How to Complete an Axel Jump

Figure skating jumps are an integral part of any ice skating competition whether it be at a local or national level. Different judges will often retain the same criteria for determining successful jumps. Foot placement, rotation, revolutions, takeoff and landing are just some of the factors considered as judges evaluate an ice skater's ability to complete jumps such as the axel jump. Read on to learn more.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Know the Basics of Figure Skating

1. Distinguish the various figure skating jumps. Jumps can be identified by two criteria: take-off edge and number of revolutions.

2. Identify the six kinds of jumps. The six jumps, which date back to the 1920s, are the Axel, lutz, flip, toe loop, loop and salchow.

3. Familiarize yourself with the additional jumps. Beyond the core six, these jumps include things like ballet flip, mazurka and bunny hop jump. Additional jumps are showcased as highlighted single jumps or as transitional step sequences.

4. Consider that your "mistake" might actually be a humorously named jump. For instance, if a skater falls during an axel takeoff, the jump is called a "waxel."

5. Think of figure skating combinations as a variance on dance choreography. Combinations actually require that two or more jumps share the same takeoff edge.

6. Note the differences in paired figure skating. Here, the male skating partner assists the female with her jumps as she completes them in a combination or sequence.

Complete an Axel Jump

7. Have yourself video taped while learning the axel and monitor your position on the video tape. Note major characteristics of the axel jump. By definition it is a forward takeoff jump with an extra half rotation in the air due to its forward takeoff.

8. Experiment with the Axel jump's intensity. The Axel is seen in a single, double or even triple variation. Listen to your coach. Make sure you master the proper technique for the single jump. Bad habits practiced on the single axel will make the double and triple axel elusive.

9. Approach the jump from a right back outside edge. Next you will step onto a forward outside left edge. Good posture and shoulder position are essential.

10. Vault over the toe pick of your left skate. Then step over with your right skate. Make sure you step up. Your right thigh should be parallel with the ice on take off.

11. Bring the left leg through and cross it to the front. This can be seen as an airborne weight shift. Have your coach monitor your body position. The arms should be crossed over your chest.

12. Uncross your legs for landing. This ensures a nice flow out of the jump at a constant speed. Check out of the jump and hold your body position for the exit edge. Hold the edge.

Tips & Warnings

• The six ice skating jumps were actually named years after their invention.
• The Axel jump dates back to the late 1800s. It was named after a Norwegian ice skater named Axel Paulsen, who was the first to complete it.
• Be very careful when trying to perform the quadruple axel jump. No single figure skater in history has been able to master it.
• It takes most skaters at least 5000 falls before they perfect the single axel jump.

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