How to Complete a Salchow

The salchow jump is more than a basic figure skating jump. It's heralded for its unique ability to transition new skaters to skilled skaters and presents lots of opportunity for combinations during performance. The salchow is a good linking jump often used to combine different jumps or maneuvers. Perhaps best of all, the salchow is quite a crowd pleaser, especially when skaters attempt difficult multi-rotational jumps. Read on to learn more.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Learn to Complete a Salchow

1. Place great emphasis on technique. The salchow jump initiates on the inside edge of one skate, climaxes during rotation in the air and ends with a landing on the back outside edge of the opposite skate. Proper body position is crucial in completing this jump.
2. Approach the salchow from a 3 turn. This traditional turn propels the skater from a forward, then outside direction in preparation for the salchow jump.
3. Build on your established skills. Another approach for the salchow is using the mohawk turn, which is an edge jump performed in a circular pattern rather than the typical straight line. Ask your coach which approach is best for you. There is no substitute for professional coaching, and jumping should not be undertaken with out a coach.
4. Combine the salchow with other jumps. In competition, it is commonly seen as either the second or third jump in a combination.
5. Perfect the salchow as a beginning jump in figure skating. The salchow teaches new figure skaters how to jump off of the edge rather than toe pick of an ice skate.
6. Proceed to the waltz jump which is a half-rotation jump. The salchow is often combined with single or multiple rotations.

Trace the Origins of the Salchow Jump

7. Trace the original salchow jump back in time. Ulrich Salchow bears the name of the jump, not only because he invented it, but also because he was the first to use it back in 1909.
8. Know that early female figure skaters were actually reprimanded for jumping during a performance. Early generations of judges viewed jumping as vulgar and improper for women and the salchow was no exception.
9. Improvements in skate boots and blades have allowed great progress in jumping.
10. Have yourself video taped and study the tape for position corrections.

Tips & Warnings

• Listen to your coach. Perfect the single jump before attempting a double or triple jump. Practice, practice practice.
• Keep your ice skates laced tightly when you complete a salchow. Your ankle needs to be steady in the skate as you lean your weight to the inside of your foot. Make sure your skate boot is not broken down and that it provides the ankle support you need when jumping.