Figure Skating Jump Technique For Arms (Michelle Leigh)

Michelle Leigh discusses some very helpful information regarding arm motions and positions throughout jumps, and particularly loop, flip and lutz.  This is a fabulous video with tons of tips you can apply with your skaters.

In this video, Michelle gives a truly awesome timing tip.  She suggests that you make sure your skaters have both hands in front “like they’re flying a jet” at the same moment as their toe pick enters the ice.  This is a simple observation that can immediately help your skaters and could change how you teach flip and lutz.

Why does this work?  It appears that this timing helps most skaters get to a position that helps them pivot to forward for the actual jump take-off.  Most skaters that have timing problems have a “late right arm.”  This is easy for us to see as coaches.  Watch for it with your skaters!

Also notice how Michelle encourages “getting narrow” during the take-off movements.  This is an important concept used by most top coaches.  She also talks about getting the arms all the way through to a high position at the moment of take-off.  These ideas combine to give the arms a “low to high” movement during jump take-offs.

Make sure you also check out Michelle’s tips on head placement and movement and general jumping principles.  Combined, these ideas build a nearly complete philosophy on jumping.  And Michelle has had great success with her skaters so these are ideas you should consider.

As I said above, this is a fabulous video.  Play with these concepts with your skaters.  I think you’ll see significant benefits. -T

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