Throw jumps are among the most breathtaking elements in figure skating. The sight of a female skater soaring through the air, completing multiple rotations before landing gracefully on one blade, captivates audiences at every competition. If you have ever watched pairs figure skating and wondered exactly how do pairs figure skaters do throw jumps, you are not alone.
In this guide, I will break down the mechanics, physics, and training behind these spectacular elements. You will learn about all six types of throw jumps, how partners work together to execute them, and what makes some throws more difficult than others. Whether you are a casual fan looking to understand what you are watching or an aspiring pairs skater, this guide covers everything you need to know.
Table of Contents
What Are Throw Jumps?
Throw jumps are elements exclusive to pair skating where the male partner throws the female partner into a rotational jump. The female skater completes two to four revolutions in the air before landing on one foot. This distinguishes pairs skating from ice dance, which does not include jumps.
Yes, pairs figure skaters absolutely do jumps. In fact, they perform two distinct types of jumps in competition. The first is throw jumps, where the male partner assists the female partner. The second is side-by-side jumps, where both partners jump simultaneously and independently.
Throw Jumps vs Side-by-Side Jumps
Throw jumps and side-by-side jumps serve different purposes in pairs skating. In a throw jump, the male partner generates additional height and momentum for the female partner, allowing her to complete rotations she might not achieve alone. The female partner focuses entirely on controlling her rotation and executing a clean landing.
Side-by-side jumps require both partners to jump at the same time, performing identical or matching elements. These demand precise timing and coordination because both skaters must take off and land together. Many skaters find side-by-side jumps more challenging because any timing mismatch is immediately obvious to judges and audiences.
According to the International Skating Union protocols, throw jumps appear on scoring sheets with a “Th” abbreviation after the jump name. For example, a throw triple toeloop is written as “3TTh.” These elements have lower base values than unassisted jumps of the same type because the male partner provides assistance.
The Six Types of Throw Jumps
There are six distinct types of throw jumps in competitive figure skating. Each type differs in takeoff edge, rotation direction, and difficulty level. Pairs typically learn these in order of complexity, starting with the toeloop and progressing through to the axel.
Throw Toeloop
The throw toeloop is typically the first throw jump pairs learn. It is considered the easiest because the female partner takes off from a back outside edge and uses her toepick to assist the rotation. The male partner provides lift as she picks into the ice.
This jump creates a natural progression for beginners because the back outside edge entry is stable and the toepick provides clear rotational assistance. Most novice pairs master the double throw toeloop before attempting any other throw jumps.
Throw Salchow
The throw salchow is an edge jump, meaning the female partner takes off without using her toepick. She enters from a back inside edge and swings her free leg around to generate rotation. The male partner must time his throw precisely with her edge transition.
Because there is no toepick assistance, the throw salchow requires better edge control than the toeloop. The female partner must maintain a clean inside edge throughout the takeoff while the male provides upward momentum. Many intermediate pairs find this jump challenging because edge quality directly affects rotation speed.
Throw Loop
The throw loop is another edge jump taking off from the back outside edge. What makes it unique is the cross-legged takeoff position. The female partner crosses her free leg in front of her skating leg before the male partner releases her.
This crossed position creates a natural rotation that the male partner can enhance with his throw. The loop is generally considered more difficult than the salchow but less difficult than the flip or lutz. Elite pairs frequently include triple throw loops in their programs.
Throw Flip
The throw flip uses a toepick takeoff but with a forward inside edge entry. The female partner skates forward on an inside edge, reaches back with her other foot to pick the ice, and launches into the rotation. The male partner helps lift her as she picks.
This forward-to-backward transition makes the flip more complex than toeloop or salchow throws. The female partner must execute a precise half-turn on the ice before leaving the ground, which requires excellent coordination with her partner. Triple throw flips are common at the senior competitive level.
Throw Lutz
The throw lutz is widely considered the most difficult toepick-assisted throw jump. The female partner takes off from a back outside edge but initiates rotation in the opposite direction of her travel. This counter-rotation makes timing critical.
The male partner must throw against the natural momentum, requiring significant strength and precision. When executed correctly, the throw lutz generates tremendous height and distance. According to research from the Rochester Institute of Technology, elite pairs can achieve horizontal distances of up to 7 meters on throw lutzes.
Throw Axel
The throw axel is the most difficult throw jump because it is the only one with a forward takeoff. The female partner enters facing forward and must complete an extra half-rotation compared to other jumps. A triple throw axel is actually 3.5 rotations in the air.
Only a handful of pairs in history have successfully landed throw triple axels in competition. Rena Inoue and John Baldwin became the first pair to land this element at the 2006 US Championships. The throw axel remains extremely rare because the timing, height, and rotation speed required are extraordinarily demanding.
How Do Pairs Figure Skaters Do Throw Jumps?
The execution of a throw jump involves precise coordination between both partners. Each person has distinct responsibilities that must align perfectly for the jump to succeed. Understanding these roles helps explain why some pairs excel at throws while others struggle.
Partner Roles in Throw Jumps
The male partner serves as the launcher and stabilizer during throw jumps. He holds the female partner’s hand as she skates backward into the takeoff position. At the precise moment of takeoff, he provides upward lift and forward momentum that carries her into the air.
The female partner controls the entire aerial phase and landing. She initiates her rotation immediately after release, pulls her arms tight to increase rotational speed, and spots her landing. The male partner has no further physical contact after the throw, making the female partner entirely responsible for the rotation and landing quality.
This division of labor explains why throw jumps are generally less physically damaging than they might appear. The loads are actually lower than in singles skating because the male partner assists the takeoff. As one experienced pair skater noted on Reddit, most pair skaters only do a handful of throws per day unless learning a new element.
The Physics of Throw Jumps
Throw jumps demonstrate fascinating physics principles in action. The male partner provides the initial kinetic energy that translates into both vertical height and rotational momentum for the female partner. Physics calculations from RIT show that elite female pair skaters can reach heights of 1.2 meters vertically while traveling 7 meters horizontally.
Once airborne, the female partner manipulates her moment of inertia to control rotation speed. By pulling her arms and free leg close to her body, she reduces her rotational resistance and spins faster. This is why you see skaters start jumps with arms extended and quickly pull them in.
NC State physics research indicates that skaters rotate at approximately 300 revolutions per minute during triple jumps. The forces involved are substantial, with triple jumps generating around 440 pounds of force and quadruple jumps reaching 550 pounds. The male partner’s throw provides the initial velocity that makes these rotations possible.
Step-by-Step Throw Jump Execution
Understanding the exact sequence helps explain why throw jumps require such extensive training. Here is how a typical throw jump unfolds:
Step 1: The female partner skates backward on the appropriate takeoff edge while the male partner holds her hand and skates beside her. They accelerate together to generate speed.
Step 2: At the takeoff point, the male partner provides a lifting motion while continuing to skate forward. The female partner uses this assistance to launch into the air.
Step 3: The female partner immediately initiates rotation by pulling her arms and free leg toward her center. She focuses on maintaining a tight, controlled position in the air.
Step 4: During the descent, she spots the ice and prepares for landing by extending her free leg and opening her arms for balance.
Step 5: She lands on a backward outside edge, bending her knees to absorb the impact. The male partner continues skating nearby but does not touch her during the landing.
Training and Learning Progression
Learning throw jumps requires months or years of progressive training. Pairs do not simply attempt full throw jumps from the beginning. Instead, they follow a structured progression that builds skills and trust systematically.
Training Frequency for Throw Jumps
Contrary to what some fans might expect, pairs skaters do not practice hundreds of throws daily. Training volume is carefully managed to prevent injury and maintain quality. Most pairs perform only a handful of full throw jumps during a typical practice session.
When learning a new throw element, the volume increases temporarily. A pair might attempt twenty to thirty repetitions of a new throw triple while developing consistency. Once mastered, they reduce frequency and focus on quality over quantity. This approach keeps the physical load manageable while building the necessary skills.
Learning Progression from Beginner to Elite
Novice pairs begin with single and double throw jumps. These elements teach the fundamental timing and coordination without the extreme physical demands of triples. Most pairs spend at least one competitive season mastering double throws before attempting triples.
The progression typically follows this pattern: throw double toeloop first, then throw double salchow, then throw double loop. Only after these are consistent do pairs attempt throw double flip and lutz. Triple throws are reserved for junior and senior level competitors who have developed sufficient strength and technique.
Chinese pairs teams are particularly known for their high throw jumps. Their training emphasizes building the male partner’s explosive power and the female partner’s rotational control from an early age. This systematic approach has produced some of the most spectacular throw jumps in the sport’s history.
Trust Between Partners
The psychological aspect of throw jumps cannot be overstated. The female partner must trust that her partner will release her at exactly the right moment with exactly the right force. Any hesitation or miscommunication results in falls or low, dangerous jumps.
Partners develop this trust through countless hours of practice together. They learn each other’s rhythms, preferences, and tendencies. Many pairs report that their on-ice partnership becomes almost telepathic after years of training together. This deep connection is essential for executing difficult elements like throw triple axels or quadruple throws.
Safety Considerations and Common Mistakes
Many fans wonder how throw jumps are not extremely damaging to the female partner. The physics actually work in the skater’s favor. The male partner’s assistance means the female partner generates less takeoff force herself compared to a singles skater performing the same jump.
However, throw jumps do carry risks. Falls from height can cause injuries, particularly to wrists, ankles, and knees. The most dangerous situations occur when the throw is poorly timed or when the female partner under-rotates and lands backward. Proper technique and progressive training minimize these risks significantly.
Common mistakes include the male partner releasing too early or too late, the female partner failing to pull in for rotation, and both partners having mismatched speed during approach. Coaches spend considerable time drilling the basics to prevent these errors from becoming habits.
When throws go wrong, experienced pairs have recovery strategies. The female partner learns to abort jumps safely when rotation is not working. The male partner develops awareness of when to support and when to release. These safety skills are as important as the jumps themselves.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do pairs figure skaters do jumps?
Yes, pairs figure skaters perform two types of jumps. Throw jumps involve the male partner throwing the female partner into the air. Side-by-side jumps require both partners to jump simultaneously and independently.
Which is harder, axel or Lutz?
The axel is generally considered harder than the lutz. The axel is the only jump with a forward takeoff, which adds an extra half-rotation. A triple axel requires 3.5 rotations compared to 3 rotations for a triple lutz.
What is one of the hardest jumps in figure skating?
The quadruple axel is considered the most difficult jump in figure skating. In pairs skating, the throw triple axel and quad throws are among the most challenging elements due to the timing, rotation speed, and trust required.
How high do pairs skaters jump on throws?
Elite female pair skaters can reach heights of approximately 1.2 meters (about 4 feet) vertically on throw jumps. They can also travel up to 7 meters horizontally during the aerial phase.
Why are throw jumps easier than solo jumps?
Throw jumps are considered easier than solo jumps of the same type because the male partner provides lift and momentum at takeoff. This assistance reduces the physical load on the female partner and helps generate greater height.
Conclusion
Now you understand how do pairs figure skaters do throw jumps from both a technical and artistic perspective. These elements showcase the perfect blend of power, precision, and partnership that makes pairs skating so compelling to watch. Whether you are watching Olympic competition or local performances, you can now appreciate the incredible skill behind every throw jump you see.