Figure Skating Jumps: Axel Class – Part 1 (Audrey Weisiger & Nick Perna)

Nick Perna and Audrey Weisiger teach an on-ice axel class at the 2010 G2C Extreme Supercamp.  In this first part, Nick explains the desired setup for axel.  Nick has the skaters start on a hockey circle and he describes it as a four part setup that includes the following:

1. Glide on the circle, looking into the circle, with both legs locked and both feet on the ice,
2. Pass the arms close to the body so the shoulders face outside the circle,
3. Turn the head to face the direction of the upcoming forward step, and
4. Pick up the outside foot so the skater is gliding on one foot.

Once the skating knee locks, it never bends again.  It remains locked allowing the skater to balance in proper alignment over the edge.  If done correctly, the skater will automatically be leaning back into the circle on a perfectly controlled edge.

Common errors in axel setup include making the back outside edge too deep (curling the edge), losing the back outside edge so it becomes a flat or an inside edge, squatting (losing knee lock), and gliding too far forward on the blade so the toe pick scratches.

Nick adds a final step (Step 5) where the skater should be able to touch their hands together right in front of their body without losing the rest of the position or quality of the edge.

As you watch the skaters in the video, notice how common it is for the skaters not to fully twist the shoulders to face outside the circle.  This means these skaters are “blocking” their own body prior to the step forward, causing additional problems with uncontrolled and unnecessary rotation.  Another common problem is the skater may tend to lean away from the jump as the skater attempts to balance on one foot.  This suggests the skater is not focused on doing the 4 steps above with enough precision.

Audrey makes a point at the end of this video of asking the skaters to remain on the circle.  She says, “You control your edged.  They don’t control you.”  All skaters seem to need this reminder from time to time.

Please take a moment to share your thoughts below. Nick and Audrey are active members of the website and will see your comments.  Let them know what you thought of the video.

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