How to Do a Waltz Jump in Figure Skating

PDF download Download Article
PDF download Download Article

The Waltz Jump is the first jump most figure skaters learn. It is a half revolution jump and is a gateway to many more complex jumps. This article will show how to do a waltz jump for right-handed skaters(counter-clockwise rotation).

Part 1
Part 1 of 3:

Preparing the Jump

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/b\/b1\/Do-a-Waltz-Jump-in-Figure-Skating-Step-1-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Do-a-Waltz-Jump-in-Figure-Skating-Step-1-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/b\/b1\/Do-a-Waltz-Jump-in-Figure-Skating-Step-1-Version-2.jpg\/aid165589-v4-728px-Do-a-Waltz-Jump-in-Figure-Skating-Step-1-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/b\/bb\/Do-a-Waltz-Jump-in-Figure-Skating-Step-2-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Do-a-Waltz-Jump-in-Figure-Skating-Step-2-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/b\/bb\/Do-a-Waltz-Jump-in-Figure-Skating-Step-2-Version-2.jpg\/aid165589-v4-728px-Do-a-Waltz-Jump-in-Figure-Skating-Step-2-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Advertisement
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/e\/eb\/Do-a-Waltz-Jump-in-Figure-Skating-Step-3-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Do-a-Waltz-Jump-in-Figure-Skating-Step-3-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/e\/eb\/Do-a-Waltz-Jump-in-Figure-Skating-Step-3-Version-2.jpg\/aid165589-v4-728px-Do-a-Waltz-Jump-in-Figure-Skating-Step-3-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Without actually jumping off the ice, skate through the jump so you get comfortable with the motion.
    4. Advertisement
Part 2
Part 2 of 3:

Performing the Jump

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/6\/6e\/Do-a-Waltz-Jump-in-Figure-Skating-Step-4-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Do-a-Waltz-Jump-in-Figure-Skating-Step-4-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/6\/6e\/Do-a-Waltz-Jump-in-Figure-Skating-Step-4-Version-2.jpg\/aid165589-v4-728px-Do-a-Waltz-Jump-in-Figure-Skating-Step-4-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Glide on an left outside edge in a curve slightly to the left. Your arms should be straightened behind you.
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/e\/e5\/Do-a-Waltz-Jump-in-Figure-Skating-Step-5-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Do-a-Waltz-Jump-in-Figure-Skating-Step-5-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/e\/e5\/Do-a-Waltz-Jump-in-Figure-Skating-Step-5-Version-2.jpg\/aid165589-v4-728px-Do-a-Waltz-Jump-in-Figure-Skating-Step-5-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Your right knee should go up in the air in front of you. As you bring your knee up, bring your arms close to your chest.
    • Imagine that you are trying to get on a bike. This is one method of getting comfortable with the feeling of a waltz jump).
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/21\/Do-a-Waltz-Jump-in-Figure-Skating-Step-6-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Do-a-Waltz-Jump-in-Figure-Skating-Step-6-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/21\/Do-a-Waltz-Jump-in-Figure-Skating-Step-6-Version-2.jpg\/aid165589-v4-728px-Do-a-Waltz-Jump-in-Figure-Skating-Step-6-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Keep in mind that you are not jumping yet, you are just getting the feel of the jump.
    • As you start the take-off, you should be leaving the ice on your left toe-pick so it is the last part of your boot that leaves the ice. Never rise off the ground on a flat blade. Never think of rotation; if you are in the right starting position you will automatically make the half rotation necessary.
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/e\/e5\/Do-a-Waltz-Jump-in-Figure-Skating-Step-7-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Do-a-Waltz-Jump-in-Figure-Skating-Step-7-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/e\/e5\/Do-a-Waltz-Jump-in-Figure-Skating-Step-7-Version-2.jpg\/aid165589-v4-728px-Do-a-Waltz-Jump-in-Figure-Skating-Step-7-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Don't get frustrated if it takes you some time, just keep practicing until you can go pretty high off the ground.
  5. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/92\/Do-a-Waltz-Jump-in-Figure-Skating-Step-8.jpg\/v4-460px-Do-a-Waltz-Jump-in-Figure-Skating-Step-8.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/92\/Do-a-Waltz-Jump-in-Figure-Skating-Step-8.jpg\/aid165589-v4-728px-Do-a-Waltz-Jump-in-Figure-Skating-Step-8.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    You're going to jump off the ground, lifting up your right leg, followed closely with your left leg. When you land, be sure to keep your right foot straight. After landing, you should be skating on your right leg with your left leg extended behind you, gliding backwards.
  6. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/4\/43\/Do-a-Waltz-Jump-in-Figure-Skating-Step-9.jpg\/v4-460px-Do-a-Waltz-Jump-in-Figure-Skating-Step-9.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/4\/43\/Do-a-Waltz-Jump-in-Figure-Skating-Step-9.jpg\/aid165589-v4-728px-Do-a-Waltz-Jump-in-Figure-Skating-Step-9.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    do three or four of these, and do a forward inside three turn as soon as you turn, jump with your right leg and land.
    7. Advertisement
Part 3
Part 3 of 3:

Landing the Jump

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/7\/76\/Do-a-Waltz-Jump-in-Figure-Skating-Step-10.jpg\/v4-460px-Do-a-Waltz-Jump-in-Figure-Skating-Step-10.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/7\/76\/Do-a-Waltz-Jump-in-Figure-Skating-Step-10.jpg\/aid165589-v4-728px-Do-a-Waltz-Jump-in-Figure-Skating-Step-10.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    The landing should start on your right toe-pick and should start rolling down to a flat blade on your right foot back outside edge. Never land on a flat blade as this will cause ankle, knee, and hip problems. You should be skating on your right leg with your left leg extended behind you, gliding backwards.
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/3\/32\/Do-a-Waltz-Jump-in-Figure-Skating-Step-11.jpg\/v4-460px-Do-a-Waltz-Jump-in-Figure-Skating-Step-11.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/32\/Do-a-Waltz-Jump-in-Figure-Skating-Step-11.jpg\/aid165589-v4-728px-Do-a-Waltz-Jump-in-Figure-Skating-Step-11.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    It will be the first to land, and you obviously do not want to sprain it.
    • You may not feel comfortable doing the jump starting on your left foot and landing on your right. This turns you in an anti-clockwise direction. If you generally turn in a clockwise direction try reversing these instructions and starting on your right foot and then landing on your left. Which ever you choose stick with it and if you try spinning on the ice make sure you're turning in the same direction. It doesn't matter which way you turn but you need to jump and spin the in the same direction.
    3. Advertisement

Community Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    Do you have to be advanced to do this sequence?
    FigureSkater123
    Community Answer
    No, this is the first jump you will learn. You will learn just how to do some basic jumping first, but you will learn the waltz jump soon after.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 3 Helpful 2
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Video

      Tips

      • Bend your knees.
        Thanks
        Helpful 34 Not Helpful 1
      • When you kick through, try to kick your foot as far away from your body as you can. This is good prep for your axel and is a good habit to make.
        Thanks
        Helpful 25 Not Helpful 2
      • When you first start doing waltz jumps you do not need incredible height, just get the movements down. After you can do waltz jumps consistently, add more speed.
        Thanks
        Helpful 30 Not Helpful 3
      Show More Tips
      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      Warnings

      • Some people skate left-handed. To perform this jump left-handed, simply switch the lefts in the directions to rights and vice versa. That is, spin clockwise, and land on the left leg, and pull the right leg back.
        Thanks
        Helpful 2 Not Helpful 0
      Advertisement

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Ice Skate
      How to
      Stop on Ice Skates
      How to
      Ice Skate Backwards
      How to
      Become a Figure Skater
      How to
      Become an Olympic Figure Skater
      How to
      Do an Axel in Figure Skating
      How to
      Figure Skate (for Beginners)
      How to
      Do a One Foot Spin in Figure Skating
      How to
      Do a Toe Loop
      How to
      Dress for Figure Skating
      Advertisement

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      Before you try to waltz jump while skating, make sure to perfect the movement while standing still on the ice. Once you've mastered this, perform the waltz jump by pushing with your left leg that is slightly bent. Hold your right leg out straight behind you and then kick forward with your right knee in a motion that is like riding a bike. Then, swing your right leg over, followed right away by your left leg so that you make a half-rotation in the air and begin your landing on your right toe-pick. Make sure to keep your foot straight to avoid injury. If you want to learn more, like how to perform your jump backward, keep reading the article!

      Did this summary help you?
      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 68,103 times.

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement