Figure skating jump

A figure skating jump is determined by the take-off edge, and number of revolutions completed. Any jump of at least one but fewer than two revolutions is a single jump; similarly for double, triple, and quadruple jumps. Current world-class competition for men requires a full set of triples and one or two quadruple jumps in programs, while women need a full set of triple jumps, excluding the Axel.

Jumps can be performed with either clockwise or counter-clockwise rotation. The vast majority of skaters rotate all their jumps and spins in one direction. All jumps are landed on a back outside edge (except stylized variations on some jumps like the half loop or one-foot axel). The type and amount of steps before a jump do not affect the jump's definition, but certain jumps have common and recognizable set-ups that help the skater do the element correctly.

Jump definitions

Edge jump

An edge jump is any jump which takes off from the skating foot without bringing the free foot in contact with the ice to assist the take-off. All edge jumps are "natural" rotation, which means that the rotation follows the curve of the entrance edge. Edge jumps from least to most difficult are the salchow, loop, and Axel.

The waltz jump is a one-half rotation launched from the forward outside edge, similar to an Axel, and is rarely performed in elite competition.
The salchow jump (pronounced "sal-kow"), named for its originator Ulrich Salchow, takes off from a back inside edge and landed on the back outside edge of the opposite foot. Salchows are most often preceeded by a forward outside 3 turn, but a mohawk entrance is not unusual.
The loop jump is launched from the back outside edge and lands on the same back outside edge. It is also known in Europe as the "Rittberger" after its inventor, Warner Rittberger. Loops can be done as the second jump in a combination.
The Axel jump, named for its originator Axel Paulsen, is launched on the forward outside edge and landed on the back outside edge of the opposite foot. It is the only jump that takes off from a forward edge.

Toe jump

A toe-pick assisted jump is any jump in which the toe pick of the free foot is used to assist in the take-off. Toe jumps, from easiest to hardest, are toe loop, toe walley, flip and lutz. Some toe jumps are "counter" rotation, which means that the rotation does not follow the curve of the entrance edge. (Similarly, one-foot turns that rotate against the curve of the entrance edge are called counters.)

The toe loop jump takes off from the back outside edge and lands on the same back outside edge (in other words, a toe-pick assisted loop jump). This is sometimes known in Europe as a "cherry flip".
The toe walley jump takes off from a back inside edge and lands on the same back outside edge. The toe walleys is a counter-rotated jump. Toe walleys are very rarely performed because of their difficulty and even when performed well, they are easily mistaken for toe loops and do not receive extra credit.
The flip jump takes off from a back inside edge and landed on the back outside edge of the opposite foot. A flip is usually preceeded by a forward outside 3 turn or forward inside mohawk.
The lutz jump, named for its originator Alois Lutz, takes off from a back outside edge and landed on the back outside edge of the opposite foot. The lutz is a counter-rotated jump. Lutzes can often be identified by the long, backward diagonal glide preparation, though this is not necessary to do a lutz.

In order of least to most difficulty:

Toe Loop/Toe Walley
Salchow
Loop
Flip
Lutz
Axel

Combinations

Combinations are defined as two or more jumps in which the take-off edge of the second (or third, or fourth) jump is the same as the landing edge of the first jump. The only standard jumps that can be done on the back end of a combination are toe loop and loop, because they take off from a back outside edge. Combinations with salchows or flips as the second jump may also be achieved by doing a half loop as one jump, because its direct landing edge is a backward inside edge.

In international competition, a combination of two jumps is a required element for singles skaters in the short program.

Sequences

Jumps that are not directly linked from landing to take-off edge are considered sequences. Sequences usually include "decorative" jumps like a mazurka or stag jump that separate or preceed a full-revolution jump.

Pairs

A major element in pairs figure skating are the side by side jumps. The skaters must perform the jump of their choice in synchronization. In lower levels of competition, specific jumps (eg. double flip) may be required. World-level skaters usually attempt at least one of side by side triple toes, triple salchows, and double axels.

The throw jump is a required element in higher pairs levels. In a throw jump, the woman is assisted on a standard jump by her partner and lands on a back outside edge as if she were jumping alone.

In international competition, both side by side jumps and throw jumps are required elements for pairs in the short program.