How to Figure Skate – Head Position on Jumps (Michelle Leigh)

Michelle Leigh discusses head position in figure skating jumps.  This topic is very well understood by a small group of top coaches.  After all, a very high percentage of top skaters use these ideas in their skating (just watch the top skaters on TV).  For some reason, these ideas have not filtered down to most coaches around the world.  But understanding and applying these concepts will help your skaters’ awareness, their take-off positions, their air positions and even their landings.

It isn’t clear why this information hasn’t reached most coaches.  Perhaps top coaches automatically assume that everyone already knows this so they don’t stress it in their presentations.  In any case, we can be grateful to coaches like Michelle Leigh for sharing this important how-to-figure-skate information.

[When I first started doing computer video analysis, this is one of the first things I noticed.  Top skaters control their head in this “unnatural” way while average skaters often pre-rotate the head prior to take-off.  When I give my “6 Observations About Jumps” presentation to coaches, most coaches are astonished by what they see in the video.  -Trevor]

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7 responses to “How to Figure Skate – Head Position on Jumps (Michelle Leigh)”

  1. Peter

    I have question about this hed position.. Does that apply to the Axel as well? Thank

  2. Katerina

    Awesome! Great explanation and demonstration of the head rotation (its so important) during the jump. Thank you!

  3. Nancy

    Thank you for sharing Michelle! Great info!

  4. Paula Trujillo

    I agree! Head is crucial to good jump technique. Thank you Michelle and welcome aboard.

  5. Sheila Thelen

    Love the part about the landing (where to look). THANKS MICHELLE! You’re an awesome addition to iCoachSkating! Can’t wait for the next video!

  6. Peter

    Brilliant! Thank you, Michelle & Trevor!

  7. Tiba

    Very good tip, thank you.