LL Lapinlahden Luistin LL89 · EST. 1989

Common Figure Skating Jumps: Salchow, Toe Loop, And Loop

Figure skating jumps can look effortless from the stands, yet each one depends on precise timing, edge control, body alignment, and a confident landing. The Salchow, toe loop, and loop are among the first recognised jumps skaters learn, making them useful building blocks for singles programs and rink skills.

For Australian skaters, most training takes place indoors, where ice time can be limited and shared between figure skating, ice hockey, and public sessions. Whether you skate in Melbourne, Sydney, Adelaide, Brisbane, or a smaller regional rink, understanding how these jumps work helps you practise efficiently and make the most of every session.

How The Salchow Uses The Edge

The Salchow begins from a backward inside edge. A right-handed skater commonly approaches on the left backward inside edge, with the free right leg swinging through to create lift and rotation. The take-off happens from the skating edge rather than from a toe pick, which gives the jump its characteristic flowing entry.

During the take-off, the arms and free leg should work together without pulling the upper body too quickly around. The skater rises vertically, keeps the core controlled, and rotates in the air before landing backwards on the opposite foot’s outside edge. A single Salchow has one rotation; doubles and triples demand much faster rotation and stronger control.

Beginners often mistake the Salchow for a wide swing rather than a compact jump. A useful drill is to practise the entry, swing, and landing position separately, first without leaving the ice. Coaches at a club such as Lapinlahden Luistin LL89 can help identify whether the issue comes from the edge, the timing of the free leg, or the landing posture.

Toe Loop Technique And Timing

The toe loop is a toe-assisted jump. The skater approaches on a backward outside edge, usually with the right foot, then places the opposite toe pick into the ice to help launch the body upwards. The take-off is compact, and the free leg’s toe tap should be light and deliberate rather than a hard stab.

Because the toe loop uses a toe pick, it can feel more accessible than an edge jump. It is often taught early because the entry is easy to recognise and the rotation can be developed in small stages. Even so, skaters need to avoid leaning too far backwards or allowing the picking foot to swing around the body, both of which can cause under-rotation.

On Australian rinks, where sessions may be short and busy, practising toe-loop preparation beside the barrier can be productive before attempting the full jump. A skater might spend an arvo repeating backward outside edges, toe taps, and landing holds, then use the remaining ice time for complete attempts.

The Loop And Its Clean Take-Off

The loop is an edge jump that takes off and lands on the same foot. A typical entry uses a backward outside edge, with the free leg crossed in front or held close to the skating leg. The skater compresses through the knee, springs upwards, and maintains a tight air position before returning to the same backward outside edge.

The loop’s same-foot take-off and landing make it a valuable test of balance. There is no toe pick to provide extra assistance, so the entry edge must remain stable until the instant of take-off. Opening the shoulders too soon can interrupt the rotation, while a loose free leg can make the landing drift or collapse.

A controlled single loop should finish with the landing knee bent, the upper body tall, and the free leg extended behind. Skaters can build confidence through two-foot rotational exercises, one-foot glide holds, and half-loop patterns. These exercises also support combinations, where the landing of one jump becomes the entry for the next.

Building A Safe Jumping Habit

Jump training should begin with a warm-up that raises body temperature and prepares the ankles, knees, hips, and shoulders. Skaters can use stroking, crossovers, backward glides, edge pulls, and gentle turns before jumping. Repeating a jump while tired often reinforces poor alignment, so quality matters more than collecting a high number of attempts.

Blade condition also affects take-offs and landings. Dull edges may slide during a Salchow or loop, while an uneven toe pick can make toe-loop timing unpredictable. Before a major training block, learn how to sharpen your skates properly and use a qualified skate technician when blades need professional work.

Australian families may need to plan around school terms, public-session timetables, and travel between rinks. Ice sports can involve higher costs than outdoor activities because rink access, coaching, skate hire, and equipment maintenance all add up. Booking regular training rather than relying only on casual sessions gives developing skaters a steadier rhythm, particularly in cities where peak ice time fills quickly.

Practical Recommendations For Developing Skaters

A good progression gives each jump a clear purpose instead of treating every attempt as a test. Coaches can use slow-motion video to examine the entry edge, picking action, air position, and landing. Video is especially helpful when a jump feels correct but repeatedly receives under-rotation or edge deductions in competition.

Skaters should also learn to distinguish between a fall caused by a technical mistake and one caused by hesitation. A committed, well-aligned attempt provides useful information; a jump interrupted in mid-take-off usually points to uncertainty in the entry. The following habits support steady progress:

Jump Main Take-Off Landing Foot Key Skill
Salchow Backward inside edge with free-leg swing Opposite foot, backward outside edge Edge control and timing
Toe Loop Backward outside edge with toe-pick assist Same general rotation pattern, backward outside edge Compact toe-assisted rotation
Loop Backward outside edge Same foot as take-off Balance and tight body position

These three jumps suit different stages of a skater’s development. The Salchow teaches how an edge can generate lift, the toe loop introduces a controlled toe assist, and the loop demands a particularly secure skating side. Together, they form a strong foundation for combinations, spins, step sequences, and more advanced jumps.

Consistent coaching, careful equipment care, and patient repetition are more valuable than rushing towards doubles. At the next rink session, spend ten minutes checking one backward edge and one landing hold before attempting a single Salchow, toe loop, or loop.