A Salchow jump is a figure skating edge jump that takes off from a back inside edge and lands on the back outside edge of the opposite foot. Named after Swedish skater Ulrich Salchow, it is considered one of the foundational jumps in the sport and is typically the first multi-rotational jump taught to beginning figure skaters. Understanding what is a salchow jump in figure skating helps skaters build proper technique before advancing to more complex jumps.
In this guide, I will break down everything you need to know about this essential edge jump. You will learn its history, technical execution, variations from single to quadruple rotations, and practical tips for learning it correctly. Whether you are a beginner skater, a parent supporting a young athlete, or simply curious about figure skating mechanics, this article covers all the details.
Table of Contents
What Is a Salchow Jump in Figure Skating?
The Salchow is classified as an edge jump, meaning it takes off without assistance from the toe pick of the skate blade. Unlike toe jumps where the skater uses the toepick to vault into the air, edge jumps rely entirely on the momentum and edge pressure of the skating blade.
Key characteristics define this jump:
- Takeoff edge: Back inside edge of the skating foot
- Landing edge: Back outside edge of the opposite foot
- Rotation direction: Counter-clockwise for most skaters (natural rotation)
- Arm position: Arms swing forward and up to assist lift
- Free leg: Swings forward during takeoff to generate momentum
The Salchow holds a special place in figure skating because it teaches skaters how to use their edges effectively. Edge control is perhaps the most critical skill in skating, and the Salchow requires precise edge transitions that transfer to every other jump and element in the sport.
From my observation of skating forums and communities, the Salchow is often described as the most forgiving of the edge jumps. The technique allows for a natural flow of movement, making it accessible to skaters who have mastered basic turns and edges but are not yet ready for the more demanding Lutz or Axel jumps.
The History Behind the Salchow Jump
The Salchow jump takes its name from Ulrich Salchow, a Swedish figure skater who dominated the sport in the early 1900s. Born in 1877, Salchow won ten World Championships between 1901 and 1911, a record that stood for nearly a century. He was known for his innovative approach to skating and his willingness to push technical boundaries.
Ulrich Salchow invented this jump around 1909, originally performing it as a single rotation. At the time, figure skating was evolving from a purely artistic pursuit into a sport that combined artistry with athleticism. The introduction of jumps like the Salchow helped transform competitive skating and added new dimensions to what athletes could achieve on ice.
The evolution of the Salchow since its invention tells the story of figure skating’s athletic progression:
- First double Salchow: Cecilia Colledge (1936)
- First triple Salchow: Ronnie Robertson (1955)
- First quadruple Salchow: Timothy Goebel (1998)
- First quadruple Salchow in ladies’ competition: Alexandra Trusova (2018)
These milestones demonstrate how the jump has evolved from a simple single rotation to one of the most difficult elements performed in modern competition. The progression from single to quadruple Salchow took nearly 90 years, reflecting the increasing athletic demands placed on competitive figure skaters.
Today, the Salchow remains a staple in competitive programs across all levels. The International Skating Union (ISU) includes it as one of the six required jumps in competition, and skaters must demonstrate mastery of this element to advance through competitive tests and rankings.
How to Execute a Salchow Jump In 2026?
Learning the Salchow requires breaking down the movement into distinct phases. Each phase builds upon the previous one, creating a fluid motion that carries the skater through the air and back to the ice safely.
Step 1: Entry and Preparation
The entry begins with a forward outside three-turn, which transitions the skater onto the back inside edge of the takeoff foot. This three-turn is critical because it sets the proper edge angle and body position for the jump. The skater should maintain a slight bend in the skating knee while keeping the upper body relatively quiet.
Many beginners struggle with this entry because they rush the three-turn or fail to check out of it properly. Checking out means controlling the rotation from the three-turn so you do not over-rotate before beginning the jump itself.
Step 2: The Takeoff
As the skater completes the three-turn and settles onto the back inside edge, the free leg swings forward and across the skating foot. This swing generates the momentum needed to lift off the ice. The arms simultaneously swing forward and upward, contributing to the upward momentum.
Timing is everything here. The jump happens at the exact moment when the free leg reaches its forwardmost position. Delay the jump too long, and you lose momentum. Jump too early, and you do not generate enough lift.
Step 3: Air Position
Once airborne, the skater pulls the arms and free leg into a tight rotation position. For a single Salchow, this happens quickly, but the principle applies to all variations. The tighter the rotation, the faster the spin and the cleaner the landing.
The head stays level, and the eyes spot the landing area when possible. Proper air position separates clean jumps from messy ones, especially as skaters progress to double and triple rotations.
Step 4: Landing
The landing occurs on the back outside edge of the opposite foot from takeoff. The skating knee absorbs the impact through controlled bending, and the free leg extends backward for balance. A good landing flows smoothly into an edge that can connect to the next element in a program.
Based on forum discussions from adult skaters returning to the ice, landing on the correct edge is one of the most common challenges. Many beginners instinctively try to land on a flat or inside edge, which causes the landing to skid or the skater to fall.
Salchow Jump Variations and Competition Scoring
The Salchow comes in four main variations based on the number of rotations completed in the air. Each variation carries a different base value in ISU scoring, reflecting the increased difficulty of additional rotations.
Here is how the variations break down:
- Single Salchow: One full rotation (360 degrees). Base value: 0.40 points.
- Double Salchow: Two full rotations (720 degrees). Base value: 1.30 points.
- Triple Salchow: Three full rotations (1080 degrees). Base value: 4.30 points.
- Quadruple Salchow: Four full rotations (1440 degrees). Base value: 9.70 points.
In ISU competition scoring, the Salchow is abbreviated as “S” on score sheets and technical panels. You will see notations like 1S, 2S, 3S, and 4S representing single, double, triple, and quadruple Salchows respectively.
These base values represent the starting point for scoring. Judges then add or subtract points based on the quality of execution, measured by the Grade of Execution (GOE) scale. A perfectly executed triple Salchow can earn bonus points above the base 4.30, while a poorly executed one might score below the base value.
The quadruple Salchow represents one of the most difficult technical achievements in figure skating. Only a handful of male skaters have landed it in competition, and even fewer female skaters have accomplished this feat. The combination of edge takeoff and four full rotations demands exceptional height, rotation speed, and precise timing.
Salchow vs Other Figure Skating Jumps
Understanding how the Salchow compares to other jumps helps skaters and fans appreciate its place in the technical hierarchy. Figure skating has six main jumps, divided into edge jumps and toe jumps.
The three edge jumps are:
- Salchow: Back inside edge takeoff, back outside edge landing. Considered the easiest edge jump.
- Loop: Back outside edge takeoff, back outside edge landing on the same foot. More difficult than Salchow because the takeoff edge does not naturally assist rotation.
- Axel: Forward outside edge takeoff, back outside edge landing. The only jump with a forward takeoff, making it technically 1.5 rotations for a single jump. Considered the hardest jump overall.
The three toe jumps are the Toe Loop, Flip, and Lutz. These all use the toe pick of the free foot to assist with lift off the ice, making them fundamentally different from edge jumps like the Salchow.
From a difficulty standpoint, most coaches and skaters rank the jumps as follows from easiest to hardest: Toe Loop, Salchow, Loop, Flip, Lutz, Axel. This ranking assumes single rotations, though difficulty can shift somewhat for higher rotation counts.
The Salchow earns its reputation as beginner-friendly because the back inside takeoff edge naturally flows into the rotation direction. The edge itself helps turn the skater, whereas a Loop jump requires the skater to generate all rotation from body position and arm swing.
Learning the Salchow: Tips for Beginners
Based on insights from skating forums and my research into common learning challenges, here are practical tips for mastering the Salchow jump. These address the pain points that adult learners and beginners frequently encounter.
Skills to Master First
Before attempting a Salchow, you should have solid command of these foundational skills:
- Forward and backward crossovers
- Three-turns (both directions)
- Mohawk turns
- Waltz jump (the single rotation precursor to Axel)
- Back inside and back outside edges held for at least 3 seconds
Most instructors recommend spending considerable time on three-turns and backward edges before introducing the Salchow. These elements form the technical foundation that the jump builds upon.
Common Mistakes and Fixes
Mistake 1: Rushing the takeoff
Many beginners try to jump immediately after the three-turn without establishing a strong edge. The fix involves holding the back inside edge for a full beat before initiating the free leg swing. Practice this by doing three-turns followed by gliding on the back inside edge until you feel balanced and controlled.
Mistake 2: Incorrect free leg position
The free leg should swing across the body, not around the side. A common error is swinging the leg in a circular motion rather than a forward-across trajectory. The fix involves practicing the leg swing while holding onto the boards, focusing on the forward-across motion.
Mistake 3: Landing on the wrong edge
Landing on a flat or inside edge instead of the required back outside edge causes most falls. Practice landing position on the ice by stepping onto the back outside edge of the landing foot and holding the position. Develop muscle memory for where that edge should be.
Off-Ice Training Drills
Off-ice practice accelerates learning significantly. Here are drills you can do at home or at the gym:
- Rotation training: Practice one-foot spins on a rotation disc or spinner to develop air position.
- Leg swing practice: Stand on one leg and practice swinging the free leg forward and across, mimicking the Salchow takeoff motion.
- Jump simulation: Perform simulated Salchow jumps on the floor, focusing on the arm swing and leg swing coordination.
- Edge balance: Practice one-foot balance on a balance board or BOSU ball to develop edge control muscles.
Adult skaters on forums consistently mention that off-ice training made the biggest difference in their jump progression. Spending 15 minutes daily on these drills often produces faster improvement than additional ice time alone.
How Long Does It Take to Learn?
Learning timelines vary based on age, athletic background, ice time availability, and coaching quality. Most recreational skaters who practice 2-3 times per week can expect to learn a single Salchow within 3-6 months of starting jump training.
Children often progress faster due to lower center of gravity and less fear. Adult learners may take longer but often develop cleaner technique because they approach learning more analytically. Consistent practice and patience matter more than raw talent.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Salchow Jump
What’s the hardest jump in figure skating?
The Axel is considered the hardest jump in figure skating. It is the only jump that takes off from a forward outside edge, and it requires 1.5 rotations for a single Axel. This makes a triple Axel actually 3.5 rotations in the air, making it one of the most difficult technical elements in the sport. Only a small number of skaters have landed quadruple Axels in competition.
Is the Salchow a beginner jump?
Yes, the Salchow is considered the easiest of the three edge jumps and is typically the first multi-rotational jump taught to beginners after they master the Waltz jump. Its back inside edge takeoff naturally assists with rotation, making it more forgiving than the Loop or Axel jumps. Most skaters learn the single Salchow before advancing to double rotations or other jump types.
What trick is forbidden in ice skating?
The backflip is forbidden in competitive figure skating under ISU rules. It is considered an illegal element because it involves rotating backward headfirst toward the ice, which poses safety risks. Skaters who perform backflips in competition receive disqualification. Other forbidden elements include certain types of somersaults and any move deemed dangerous by officials.
How is a Salchow different from a Toe Loop?
The main difference is that a Salchow is an edge jump while a Toe Loop is a toe jump. The Salchow takes off from a back inside edge without toe pick assistance. The Toe Loop uses the toe pick of the free foot to vault into the air from a back outside edge. This toe assist makes the Toe Loop generally easier to learn than the Salchow for most skaters.
Why do I keep falling on my Salchow landing?
Most landing falls happen because skaters land on a flat blade or inside edge instead of the required back outside edge. Focus on rolling to the outside edge as you touch down. Another common cause is opening the rotation too early, which slows your spin and prevents completing the rotation before landing. Practice the landing position stationary on the ice to build muscle memory for the correct edge.
What edge does a Salchow take off from?
A Salchow takes off from a back inside edge of the skating foot. After executing a forward outside three-turn, the skater glides on the back inside edge before swinging the free leg forward to initiate the jump. The landing occurs on the back outside edge of the opposite foot. Understanding these edge specifications is essential for proper execution.
Conclusion: Mastering the Salchow Jump in Figure Skating
The Salchow jump represents a foundational milestone in every figure skater’s journey. Understanding what is a salchow jump in figure skating opens the door to mastering all edge jumps and developing the edge control that defines skilled skating.
From its invention by Ulrich Salchow in the early 1900s to the quadruple rotations landed by elite skaters today, this jump has evolved while maintaining its core technical requirements. The back inside edge takeoff and back outside edge landing create a natural flow that makes it accessible to beginners while remaining challenging at higher rotation counts.
Whether you are learning your first single Salchow or working toward double and triple rotations, focus on the fundamentals. Strong three-turns, proper edge control, and correct timing will carry you through this jump and prepare you for more advanced elements. Consistent practice, both on and off the ice, will help you achieve clean, confident Salchows that elevate your skating to the next level.