Is it possible to practice jumps off ice?

[gardana]

If so, what sort of jumps do you practice off ice, how do you practice take off and landing?

[Terri C]

I practice the following jumps off ice: waltz, toe loop, loop and flip. You can do lutzes and axels off ice as well! The salchow is a little harder to do off ice , but it can be done!

[Isabelle]

I suggest hopping on the landing (don't try to "stick" it) because it's less damaging to the knee.

[Hester Prynn]

When I was younger, more energetic, body not falling apart, etc I would practice my doubles up through lutz off the ice. Now because of a reoccuring ankle issue, I can't practice really any of my jumps off ice. The main problem being the double axel.
I definately agree with Isabelle, better to hop the landings, it also helps prevent twisting your ankle.
As for what I do now, well, depends on the day and how my feet do. If I practice anything, it's only ever a single or double axel. But for the most part, I don't recommend ANY off ice jumping if you have knee or ankle problems. Even on a fairly soft yet stable surface, it compounds the problem. Some coaches push it, mine never did.

Hope this helps...

*hp

[dooobedooo]

I find it's OK for practising rotation, landing etc, but find it almost impossible to get a good feeling to the edge, rocker and toepick. So I can get a jump to work fine in shoes, and then not transfer it to the ice. Any tips?

[Chico]

I practice all my jumps on the floor. I can do all the singles, the axel, the 2 sal, and 2 toe. My flip and loop are cheated. I have no fear on the floor but do get nervous on the ice some days. I like floor jumping as I feel like I get more spring and tennis shoes are much lighter than skates. I do think it helps. Things do feel different on the ice with movement and edges. I think floor jumping does give you the idea of the jump. I too agree, hop your landing.

Chico

[Mrs Redboots]

My coach starts all his skaters doing new jumps off-ice - if he takes a skater off the ice, it's either to stretch him/her, or you know they're working on a new jump.

[sk8ing is lyfe]

use off ice jumping as a way to practice quickness into the rotating position and quality of the rotating position. Do NOT trying and use it to master technique because it is totally different...

JMO!

[Skatingsarah]

My jumps are better off the ice then on,lol. I work really hard outside that the grass is dead where I jump lol

[Mrs Redboots]

Originally posted by Skatingsarah
My jumps are better off the ice then on,lol. I work really hard outside that the grass is dead where I jump lol Yeah, I've had to ban jumping in our front room - there simply isn't enough space and after husband and daughter both crashed into the furniture, I said Enough was Enough, and Jumps had to be Practiced Outside!

[icenut84]

Lol Annabel!

I practice them off ice sometimes, but mostly it's just the entrances, and getting into position. I don't always actually jump up. I usually do them in the living room, although I have been caught doing them at college before, and once my boyfriend caught me practicing a loop in his kitchen! lol. I've crashed into the furniture a couple of times, but nothing too bad. I also crashed into the kitchen table a few times when trying to practice spins. :)