Characteristics of triple and quadruple toe-loops performed during the Salt Lake City 2002 Winter Olympics

Sports Biomech. 2004 Jan;3(1):109-23. doi: 10.1080/14763140408522833.

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to compare triple (T) and quadruple (Q) toe-loop figure skating jumps and quantify basic characteristics of these jumps to provide information to coaches that will assist them in teaching quadruple toe-loops to elite figure skaters. High-speed video was taken during men's practice and competition sessions at the 2002 Salt Lake City Winter Olympics; three-dimensional analyses of selected triple and quadruple jumps were completed. The most significant difference between triple and quadruple toe-loops was an increase in rotational velocity in the air. Additionally, increased vertical velocity at take-off and subsequent time in the air were also observed. Three main conclusions were developed: 1) The timing of rotation of the hips and shoulders was different for quadruple toe-loops compared to triples with the differences being observed before toe-pick; 2) Increases in rotational velocity occurred primarily as a result of the skaters assuming different body positions from take-off through landing which resulted in tighter rotating positions for longer durations of the jump; 3) Greater vertical velocity was gained during the propulsive phase due to the extension of the legs during the press off the ice.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Evaluation Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Biomechanical Phenomena
  • Hip / physiology
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Posture / physiology
  • Rotation
  • Shoulder / physiology
  • Skating / physiology*
  • Task Performance and Analysis*