Jumps Archives - Page 2 of 3 - ICE Mental Game Coaching

For Consistent Jumps, Just Do the Jump

Doubling Down or Downing the Double

It’s time for Skatergirl to work on her jumps again, another chance to make her jump consistent. This time, she is working on her double axel. She does a backspin, then a few single axels to warm-up. Alright, she feels ready to go.

She gears up for the double axel. It is executed very well, almost axel-lent, one might say. The takeoff is smooth, the landing is solid. Skatergirl feels great.

Coach, wants her to do three double axels before her lesson.

“One down, two more to go,” she thinks to herself.

She takes a deep breath and starts the approach for the next jump. She feels a little nervous, “will the next axel be as good as the first?” She certainly hopes so.

If I Have Doubts About Skating, Can I Still Be Great?

When the Confidence Pops

They say that self-confidence is the best outfit you can wear, but Skatergirl feels like hers doesn’t fit anymore.

Her thoughts are no longer in the present. She used to be a good skater.

She thinks of her accomplishments. She won regionals as a Juvenile and went on to qualify for Sectionals as a Novice. One year, she made it all the way to nationals. But then things started falling apart.

The high mountain she was excited to climb seems to be plateauing. Did she already reach her peak?

What to do When You “Lose” a Jump

Skatergirl and the Lost Jump

Skatergirl is gearing up to jump her 2 Lutz. She likes it. It’s her best jump and she’s usually consistent.

But for a week and a half now, she can’t seem to land it at all. What is happening? This doesn’t usually happen, especially not for so many days consecutively. It’s like Wesley Snipes is in her head telling her she can’t jump.

She is frustrated and confused.

If a Jump is Not Working, Stopping Might be the Best Option

Scene 1 – Wandering attention

Skatergirl is on the ice practicing her combo spin. She wants to improve her technique so that it will be centered and fast.

She skates around the rink to find a spot and does a quick sweep of the ice.

Okay, now to step into the right inside 3 turn, then forward… Hmmm, she wonders where she and her friends are going for lunch? Subway or pizza?

This Skatergirl is distracted.

Overcoming Program Practice Panic

It’s one thing when your coach tells you to take your first week after a competition to work on your jumps. You can do these with your eyes closed – though probably not recommended – but your brain is quiet and you can handle these jumps one at a time.

Then one day you get to the rink and your coach tells you to run through your long program, with triples. Continue reading “Overcoming Program Practice Panic”

Stop Overthinking Your Jumps with a Brain Dump

Figure skating is a full of complexity. Jumps are often seen as the most difficult and challenging skills for singles skaters. It’s not surprising that many figure skaters feel frustrated with their jumps.

Expectations are high and your tension level rises, as you get ready to jump. Instead of a beautiful landing, you make mistakes. You get frustrated. Continue reading “Stop Overthinking Your Jumps with a Brain Dump”