What distinguishes the FX straight jump from other jumps?

The key distinguishing feature of the floor exercise straight jump is the position of the arms during execution. For a straight jump, it is standard for the arms to be raised above the head. This position not only adds to the aesthetic appeal of the jump but also contributes to better body line and creates a more streamlined form during the jump.

Maintaining arms in this elevated position helps set the body in a straight line, which is essential for achieving the correct technique. Each component of a jump in gymnastics is evaluated based on how well the gymnasts execute the required form, and the arm placement is a critical factor in demonstrating this skill effectively.

Other elements like the back arch or leg position might be relevant to understanding jumps in general but don't specifically define the straight jump in the context of competitive execution. Similarly, while having feet together at liftoff is important for many jumps, it's the arm positioning that distinctly characterizes a straight jump in the floor exercise.