Skating Help?

Question

i am working on my toe loop right now and i suck at it because i don't jump high enough on my waltz jump and my three-turn is crappy. i think the reason im doing this is because i am afraid/embarrassed to fall any help?

and how do i improve my balance?

xoxoPink503

Answer 1

Don't worry about falling!   We all do it...and you have to do it.  If you're not falling, you're probably holding back, which won't allow you to improve the jump because you're stopping yourself.  "Teach" yourself to fall.  Tell yourself that it's okay to fall...it most likely won't hurt and it's the only way to push yourself to improve.

From personal experience, I hate to loops! :)  They're a jump that is difficult to make them big.  Be careful that you're not doing a "toe waltz jump."  Practice mazurkas to get the toe loop feel for a take off.  Remeber with mazurkas, you reach back, pick and twist to kick through, sort of like a bunny hop.  You want to achieve the same thing in your toe loop moreso than a waltz jump.  This part will be even more important when you get to a double, so might as well do it right now so you don't have to re-learn it like I did.  :)

Maybe break the jump down into pieces.  For so long, I skated with coaches who employed the way of teaching of just doing the jump over and over and over til you got it.  My new coach likes to give exercises for her skaters to work on, sort of like building blocks that you can then put together and poof -- you've got the jump.  If just doing the jump over and over isn't working for you, do what works.  Work on the 3-turn by itself.  Once you feel comfortable with it, work on the mazurka.  Do a few slow motion toe loops...3-turn, reach back for the pick, hop, check out.  

Good luck!

Answer 2

wow. I can't even ATTEMPT to do those yet. lol. I can barely jump on the ice. When ever I do something I'm afraid to do, just remember this: If you don't fall, you're NOT trying hard enough! A very wise skating instructor taught me this! Good luck!

Answer 3

Look the only advice that will work is to just do it. Fall, cry and do it again. If you want to be bad that is your problem no one elses try your best any never settle even if it was good. Dig your toe pick in and practice your 3 turns once again just do it and dont stop (if you want to be inspired go on itunes or limewire and download get up by superchick it gives you extra confidence)

Answer 4

Heya :).

Hmm.. i know what u mean about falling. Iv been skatin 5 years and im afraid to say i still get like that sometimes. I dont think u really can get over it, u just gotta try and think positively, u can land those jumps. As for the toe loop, a tip is to keep ur left arm in front and ur right arm behind as u jump as this keeps ur body from turning and improves ur position in the air. Dont be embarrassed about falling, every1 does, think how many times olympic champions have! and besides, in the end ul be smiling cos ul have a great jump. Gd luck, stay positive and keep skating! xx

Answer 5

Yeah, toe loop was hard at the begining for me too. what I would do is to make sure you get your waltz down solid. learning your waltz is very important. you will need it later for your axel too. don't even think about falling. everyone does it. you deffinatly have to get your three-turn. to improvoe your balence, just go skating more. you don't even have to practice tricks. just skate. have fun with it :)

Answer 6

Falling is a part of skating, if you don't fall, you're not trying! I'm working on a double toe wally(go in like a flip but switch feet before you toe in and jump) and I hate doing it cause I fall all the time. You can't psych yourself out. Just go for it and you'll get it eventually. Stick with it<3

Answer 7

haha.a couple of things. 1. Please please PLEASE dont be afraid to fall. Or embarassed for that matter. as a figure skater, you're going to fall. I havent met a single skater who has never fallen. Trust me, all skaters fall. 2. Taking Pilates or possibly Yoga classes can really you help with your balance. 3. Just an addition to #1, if you're afraid to fall, you're honestly not gonna improve very fast, because falling is one way to help muscle memory and the higher you get in skating, the more you fall. 4. Please dont think I'm trying to crush your spirits, because Im really not. I'm trying to help you. But so you know, you can get a crash pad if you dont wanna hurt yourself when you fall. Good Luck! :)