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 twizzle. Exiting from the twizzle also helps skaters practice landing on a running backward outside edge.
Helps with these common mistakes: Slow into air position, Not fully closing in air position, resisting rotation in the axel. No running edge on the landing
Associated skating element: Axel
Rotational direction demonstrated: Counterclockwise
Equipment: No equipment
Up Next in General
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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...
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Foundation: Off-ice axel take-off to ...
Purpose: This exercise starts by skaters setting their hips so that they are leading with their take-off side on the axel. From that position, they then move through the axel take-off to the axel follow through and air position to build muscle memory.
Focus: Alignment, basic technique, skating ...