Expert: Jeffrey M. Hill - 7/14/2004

Question
Hi Jeff!

I am an adult skater trying to re-learn my double toe loop - talk about frustrating!  I seem to have most trouble when picking in and going into the rotation of the jump - I call it the  weight transfer over to the right hip into the "back loop or spin position.  Any suggestions on making that transition easier?  That is where I seem to lose to momentum on the jump- at that trasfer point.  I can't remember what I used to do years ago - I guess when you are younger, you just "do" things and don't think about it.  Thanks for your time and any pointers you can give me, I would apprecitate it!

Thanks!

Rita Curlett
Port Huron Figure Skating Club
Port Huron, Michigan

Answer
Hi Rita, thanks for your question.
The biggest problems I see with this jump in the inability of the skater to check the pre-rotation before actually tapping into the ice for the take-off.  If you are a counter-clockwise jumper and enter from a forward inside 3-turn, remember to check the exit of the three.  Your left arm should be stretched in front of you, while your right arm is stretch behind you, thus allowing for the shoulders to be square to the hips.  Not checking results in a rushed jump and by comparing tracings you can tell how much the jump was cheated on take-off.  Another error is the skater's inability to tap straight back, instead I see skaters tapping way outside the circle, thus resulting in a toe-waltz jump or a toe-axel.  The key is to first get the height, then initiate the rotation by bringing your arms in and turning your head in the direction of flight.  To correct these errors, I have my students practice the jump off-ice to get the proper body alignment and timing, then on-ice have them check the 3-turn but not tap in, teaching them to hold the proper body position and edge needed for the take off.  Once I see that this is done, I usually see that the skater gets more height, is in correct body alignment (square) in the air, which results in an easier transition or change of axis for the jump.  Please let me know if this answers your question, or if you need further clarification.
Good luck and Happy Skating,
Jeff