and flow after landing can make distinguishing the jumps much easier.

Underrotation

This denotes a rotation deficiency judgment made by the technical panel when a jump lands slightly below the target number of rotations. On the score sheet, this is usually indicated with the < symbol, and the base value is adjusted accordingly. This is not merely an unstable landing; it involves reading how much rotation has been completed by the moment the skate touches the ice, often through slow motion. It is dangerous to try jumps without a coach's supervision on the ice. When observing, paying attention to the edge before takeoff, use of the toe pick, and flow after landing can make distinguishing the jumps much easier.

Downgrade

In cases of a more significant rotation deficiency, the jump is assessed at one step lower in rotation number. This can be confirmed with the << symbol on the score sheet; for instance, even if attempted as a triple, it may receive the base value for a double in assessment. This shows that even when no fall occurs, the rotation completion significantly impacts the technical score. It is dangerous to try jumps without a coach's supervision on the ice. When observing, paying attention to the edge before takeoff, use of the toe pick, and flow after landing can make distinguishing the jumps much easier.

Edge Call

This assesses the actual use of the required takeoff edge in jumps like the flip and lutz. Clear errors can be marked as e, while vague or minor issues may be indicated with ! on the protocol. It's difficult to make a definitive judgment based solely on camera angles, so the technical panel verifies multiple angles and takeoff moments. It is dangerous to try jumps without a coach's supervision on the ice. When observing, paying attention to the edge before takeoff, use of the toe pick, and flow after landing can make distinguishing the jumps much easier.

GOE

Grade of Execution (GOE) assesses the quality of execution separately from the base value of a successful element on a scale from -5 to +5. Factors such as height, distance, good takeoff and landing, and connection to the music contribute to positive scores, while falls, rotation issues, and poor landings are reasons for deductions. The actual scores received for the same type of jump can differ based on GOE. It is dangerous to try jumps without a coach's supervision on the ice. When observing, paying attention to the edge before takeoff, use of the toe pick, and flow after landing can make distinguishing the jumps much easier.

The quickest way to distinguish the six jumps is to observe the moment of takeoff rather than focusing solely on the number of rotations. If the skater jumps forward, it's an axel; if they jump from a single edge with no toe pick, it's a salchow or loop; using a toe pick increases the likelihood of it being a toe loop, flip, or lutz. Adding the entry curve and landing foot helps reveal the name. It's best to watch short scenes repeatedly rather than trying to get it right in one go. This list aims to help you identify figure skating jumps from their moment of takeoff through actual competition footage rather than merely memorizing their names.

In score sheets, the symbols following the jump abbreviations convey important information. The symbols < and << indicate rotation completion, while e and ! signify takeoff edge issues. Additionally, +COMBO and +SEQ inform about connection methods. Since GOE is added to the base value, it's not always the case that a jump done without a fall will receive a high score. To understand performance quality, one must consider the entire range of factors including height, distance, aerial position, and speed after landing. However, as competition rules, athlete composition, and products for sale may change, it's wise to check for the latest official guidance.

If you've mastered the guidelines for observation, try focusing on just one jump of your favorite skater during the next competition. By following the edge and toe pick before takeoff, the aerial rotation, and the landing curve in order, you'll start to read the screen more slowly. However, actual jumps should be learned progressively under the guidance of a coach in a safe rink. The goal of knowing the technical names is not to mimic difficult moves, but to appreciate the challenging moments created by the skaters more accurately.

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