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...

Level: Foundation Base exercise: Waltz jump back spin Variation: None Purpose: Start to prepare adding more rotation by landing your waltz jump in a backspin. This helps skaters work on feeling more organized in the air and landing over their axis side. Helps with these common mistakes: Not organ...

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...

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 ...

Level: Foundation
Base exercise: Waltz jump on the circle
Variation: Axel take-off position, quick snap down from take-off foot to landing foot when transferring from follow through to air position
Purpose: This drill helps skaters practice quickly transferring their weight from their take-off...

Level: Foundation
Base exercise: Axel take-off to follow-through, takeoff to air position
Variation: Facing the boards
Purpose: This drill helps skaters break down each position for the axel and make sure their alignment and timing is correct. Using the boards especially helps skaters ensure ...