Triple salchow vs Triple loop in Sports - What is The Difference?

Last Updated Feb 2, 2025

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Table of Comparison

Feature Triple Loop Triple Salchow
Jump Type Edge jump (back outside edge takeoff) Edge jump (back inside edge takeoff)
Takeoff Edge Back outside edge Back inside edge
Number of Rotations 3 rotations in the air 3 rotations in the air
Difficulty Level High difficulty, requires strong edge control Moderate to high difficulty, requires precise edge timing
Common Usage Used to increase technical score in figure skating Widely used in competitions for technical variety
Landing Back outside edge landing on opposite foot Back outside edge landing on opposite foot
Technical Focus Edge strength and control, timing of rotation Edge precision and timing, consistent rotation speed

Understanding the Triple Loop and Triple Salchow

The Triple Loop and Triple Salchow are distinct figure skating jumps characterized by their takeoff edges and rotations, with the Triple Loop launched from the back outside edge of one foot and the Triple Salchow initiated from the back inside edge of the opposite foot. Mastery of these jumps requires precise edge control, body rotation, and timing to achieve three full rotations in the air before landing smoothly on a back outside edge. Differentiating their entry and takeoff techniques is essential for skaters aiming to execute these complex jumps with biomechanical efficiency and competitive reliability.

Key Technical Differences Between Triple Loop and Triple Salchow

The key technical differences between the triple loop and triple salchow jumps lie in their takeoff edges and body positioning; the triple loop requires a takeoff from a back outside edge with no toe pick assist, demanding precise edge control and rotational momentum generated solely by the skater's leg and upper body alignment. In contrast, the triple salchow involves a takeoff from an inside edge of the back foot, using the opposite toe pick to launch, allowing for slightly different rotation dynamics and timing. These distinctions impact the approach, balance, and in-air rotation technique, making the loop generally considered more challenging due to its reliance on edge strength and rotational power without toe assistance.

Jump Takeoff Mechanics: Loop vs. Salchow

The triple loop jump takes off from a back outside edge with the skater's free leg performing the rotation, requiring precise edge control and strong knee bend for lift. The triple salchow jump launches from a back inside edge, using the opposite foot's toe pick to vault into the air, demanding explosive toe pick engagement and balance on the entry edge. Both jumps necessitate core strength and timing, but the loop's edge-driven takeoff contrasts with the salchow's toe-pick-assisted launch, influencing their respective jump mechanics and difficulty.

Edge Usage in Triple Loop and Triple Salchow

The Triple Loop generates takeoff edge pressure on the back outside edge of the skate, requiring precise control to maintain balance and height during rotation. In contrast, the Triple Salchow utilizes the back inside edge to launch off the ice, demanding a fluid edge transition to ensure a stable and clean jump. Mastery of edge usage in both jumps enhances overall execution, with the Triple Loop focusing more on edge strength and the Triple Salchow emphasizing edge agility.

Body Position and Rotation Technique

The Triple Loop jump requires the skater to take off from the back outside edge of one foot and land on the same foot, emphasizing a strong upright body position and controlled rotation initiated by a precise knee bend and hip alignment. In contrast, the Triple Salchow takes off from the back inside edge of the opposite foot, demanding a more forward-leaning body posture and a quicker edge change to generate rotational momentum. Both jumps utilize tight air position with arms and legs pulled in to maximize rotational speed, but the Triple Loop's rotation tends to be more vertical, whereas the Triple Salchow involves a slight rotational tilt due to the edge and takeoff mechanics.

Common Challenges in Executing Each Jump

The triple loop and triple salchow both present distinct challenges in figure skating, particularly in achieving the correct takeoff edge and maintaining speed and rotational control. The triple loop requires precise timing for a seamless edge launch from the back outside edge of the skating foot, while the triple salchow demands balance during the takeoff from the back inside edge and strong core engagement to complete three rotations in the air. Common difficulties include mastering the correct edge use, generating sufficient height and rotation, and executing clean landings to avoid deductions in competitive scoring.

Scoring and Difficulty Levels: Loop vs. Salchow

The Triple Salchow and Triple Loop are both challenging jumps in figure skating, with the Triple Salchow generally scoring slightly higher due to its entry edge and rotational complexity. The Triple Loop is considered more difficult because it requires takeoff from the back outside edge without assistance from the opposite foot, increasing the technical challenge and potential for higher Grade of Execution (GOE) points. Judges often reward the Triple Loop with higher base values for its difficulty, but execution quality remains crucial in maximizing scores for either jump.

Famous Skaters Known for Triple Loop and Triple Salchow

Dick Button and Viktor Petrenko are renowned for pioneering the triple loop, showcasing precise edge control and rotational speed. Midori Ito and Michelle Kwan are celebrated for their mastery of the triple salchow, demonstrating exceptional height and fluidity in rotation. These skaters set benchmarks in technical execution, influencing successive generations in competitive figure skating.

Training Tips for Mastering Each Jump

Mastering the Triple Loop requires focused edge control drills emphasizing takeoff technique and smooth landing transitions to prevent under-rotation. For the Triple Salchow, prioritize inside edge strength and timing exercises that enhance the backward approach and ensure clean, locked knee positions during rotation. Incorporate off-ice plyometric training and video analysis to fine-tune body alignment and increase jump height for both jumps.

Choosing Between Triple Loop and Triple Salchow in Programs

Choosing between the triple loop and triple salchow in figure skating programs depends on the skater's technical strengths and program composition. The triple loop requires precise edge control and timing due to its takeoff from the back outside edge, while the triple salchow jumps from the back inside edge, often considered more accessible for skaters with strong edge work. Coaches often select the jump that maximizes point potential under the ISU judging system and aligns with the skater's consistency and choreography flow.

Triple loop Infographic

Triple salchow vs Triple loop in Sports - What is The Difference?


About the author. JK Torgesen is a seasoned author renowned for distilling complex and trending concepts into clear, accessible language for readers of all backgrounds. With years of experience as a writer and educator, Torgesen has developed a reputation for making challenging topics understandable and engaging.

Disclaimer.
The information provided in this document is for general informational purposes only and is not guaranteed to be complete. While we strive to ensure the accuracy of the content, we cannot guarantee that the details mentioned are up-to-date or applicable to all scenarios. Topics about Triple loop are subject to change from time to time.

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