{{Short description|Jumps in figure skating}} [[File:Sasha Cohen Split Jump.jpg|thumb|right|Sasha Cohen performs a Russian split jump]]
A '''split jump''' is a sequence of body movements in which a split is performed after jumping, while the performer is still in the air. Split jumps are commonly found in dance, figure skating, and gymnastics, and may also be used as a form of exercise.
==In figure skating== Split jumps are a category of figure skating jumps in which the skater achieves a split position in the air. Unlike most figure skating jumps, split jumps are positional jumps, rather than rotational jumps; the point of them is to achieve a position in the air, not to rotate a specific number of times.<ref name="jmp">{{cite book |title=Figure Skating: Championship Techniques |url=https://archive.org/details/sportsillustrate00petk |url-access=registration |last=Petkevich |first=John Misha |author-link=John Misha Petkevich |year=1989 |publisher=Sports Illustrated |isbn=1-56800-070-7 }}</ref>
Most split jumps are derived from the half flip, a half-rotation jump with a flip entry. Split jumps can also be done with half Lutz or falling leaf (a loop jump with a half-revolution in the air) entries. More rarely, full-rotation flip and Lutz jumps can be done with a split. These jumps are known as the ''split flip'' and ''split Lutz''.
As an alternative to the standard front split, some skaters perform a ''Russian split'', with legs in a straddle split. The only difference between this and a split jump is the position in the air.<ref name="jmp" /> The legs extend straight out, with the toes pointed. Skaters often touch their toes as part of a Russian split.
Another variation is the ''stag jump'', in which the forward leg is bent in front while the back leg kicks out as in the regular split jump.<ref name="jmp" /> Both the Russian split and stag jump can be done from the same jump entries as the regular split jumps. Bending both legs in a stag jump is sometimes called a double stag jump.
Split jumps are non-listed composition jumps in figure skating<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-07-28 |title=Technical Panel Handbook - Single Skating 2025/26 |url=https://isu-d8g8b4b7ece7aphs.a03.azurefd.net/isudamcontainer/CMS/Corporate-Site/Sports-Rules/Figure-Skating-Rules/Handbooks-Single-&-Pair-Skating/TP-Handbook-Singles-25-26-FINAL-21-July-2025-update-25-July-1753703999-2708.pdf#page=24 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260215234717/https://isu-d8g8b4b7ece7aphs.a03.azurefd.net/isudamcontainer/CMS/Corporate-Site/Sports-Rules/Figure-Skating-Rules/Handbooks-Single-&-Pair-Skating/TP-Handbook-Singles-25-26-FINAL-21-July-2025-update-25-July-1753703999-2708.pdf#page=24 |archive-date=2026-02-15 |access-date=2026-04-23 |website=ISU International Skating Union |page=24 |language=en}}</ref>, but they can be very dramatic when performed well. The challenge is for the skater to achieve a full horizontal split or straddle position at the apex of the jump, which requires both body flexibility and a strong spring into the air.
<gallery widths="180px" heights="200px"> Image:Stephane Lambiel - 2006 Skate Canada.jpg|Stephane Lambiel performs a stag jump. Image:Doublestagjump.jpg|A skater performs a double stag jump. </gallery>
==See also== *Split leap
==References== {{reflist}} {{commons category|Split leaps and jumps}} {{commons category|Stag jumps}} {{Dance}} {{Figure skating}}
Category:Figure skating elements Category:Jumping sports
{{figure-skating-stub}}