Tip
How to Spin 540's and 720's on Skis
In today’s ski tip, we are going to focus on larger spins on jumps. Once you have mastered the basic ideas of ski jumping, including how to 180 and 360, you can transition into larger spins. The prerequisites for this trick are feeling extremely comfortable going off large park jumps, spinning 360’s, and landing switch. It is very important to feel comfortable taking off and landing backwards (switch) before considering a 540 or 720.
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Before we talk about the actual trick, you must be dialed on the basics of spinning and jumping. For smaller spins like 180's and 360's you can generate all the torque you need with your upper body, however, for larger spins, you will need to master edging and wind up to get extra rotation. As you approach the takeoff use the edges of your skis to dig into the snow, creating a surface to push off, and create rotation. On larger spins, you can also carve into the take-off to generate more spin. This does add a degree of difficulty as your line of entry comes into play. You need to make sure as you carve off the lip, your skis are straight to avoid catching an edge. Wind up also plays an important role. Wind up is generated with your arms as you approach the lip, turn your body in the opposite direction you want to spin. Right before taking off the jump, release your wind up and spin in your desired direction.
Lastly, before you send it, make sure that you are waiting long enough before spinning on each jump. Timing is a very important part of freestyle skiing, and the difference between a perfect take-off and catching an edge is separated by milliseconds. Be patient when setting your trick, and make sure your tips and tails of your skis have cleared the jump.
Once you feel confident with the prerequisites, it’s time to go out and try it! When you are about to try your first 540, stay relaxed, feet at shoulders width apart, and make sure your speed is dialed on the jump. To break down the actual spin, you can think of it as 180 degrees more than your 360. Pop firmly off the lip of the jump and start your rotation to your preferred direction of spinning. Having a strong pop is the key to stomping any trick. The harder you pop, the more control you will have in the air. During a 540, you only will be blind during the first 270 degrees of the rotation, which is the same as a 360. This is when you can spot your landing. Once you have spotted your landing for the 360, keep your eyes and upper body still, focused on the landing, but continue your spin with your hips and lower body!
Once you have landed 540’s, it’s time to step it up to the 720. This trick is a massive step up from the 540, as you are blind twice during the rotation. The set for a 720 is identical to the 360 and 540, but it is set a bit harder. You can think of this as twice as much rotation as a 360. Once you pop hard and set the trick, make sure to keep your head up looking at the horizon. Many skiers struggle with keeping their eyes up, and in return go off-axis and will most likely crash. As your spin starts to come around, you will briefly see your landing at 360. Don’t look for too long, as it may slow down your spin. After spotting the landing for the first time, complete the second rotation and be ready to ride away like you never left the ground. Vision is vital to stomping these tricks.
Once you have mastered 720’s, you are becoming an excellent free skier. You can start to play around with grabs to add some style to your skiing.