Axel...ahhhh!

[icesk8r1]

hey guys wus up? i have a question about the axel-as im not quite to that level, i wouldn't know... ok on the axel is it so difficult because of the extra rotation? is it the entry? what level is this move on? (FS4,5,6,etc)
thankx!

[Jackylutz]

Hi Meagan,
I have attempted to do an axel several times, but never did landed it. Part of the problem is that I need a coach. <!--EZCODE EMOTICON START :) --><img src=http://www.ezboard.com/intl/aenglish/images/emoticons/smile.gif ALT=":)"><!--EZCODE EMOTICON STOP-->
In reality, that extra 1/2 rotation does matter a lot and its a forward takeoff which requires more speed and power to get UP in the air then rotate. I just bought a pair of new skates with better toe picks. Hopefully, whenever I break them in, I can do an axel. <!--EZCODE EMOTICON START :) --><img src=http://www.ezboard.com/intl/aenglish/images/emoticons/smile.gif ALT=":)"><!--EZCODE EMOTICON STOP-->
Jacky

[axelkid]

the axel is one of those jumps where you really start to see that pattern of erratic progress. Where one day you ALMOST can land it bot not quite and the next day is like the first day you learned it. The take off is like the waltz, with your right (if you spin counterclockwise) foot leading. The first 1/2 rotation takes place over your left foot. Then you get up in the air and find your self in a backspin position and all of a sudden you need to be rotating around the axis made by your right leg. So you've switched your axis and I have to say that this is what I find to be the most difficult part of executing an axel. And you do a full rotation in this backspin position here completing the 1 and a half rotations. All of these factors need to be executed ultra PRECISE timing. The other problem is that when something goes wrong, it's not pretty at all. And for some reason, the axel has more points at which you can major botch up things. But it's such a FUN jump once you've got the hang of it.

[KwanBoy23]

ITA with you two. The axel is one of those so-so jumps and is usually a pain for me although I was lucky enough to hit it on the first try (It was also the second jump I actually landed on one foot) Anyways from what I know about the jump technique and why it's so hard is in part because of the extra half-rotation and in part because of the forward take-off. On the toe-loop and salchow it's easier to re-center your weight over the right leg (If you jump counter-clockwise) because you are taking off from a back edge and I'm not sure why but it's kind of a natural thing to do with the jump. On the axel you have no such luxury. For me it helps to really attack the jump and force myself up into the air. It's important NOT to start rotating until you hit the apex of the jump. Your weight is pretty much on the left side of your body at this point. Kind of lean to the right mid jump and tighten your arms in a bit. I'm not good at explaining this but I hope it helps.

[oboe04]

The axel is part of the FS 5 test.

[Victoriacai]

I can do axels well and it was hard because I had to get my leg through but I never did that in till now!

[icesk8r1]

Are you serious that it's in FS 5!?!? Gosh.... I'm in 2/3 and I can barely land a flip! Awww! This stinks! :-)

[dpierce]

yes....the Axel is what made me love the feeling of hitting the ice! arf

Dustin :-)