libterm.com A triple flip is a highly advanced skateboarding trick involving three full rotations of the board while flipping. Mastery of this move requires precise timing, balance, and control to execute it smoothly. Discover expert tips and techniques to help you land your triple flip by reading the rest of the article.
Table of Comparison
| Element | Triple Flip | Triple Salchow |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Edge jump | Edge jump |
| Takeoff Edge | Back inside edge | Back inside edge |
| Toe Pick Assist | Yes, with toe pick | No toe pick assist |
| Rotation | 3 full revolutions (1080deg) | 3 full revolutions (1080deg) |
| Difficulty | Moderate to high | High |
| Common Usage | Technical routines, transitions | Technical difficulty showcase |
| Notable Skaters | Yuzuru Hanyu, Nathan Chen | Evgeni Plushenko, Michelle Kwan |
| Landing | Back outside edge | Back outside edge |
Triple Flip vs Triple Salchow: Key Differences
The Triple Flip and Triple Salchow differ primarily in takeoff edge and technique; the Triple Flip employs a back inside edge with toe pick assist, while the Triple Salchow uses a back inside edge takeoff without toe pick involvement. The Triple Flip is generally considered more difficult due to its toe pick entry and tighter rotational axis, resulting in greater control challenges. Scoring potential varies as well, with the International Skating Union (ISU) assigning a base value of 5.3 for the Triple Flip and a slightly lower 4.3 for the Triple Salchow, influencing jump selection strategies in competition.
Technical Breakdown of the Triple Flip
The Triple Flip jump involves a takeoff from the back inside edge of the skate, assisted by the toepick of the opposite foot, enabling three full rotations in the air before landing on the back outside edge of the same foot. This jump requires precise edge control and timing to maintain rotational speed and avoid under-rotation or falls. Compared to the Triple Salchow, which takes off from the back inside edge without toepick assistance, the Triple Flip demands greater coordination between edge hold and toe pick placement for successful execution.
Understanding the Mechanics of the Triple Salchow
The triple Salchow involves launching off the back inside edge of one foot and completing three full rotations in the air before landing on the back outside edge of the opposite foot, requiring precise edge control and timing. In contrast, the triple flip takeoff uses a toe pick assist from the opposite foot's back inside edge, emphasizing a different balance of jump height and rotation speed. Mastery of the triple Salchow's mechanics hinges on strong edge quality and rotational momentum without toe pick assistance, making it distinct from the triple flip's technique.
Entry Techniques: Flip vs Salchow
The entry technique for a Triple Flip involves taking off from the back inside edge of the skating foot with assistance from the toe pick of the opposite foot, making it a toe jump that requires precise timing and balance. In contrast, the Triple Salchow is an edge jump initiated from the back inside edge of the skate without toe pick assistance, demanding strong edge control and momentum. Mastery of these distinct entries influences the height, rotation speed, and landing stability crucial for successful execution of both jumps in figure skating.
Jump Execution: Air Position and Rotation
The triple flip jump requires a toe pick assist with takeoff from the back inside edge and involves a forward approach leading to a counterclockwise rotation in the air, demanding tight body control and precise air position to complete three revolutions. In contrast, the triple salchow takes off from the back inside edge without toe pick assistance, emphasizing a smooth and balanced launch with a slightly backward lean, requiring an open body position and strong core engagement to maintain rotational speed throughout the jump. Both jumps demand strict coordination of arm and leg positioning to optimize rotational velocity and ensure a clean landing.
Common Mistakes in Each Jump
Common mistakes in the triple flip often include insufficient edge control, causing the skater to "toe out" prematurely, which leads to under-rotation or a downgrade. In the triple salchow, skaters frequently struggle with timing the pick on the back inside edge, resulting in a weak takeoff and potential loss of height or distance. Both jumps require precise edge alignment and strong air position to avoid falls or step-outs on landing.
Scoring and Judging: Flip vs Salchow
The Triple Flip features a toe pick-assisted takeoff from the back inside edge, generally yielding slightly lower base values than the Triple Salchow, which starts from a back inside edge without toe assist, often seen as more challenging technically. Judges evaluate the quality of takeoff, height, distance, and clean landing, with the Salchow receiving higher Grade of Execution scores when performed flawlessly due to its edge purity and difficulty. In terms of scoring, the International Skating Union values the Salchow higher in most cases, reflecting its increased complexity compared to the flip jump.
Physical Demands and Risk Factors
The triple flip requires precise edge control and explosive power from the takeoff, placing significant strain on the ankle and knee joints due to its inside edge launch and forward rotation. The triple salchow demands strong rotational momentum and balance, with higher impact forces on landing because of its takeoff from the back inside edge, increasing the risk of overuse injuries in the lower limbs. Both jumps pose substantial risk factors including muscle fatigue, joint stress, and potential falls, but the triple salchow's more complex entry elevates the likelihood of landing instability and repetitive strain injuries.
Famous Skaters Who Mastered Each Jump
Yuzuru Hanyu is renowned for his mastery of the triple flip, consistently executing it with precision and fluidity in competitions. Midori Ito, the first woman to land a triple Axel, also famously mastered the triple salchow, showcasing her technical prowess and contributing to the jump's popularity. Nathan Chen is another skater who excelled in the triple salchow, often using it to build momentum into more complex combinations.
Training Tips for Triple Flip and Triple Salchow
Mastering the Triple Flip and Triple Salchow requires focused edge control drills and jump timing consistency. Prioritize ankle strength exercises and off-ice plyometric training to boost takeoff power and rotational speed. Incorporate video analysis to refine body alignment and improve air position for cleaner landings on both jumps.
Triple flip Infographic
