Technique · Figure skating & artistic roller skating

The 6 figure skating jumps: axel, lutz, flip, loop, salchow and toe loop

How to recognize each jump on video, what order to learn them in, and how to practice them in training, on ice and on inline artistic skates.

In brief: the six jumps fall into two families. Toe-assisted jumps use the blade’s toe pick for support. Edge jumps take off directly from the edge.

Backward takeoff Forward takeoff
Toe-assisted jumps Toe loopFlipLutz —
Edge jumps SalchowLoop Axel
The six jumps

How to recognize each jump

Three questions are all it takes: Does the skater take off forward or backward? Do they use their toe pick? And which edge do they take off from? The jumps are presented from easiest to most difficult.

The toe loop

Beginner
Type
Toe loop
Edge
Backward outside
Takeoff
Right foot

The simplest toe-assisted jump. The skater glides backward on the outside edge, plants the left toe pick and rotates. Often the first jump learned, and the most commonly used as the second jump in a combination.

The salchow

Beginner
Type
Edge
Edge
Backward inside
Takeoff
Left foot

Often initiated with a three turn. The free leg sweeps forward to initiate the rotation. No toe pick: the edge does all the work.

The loop

Intermediate
Type
Edge
Edge
Backward outside
Takeoff
Right foot

Takeoff and landing on the same foot, without a toe pick. The legs stay close together at takeoff. It requires a very stable edge, because nothing helps initiate the rotation.

The flip

Intermediate
Type
Toe loop
Edge
Backward inside
Takeoff
Left foot

Often initiated with a three turn or a mohawk. The skater plants the right toe pick while staying on the inside edge. A common mistake is slipping onto the outside edge at takeoff.

The lutz

Advanced
Type
Toe loop
Edge
Backward outside
Takeoff
Left foot

The skater approaches on a long curve and rotates in the opposite direction to that curve. That’s what makes it difficult. A common mistake is shifting onto the inside edge, which turns it into a “flutz.”

L’axel

Advanced
Type
Edge
Edge
Forward outside
Takeoff
Left foot

The only jump that takes off forward. It therefore has an extra half rotation: 1.5 rotations for a single, 3.5 for a triple. It’s often a major milestone in learning.

Edges and feet shown are for a skater who rotates counterclockwise, which is the most common direction. For the other direction, everything is reversed.

Comparison

Jump comparison chart

Jump Type Takeoff Takeoff edge Toe pick Difficulty
Toe loop Toe loop Backward Outside Yes 1 / 6
Salchow Edge Backward Inside No 2 / 6
Loop Edge Backward Outside No 3 / 6
Flip Toe loop Backward Inside Yes 4 / 6
Lutz Toe loop Backward Outside Yes 5 / 6
Axel Edge Forward Outside No 6 / 6
Video

Figure skating jumps on video

To clearly see the difference between each jump, nothing beats a demonstration.

Video in English: Next Edge Tutorials on YouTube.

Progression

In what order should you learn the jumps?

Progress varies by coach and skater, but generally follows the same logic: start with the single jumps, from the most accessible to the most technical, then the axel, then the doubles and triples.

Each stage takes hundreds of repetitions. That's where on-ice practice is complemented by off-ice training and the coach's assistance.

  1. Single jumps
    Start with the toe loop and salchow, then the loop, flip and lutz.
  2. The single L axel
    The first 1.5-rotation jump, and often a real milestone.
  3. Double jumps
    In the same order as the single jumps, then the double axel.
  4. Triples and beyond
    For competitive skaters, with highly intensive technical and physical training.
Equipment

The right equipment for learning jumps

To reach the next level, you need to practice a lot, with less apprehension. The right equipment helps on both fronts.

For clubs & coaches

Jump harness and pole

The L coach holds the pole and supports the skater during the rotation. The skater can make repeated attempts without worrying about falling, and the coach can adjust the jump in real time. It's the go-to tool for mastering the axel, double and triple jumps.

  • Club Edition: only 1.5 kg, 3-year warranty
  • Ball-bearing pivot: smooth rotation up to quadruple jumps
  • Ice, artistic roller skating and inline
  • Designed and made in Montpellier, 30-day trial
Discover the harness Guide for parents →
For skaters

Protective shorts

Falls on the hips and tailbone are part of learning jumps. Our shorts have padded protection in these areas, invisible under your outfit, so you can try a jump again without worrying.

View the protective shorts

Rotating platform

For working on your spin position and tightness off the ice, at home or at the club.

Discover the spinner →
Training

5 tips for improving your jumps

  • Perfecting the entry
    Most failed jumps fail before takeoff. A clean takeoff edge matters more than height. Work on the turns that build momentum.
  • Break it down before spinning
    Work on the takeoff, then the rotation position, then the landing, separately before putting it all together.
  • Repeat with assistance
    The harness lets you get in more attempts at jumps you’re stuck on, without the risk of falling.
  • Train off the ice
    Off-ice jumps, rotations, core strength, and leg explosiveness. This training transfers directly to the ice.
  • Film yourself
    To check the takeoff edge, which is often invisible to the skater, especially on the flip and lutz.

Frequently asked questions about jumps

What is the hardest jump in figure skating?

L’axel. It’s the only jump that takes off forward, adding a half rotation. A triple axel therefore has 3.5 revolutions. Among jumps that take off backward, the lutz is generally considered the most difficult.

What is the difference between a flip and a lutz?

Both are toe jumps, taking off from the left foot with the right toe pick. The difference is the edge: backward inside edge for the flip, backward outside edge for the lutz. A lutz taken off the inside edge is called a “flutz” and is penalized in competition.

What is the difference between a loop and a toe loop?

Both take off from the right foot’s backward outside edge. In the toe loop, the skater uses the left toe pick for assistance. In the loop, they take off without a toe pick, using only the edge.

In what order are jumps learned?

Generally: toe loop and salchow, then loop, flip, and lutz as singles. Next comes the single axel, then doubles and the double axel. L’exact order depends on the coach and the skater.

Are the jumps the same in artistic roller skating?

Yes. In artistic roller skating, both quad and inline, there are the same six jumps, with the same principles of edge and rotation. Morlet Sports harnesses are also designed for ice, roller, and inline skating.

What is a jumping harness for?

It allows the coach to support the skater during a jump using a pole. The skater can repeat a difficult jump without the risk of falling, build confidence, and feel the full rotation before landing it on their own.

Stuck on a jump? Get in more repetitions.

Harness and jumping pole for clubs, coaches, and dedicated skaters. Have a question or an equipment project? Write to us.

Discover the harness