how do i improve my switch leaps?

Question

i can't seem to get off the floor high enough or extend my front leg(barely at all)
i am still in the stage of a pithetic tripelet extend one leg forward then quickly swing it back while extending the other leg forward
i need some answers p.s. im thirteen years old

Answer 1

It great that you are still working at it even with one leg swinging forward and back. That's how I first learned and I think it helps some.

My suggestion would be try doing them across the floor, but don't try and get you legs as high. With less height, it will take you less time to pull them back down and switch them.

Maybe even try them standing in one spot, plie and jump and try to switch them.

The number one thing you want to work on though is that plie. After your preparation, make sure you get a nice deep plie and then try for the switch leap. The deeper the plie the higher you will be able to get.

It will take practice, but you will get it!
Good luck!!

Answer 2

Don't feel bad, in all my years of teaching I probably get more complaints about switch leaps over any other leap we do. It is not an easy skill, and rarely does it come natural to dancers. All dancers have to put some extra effort into these leaps.

This is really where good ballet training comes into play. There is something to be said for all those hours at the barre working on developpes, degages, battements and extensions. These all will help with your switch leaps. Drill battements like crazy, work on kicks across the floor, practice kicking from a back fourth position. Don't forget your kicks to the back as well as the front. You have to use both motions front and back to complete your leap. The stronger your kicks are, the better your switch leaps will be.
In order to achieve more height in your jump, you must work on your quad strength. Do lunges across the floor, do sautes in first and second position as well as echappes. Make sure you push through your entire legs as well as your feet on each jump. The stronger you legs are the more power you will have in your jump.

Answer 3

Practice practice practice!

A good run helps you get off the ground.
Make sure not to bend your leg before leaping. (by this I mean, don't do a developpe leap)
If you have a "good leg," it's usually easier to swing your "bad leg" forward first.

Answer 4

umm.... how I learned them is by bending my 2nd leg and straitening my leg out in front of me, jumping to switch that leg to the back, and then trying it with a chasE, the runs, and then adding in the second leg, you can try supporting you weight so that you can get the feel of the swich leaps to try doing it in a jump.