Ice Skating Jumps: Axel and Double Flip-Double Loop Combination (Chris Conte)

This is another lesson that Chris Conte gave at the 2009 G2C Extreme Super Camp.  In this lesson, Chris works with his skater on axel and double flip double loop combination. I’ve included this video for a couple of reasons.  First, notice how Chris focuses on a number of classic issues that are critical to jump success (head position, straight landing leg in the air, etc.).  Second, notice all the terminology that Chris uses with his skaters. Here’s some of the terminology.  He talks about an important physical law:  “For every action there is an equal and opposite reaction.”  He also mentions “press down on the back flipper and let the sit bones drop straight down” to remind the skater of a position they’ve talked about.  He also references “a little more monkey when you push” to convey more information.  Chris is a very creative coach and he finds interesting ways to share information with his skaters that ensure they will remember and understand.  (Sorry, I don’t have video of Chris explaining what all this means – maybe in the future.) On axel, Chris also mentions the moment when the turn-over starts.  He explains it as the moment the skater gets to the toe pick, which is very short in time but the skater should feel it.  Also notice how Chris uses computer video analysis at the rink, by projecting the video on the wall by the rink.  This system is great because it allows the skater to clearly see a large image, but it can be distracting to other coaches and skaters.  (There’s always a trade-off.)  Again notice how Chris wants his skater to have a straight landing leg in the air (which Chris calls the “axis leg”).  This is a major aspect of jumping that top coaches focus on. In the combination, Chris notices the head position between the jumps.  Top coaches are very attentive to the head even on what appears to be an excellent combination.

Please leave a comment below.  Chris is a member of this website and would love to hear from you.

Add to “My Favorites” (Beta testing)