Level: Foundation
Base exercise: Axel walkthrough
Variation: On a circle from standstill
Purpose: Slowly moving through each position of the axel jump--entry, take-off, follow through, and landing--allows skaters to build confidence and muscle memory while learning their axel. Instead of practicing lots of axel attempts that repeat bad habits, taking the time to practice walkthroughs ultimately helps skaters land their axel faster, more consistently, and with better quality.
Helps with these common mistakes: Fear of the axel, inconsistent axel positions, not knowing or not hitting each jump phase in the axel jump. Not having the muscle memory for the jump.
Associated skating element: Axel
Rotational direction demonstrated: Counterclockwise
Equipment: No equipment
Up Next in General
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Foundation: On ice frame position wal...
Level: Foundation
Base exercise: Axel walkthrough on the circle
Variation: Arms in checked or frame position over landing side
Purpose: This drill helps skaters who use their shoulders to initiate the rotation in an axel. By having the skaters keep their arms in a frame position, they have to... -
Foundation: On-ice axel full walkthro...
Level: Foundation
Base exercise: Axel walk-through
Variation: From standstill, on a straight line
Purpose: Practicing an axel walk-through from standstill allows students to focus on the quality of their jump phases without too much speed. Doing it down a line also helps the skaters practice a mo... -
Foundation: single axel walkthrough a...
In this video, Signe shows how to walk through the axel off the ice and then she demonstrates an off ice single axel.
