Balancing Basics and Progression: What Comes After Landing a New Jump in Figure Skating?

I was watching the last Junior Grand Prix, and it got me thinking about a question many coaches and parents ask: when a skater finally lands a new jump, what should come next?

Do we go back to basics to make sure the technique is strong? Or do we push for more successful attempts to build consistency?

The truth is, both approaches matter. And the balance between them can make all the difference in a skater’s progress.

Why Basics Still Matter

Landing a jump for the first time is exciting. But one success doesn’t mean the skill is locked in forever. Skaters need strong foundations—edges, posture, timing, and control—to keep that jump reliable.

Think of basics as the frame of a house. Without a solid structure, the walls can’t stand for long. Coaches know that if a skater skips this step, bad habits creep in. And once those habits form, they’re much harder to fix later.

Simple drills, off-ice strength training, and focused edge work might feel repetitive, but they protect the jump and prepare the skater for more complex elements down the road.

Why Quantity Builds Confidence

On the other hand, repetition is also necessary. Skaters need time to practice, fall, try again, and feel the jump become natural. The more they land it, the more their bodies learn what “right” feels like.

Parents often see this during practice sessions: the smile that comes after three or four clean landings in a row, the confidence that grows when the skater knows they can repeat the skill. That confidence carries into competition, where nerves often make the difference between success and mistakes.

Quantity also teaches resilience. Missing a jump isn’t failure—it’s feedback. Skaters who are allowed to try over and over again learn patience, persistence, and problem-solving.

Finding the Right Balance

So how do you know when to focus on quality and when to focus on quantity?

• Early stage: After the first successful landing, spend time reinforcing basics. Check the takeoff edge, body alignment, and entry speed. Minor corrections here prevent bigger problems later.

• Middle stage: Add more attempts. Let the skater build up the number of clean landings in practice. This helps turn one good jump into a reliable skill.

• Advanced stage: Blend both. Maintain regular basic drills while increasing repetition in varied conditions—different programs, with music, under competition pressure.

It’s not an either/or decision. It’s about knowing when to lean on one side more heavily.

A Note for Parents

Parents sometimes wonder why their skater spends so much time on “simple” drills when they’re eager to move on to more complex elements. Remember: what looks basic is often the foundation of every jump. Those edges, turns, and strength exercises keep your skater safe and prepared.

Progress isn’t just about adding more challenging jumps to the program. It’s about building skills that last and grow over time.

A Note for Coaches

Coaches walk the fine line every day. Too much focus on basics can frustrate a skater who wants results. Excessive repetition without correction risks solidifying bad habits. The art of coaching is knowing when to switch gears—when to slow down and refine, and when to push forward and let the skater explore.

Every athlete is different. Some thrive on repetition, while others need constant reminders of fundamentals. The balance shifts from skater to skater, and even from season to season.

The Big Picture

In figure skating, quality and quantity aren’t enemies. They’re partners. Basics protect skills. Repetition makes them consistent. Together, they create skaters who are strong, confident, and ready for the next challenge.

So the next time your skater lands a new jump, celebrate the moment—and then ask: how can we keep building, one step at a time?