Off Ice Figure Skating Jumps – Part 6 (Nick Perna)

Nick Perna continues his off-ice jump class.  This is the sixth part of a multi-part video series (see Part 1,Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, and Part 5).  In this part of the class, Nick adds ankle contact to the standstill loop jump drill from Part 5.

Nick spends a significant amount of time lecturing about the need for hitting the “h-position” first before going for the ankle contact.  He explains that many skaters do not climb all the way up into their jumps because they don’t reach a full “h-position.”  This is something that good coaches are always reminding their skaters.  Most skaters have the tendency to focus on rotation, and it feels unnatural to many skaters to fully lift in an open position because they “feel” they are getting to the fastest part of the rotation too late to finish the jump.  Almost always, a jump that lacks rotation actually lacks height and not quickness into the rotational position.

The ankle contact in this drill is very important because ankle contact creates a repeatable air position that is rotationally efficient.  This means the skater can do it over and over again and they can feel it.  I also means that they will rotate at maximum speed when they pull in if they are aligned properly with the rest of their body.

The last demonstration of this drill is clear and exactly what Nick is looking for.

Links to all videos in this series: Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5, Part 6 , and Part 7.

Please take a moment to share your thoughts below. Let Nick know what you thought of the video.

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