Identifying Figure Skating Jumps: Toe Jumps and Edge Jumps
How do you tell one jump from the next? If you’re not a figure skater it can be tricky. There are two categories of jumps–toe jumps and edge jumps. Successfully identifying toe and edge jumps is the first step to being able to spot all the different jumps.
In a toe jump, the toe pick of the free foot (the foot that’s not on the ice) assists the skater in getting up into the air. The toe pick servers as a fulcrum to support the jump while the bent knee provides the power. The skater places her pick into the ice and then snaps her bent knee (the skating knee) straight for take-off. That action produces enough power to lift the jump and start the turn.
Toe jumps:
- Toe loop and toe walley
- Flip jump
- Lutz jump
- Split jump
An edge jump is done straight from an edge, without the help of a toe pick for lift-off. A deep edge, a bent skating knee that straightens during take-off, and speed will supply enough power for lift and rotation.
Edge jumps:
- Waltz jump
- Salchow
- Loop jump
- Axel
As you watch the Worlds this week see if you can spot the difference between toe and edge jumps.