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 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: On-ice axel from standsti...
Level: Foundation
Base exercise: Axel jump
Variation: From standstill
Purpose: Doing an an axel jump from standstill can be helpful for skaters who are fearful of the jump when they have too much speed, or for skaters who lack control on their axel jump. It is easier to use improper technique t... -
Advanced: On ice axel entry to air po...
Level: Advanced
Base exercise: Axel entry to lockdown walkthrough
Variation: Axel entry into lockdown while in a forward upright spin
Purpose: This drill really focuses on helping skaters feel and improve their outside edge take-off of an axel. The skater needs to be able to push into a strong...
