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 lead with their skating side shoulder and keep their free side shoulder checked back until they reach the follow-through phase.
Helps with common mistake: Swingy axel, rotation is generated from the upper body rather than the lower body first. Timing and rhythm of the axel.
Associated skating element: Waltz/axel
Rotational direction demonstrated: Counterclockwise
Equipment: No equipment
Up Next in General
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Foundation: On ice axel entry to land...
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 pract... -
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...
