Figure Skating Test Help?

Question

i figure skate in Canada and am currently behind everybody my age because i took a few years off, now in a couple of weeks i have a test that is going to decide if i get to move up or not, the only trouble is that i am having difficulties with some of the things i need to do. this list is as follows:

- back outside edges : no problem

-back inside edges: no problem

- front inside edges: no problem

- front outside edges: no problem

- flip jump: BIG PROBLEM! i cannot jump high enough i can go all the way around but it isnt high enough!!

- loop loop: can do it, but wish it was higher

- lutz: to akward, i cant do it for some reason

-axel : no chance i can do this, but you just have to attempt it so i am fine here

- camel - sit spin: no problem

- flying spin: i can do a flying sit, but they prefer a flying camel, but when i jump into it i end up gliding on an edge instead of spinning

- back spin: no problem

- back spiral: no problem

there are 3 other thing but they are easy!!

Answer 1

It actually sounds like your not doing to bad! Flip jumps take practice. Try tapping your toe pick into the ice behind you more than to the side of you (Cross your legs A LOT) - this gives you a better pull and allows you to get all the way around! It also provides more height. Dont be afraid to bend your knees either!!! The best thing you can do is do the flip jump over and over and over again! All your height problems can be taken care of by bending your knees more and pushing up off the ice. (Think like you ant to touch the ceiling). Also, make sure on your loop jump that you are taking off on an EDGE!!! Dont take off on a flat OR try not to scrape your toe before take off. (I did that a lot when I was learning it!) I am working on my axel now and i feel your pain :) !!!! Oh, man...that jump is like impossible, but just remember to jump up NOT out. First work on getting your height. TIP: practice your axels by starting from a stand still position and then doing a waltz jump and then right into a loop jump. Also, practice a waltz jump and then into a one revolution back spin and strecth out (glide out of it) like you just landed. These excercises help your positioning in the air and just give you the feeling of the axel! Flying spins you just have to remember to stay steady and try to grab your center and pull you whole body all at once. Don't leave any body parts lagging behind.

    I have a test in two days myself! I'm nervous.

   Good luck to you...I hope this helps! :)

Answer 2

If you're having problems gettin height on your jumps you need more knee bend on your take off. Also, practice the jumps off ice with a pair of ankle weights.

The lutz is so so awkward, but it takes practice. I was having a problem with it when I got back into skating after a 6 year break. When you skate back into it get your arms into place first. Your back arm (right arm) needs to be back enough to where you feel a slight pull through your shoulder and your hand should be shoulder height. After your arms are in place bring your foot into place. When you dig your toepick into the ice make sure you get over the skate. Don't take off too early. Also, make sure you bring your left knee up and pull in tight.