TAKEOFF CHARACTERISTICS OF SINGLE AND DOUBLE AXEL FIGURE SKATING JUMPS

Takeoff kinematics of axel jumps were determined from a spatial analys is of singles and doubles performed by 16 figure skaters. The takeoff was divided into glide, transition, and pivot phases. During the glide , horizontal speed remained constant, vertical velocity was slightly n egative, and over half the angular momentum for flight was generated. In the transition, skaters gained considerable vertical velocity from tangential motion by rotating about the long axis of the blade. Initia lly this reduced the angle of the support leg with respect to the vert ical while the blade ran in the direction of progression. Most skaters continued to gain vertical velocity by angling the blade to the direc tion of progression (skidding) and rotating up and forward, still abou t the blade's long axis. There was little angular momentum gain, and f orward speed decreased significantly. In the pivot, skaters rocked for ward onto the toe picks losing horizontal speed, vertical velocity, an d angular momentum.