Level: Foundation
Base exercise: Waltz/axel entry to take-off repetitions
Variation: On a straight line, finish with take-off into 1/2 turn with checked landing
Purpose: This drill helps skaters practice the control needed for their free side to resist swinging when stepping in on an edge. By practicing on a straight line first, skaters can gain control in a progressive manner to build the control needed for the harder outside edge entry. Finishing with a follow through into a waltz jump with a checked landing also helps skaters test and improve their control for these phases of the jump.
Helps with these common mistakes: Swingy axel, lack of control with free side, free side releases too soon, skid or sliding into axel.
Associated skating element: Axel
Rotational direction demonstrated: Counterclockwise
Equipment: No equipment
Up Next in General
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Foundation: On ice waltz jump back tw...
Level: Foundation
Base exercise: Waltz jump backward outside twizzles
Variation: None Purpose: This drill helps skaters practice quickly snapping into air position from an axel take-off. Skaters also need to be properly aligned over their axis to be able to continue the rotation into the twizzl... -
Advanced: Axel take-off to follow-thr...
Purpose: This drill helps skaters work on the axel take-off to follow-through position with vertical and horizontal projection. Skaters should focus on generating power through their take-off leg, as well as keeping their free side checked behind. If the skater feels too swingy or they can't do t...
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Foundation-Advanced: Axel take-off to...
Purpose: This drill challenges skaters to work on the stability of their axel take-off and follow-through positions before jumping. Skaters should focus on the position of their free leg and arms so that the take-off does not pre-rotate.
Focus: Axel take-off, axel follow-through, free leg posit...
