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What jumps are required for the Pre-Preliminary USFS test?
TL;DR
Pre-Preliminary Free Skate test requires three jumps — the Waltz Jump, Single Salchow, and Single Toe Loop — performed in a short program with a single solo spin and a basic step sequence.
The Pre-Preliminary level is the entry point of the USFS Singles Test track and is intentionally focused on fundamentals, not difficulty. Per the 2024–25 USFS Singles Test Requirements, the required jump elements for the Pre-Preliminary Free Skate test are:
- Waltz Jump — a half-rotation jump from a forward outside edge, the first jump most skaters learn
- Single Salchow — a one-rotation edge jump from a back inside edge
- Single Toe Loop — a one-rotation toe-pick jump from a back outside edge
There is no Loop, Flip, Lutz, Axel, or any double jump required at Pre-Preliminary. Those come at later levels.
What judges are looking for at this stage is clean technique and good basics — a clear takeoff edge, a controlled landing, and a body position that shows the skater understands what they're doing — not high or fast jumps. A confident Waltz Jump with the right takeoff edge is worth more than a sloppy Salchow attempt.
If your skater is still working on these three jumps, that's exactly where they should be. Mastering them is what makes the Preliminary jumps (which add Loop, Flip, and Lutz) much easier later.
Want to see your child's takeoff edges and landing positions on every jump? SkateMarks gives per-second coaching notes so you can spot what to work on between lessons.