Split jumps

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Sasha Cohen performs a Russian split jump Sasha Cohen Split Jump.jpg
Sasha Cohen performs a Russian split jump

A split jump is a sequence of body movements in which a split is performed after jumping, while the performer is still in the air. Split jumps are commonly found in dance, figure skating, and gymnastics, and may also be used as a form of exercise.

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In figure skating

Split jumps are a category of figure skating jumps in which the skater achieves a split position in the air. Unlike most figure skating jumps, split jumps are positional jumps, rather than rotational jumps; the point of them is to achieve a position in the air, not to rotate a specific number of times. [1]

Most split jumps are derived from the half flip, a half-rotation jump with a flip entry. Split jumps can also be done with half Lutz or falling leaf (a loop jump with a half-revolution in the air) entries. More rarely, full-rotation flip and Lutz jumps can be done with a split. These jumps are known as the split flip and split Lutz.

As an alternative to the standard front split, some skaters perform a Russian split, with legs in a straddle split. The only difference between this and a split jump is the position in the air. [1] The legs extend straight out, with the toes pointed. Skaters often touch their toes as part of a Russian split.

Another variation is the stag jump, in which the forward leg is bent in front while the back leg kicks out as in the regular split jump. [1] Both the Russian split and stag jump can be done from the same jump entries as the regular split jumps. Bending both legs in a stag jump is sometimes called a double stag jump.

Split jumps are considered fairly basic jumps in figure skating [ citation needed ], but they can be very dramatic when performed well. The challenge is for the skater to achieve a full horizontal split or straddle position at the apex of the jump, which requires both body flexibility and a strong spring into the air.

See also

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Pair skating Discipline of figure skating

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Quad (figure skating) Jump with four full revolutions

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Split leap

A split leap or split jump is a sequence of body movements in which a person assumes a split position after leaping or jumping from the floor, respectively, while still in the air. Split leaps and split jumps are both found in various genres of dance including acro, ballet and jazz dance, and in gymnastics. Split jumps may also serve as a form of exercise, and the term split jump is also commonly used to describe similar body movements in figure skating.

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References

  1. 1 2 3 Petkevich, John Misha (1989). Figure Skating: Championship Techniques . Sports Illustrated. ISBN   1-56800-070-7.