libterm.com The triple lutz is a challenging figure skating jump that requires precise timing, strong edge control, and explosive power to complete three full rotations in the air. Mastering this jump can significantly enhance your technical repertoire and boost your competitive scores. Discover detailed techniques and training tips by reading the full article.
Table of Comparison
| Feature | Triple Lutz | Triple Salchow |
|---|---|---|
| Jump Type | Toe jump (toe pick assist) | Edge jump (no toe pick) |
| Takeoff Edge | Back outside edge | Back inside edge |
| Rotation | 3 revolutions (1080deg) | 3 revolutions (1080deg) |
| Difficulty | High - requires precise timing and edge control | Moderate - less edge precision but requires balance |
| Common Usage | Used in advanced figure skating programs | Used in both intermediate and advanced routines |
| Technical Challenge | More difficult due to outside edge takeoff and toe pick | Less difficult than Lutz, but edge control essential |
Introduction to Triple Lutz and Triple Salchow
The Triple Lutz and Triple Salchow are two fundamental jumps in figure skating, distinguished by their takeoff edges and difficulty levels. The Triple Lutz is launched from a backward outside edge with a toepick assist, making it one of the more challenging jumps due to its counter-rotated entry and complex edge control. The Triple Salchow starts from a backward inside edge without a toepick assist, typically considered less difficult but requiring precise timing and balance for a clean execution.
Technical Definitions: Triple Lutz vs Triple Salchow
The Triple Lutz is a toe-pick-assisted jump that takes off from the back outside edge of one foot and lands on the back outside edge of the opposite foot after completing three rotations in the air. The Triple Salchow is an edge jump initiated from the back inside edge of one foot, launching without toe assistance and landing on the back outside edge of the opposite foot after three rotations. The key technical distinction lies in the takeoff edge and the use of the toe pick, with the Lutz requiring a toepick launch from the back outside edge, while the Salchow relies on a clean edge takeoff from the back inside edge.
Historical Development of Each Jump
The Triple Lutz originated in the early 20th century, credited to Alois Lutz in 1913, marking a significant evolution in figure skating's technical complexity with its outside edge takeoff, demanding precise balance and timing. The Triple Salchow, named after Ulrich Salchow who first performed it in 1909, became a foundational jump characterized by its inside edge takeoff and smoother rotational mechanics, influencing many skaters to master edge control. Over time, both jumps have been refined through advancements in technique and athleticism, contributing to the increasing difficulty and artistry in competitive figure skating.
Key Differences in Takeoff Technique
The Triple Lutz features a takeoff from the back outside edge of the opposite foot with a toepick assist, requiring precise edge control and timing to launch the jump cleanly. In contrast, the Triple Salchow initiates from the back inside edge of the same foot without toepick assistance, emphasizing smooth edge use and rotational momentum generated by the inside curve. The difference in edge engagement and toepick usage fundamentally influences jump height, rotation speed, and overall execution technique in these figure skating elements.
Rotational Mechanics and Air Position
The Triple Lutz requires a counter-rotated takeoff from the back outside edge, demanding precise edge control and strong initiation of angular momentum to complete 3.5 rotations, whereas the Triple Salchow launches from the back inside edge, enabling a more natural rotational axis but requiring greater core stability to maintain tight air position. Air position in the Triple Lutz emphasizes a compact, vertical posture that maximizes rotational velocity through minimal moment of inertia, while the Triple Salchow necessitates slight forward lean to sustain balance and optimize rotational efficiency in the air. Both jumps depend heavily on maintaining a tucked body position with arms unified closely to the torso to enhance rotation speed and successful landing outcomes.
Common Challenges and Mistakes
Triple Lutz and Triple Salchow jumps frequently pose challenges such as edge control and takeoff precision, with the Triple Lutz often causing issues due to its outside edge takeoff. Skaters commonly mistake the edge on the Triple Lutz, leading to edge calls and under-rotation, whereas the Triple Salchow's inside edge approach can result in pops or short rotations if timing is off. Both jumps require strong rotational speed and precise body alignment to avoid common mistakes like balance loss and inconsistent landings.
Scoring Impact and Difficulty Value
The Triple Lutz holds a higher base difficulty value of 6.0 points under ISU scoring compared to the Triple Salchow's 4.2 points, reflecting its increased complexity due to the outside edge takeoff and counter-rotated entry. Judges often award higher Grades of Execution (GOE) for a cleanly executed Triple Lutz because it requires greater precision and athleticism, which can significantly impact the technical element score. Successful completion of the Triple Lutz boosts overall program components by showcasing advanced jumping skills, whereas the Triple Salchow, while less difficult, is commonly used as a reliable scoring element to maintain technical content.
Notable Skaters and Iconic Performances
The Triple Lutz, favored by skaters like Yuzuru Hanyu and Evgenia Medvedeva, is renowned for its outward edge takeoff, demanding precise technique and speed, as seen in Hanyu's record-breaking free skate at the 2014 Sochi Olympics. The Triple Salchow, executed by legends such as Michelle Kwan and Nathan Chen, launches from the inside edge, enabling smoother transitions and versatility, highlighted in Kwan's graceful routines during the late 1990s World Championships. Both jumps remain iconic in figure skating, with the Triple Lutz symbolizing technical difficulty and the Triple Salchow showcasing elegant flow within competitive performances.
Training Approaches for Each Jump
Training approaches for the Triple Lutz emphasize edge control and the use of the outside back edge of the skate to generate torque and height, requiring skaters to practice precise edge alignment and explosive toe pick entry. In contrast, the Triple Salchow training focuses on mastering the inside back edge takeoff and achieving a smooth, rotational launch through strong core engagement and controlled knee bend. Both jumps demand rigorous off-ice conditioning combined with repeated jump drills to build muscle memory and improve air awareness, but the Triple Lutz typically involves more complex edge precision exercises.
Triple Lutz vs Triple Salchow: Which Is Harder?
The Triple Lutz is generally considered harder than the Triple Salchow due to its more complex takeoff edge and the requirement to launch from the backward outside edge of the skate, increasing technical difficulty and balance control. The Triple Salchow takes off from the backward inside edge, making it slightly more accessible, but still demanding precise timing and rotation. Skaters often find the Triple Lutz more challenging to master because of the heightened risk of edge call errors and the greater need for rotational speed and edge precision.
Triple lutz Infographic
