I know what you mean and I'm trying to figure out why the curve of the preparatory edge makes a difference. . . I think it's because when you're really curving around on a RBO edge, you will automatically get a round LFO edge if you step out at 1:00 in relation to your edge. Not to mention, the position of 1:00 keeps changing if you are curving around on a round RBO edge, so it's actually hard to determine the angle of the step-out in relation to the position of the RBO edge, KWIM? But anyway, I have found that in order to go from a round RBO edge to a fairly straight axel takeoff edge, I have to push out away from my circle more drastically (i.e., practically a 90-degree angle). When I try to do the same thing on the takeoff from a straighter RBO edge, my right hip isn't open enough. Hmm. . . maybe that's it. The right hip needs to be somewhat open on the LFO takeoff edge so that the right hip stays back, and the hips are already fairly open if you're on a very round RBO edge. The hips are more closed/square if you're on a straighter RBO edge so you need to push out more to the left to open out the right hip. (Why do I feel like I'm rambling to myself? LOL!)

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"You don't have to put an age limit on your dreams." - Dara Torres, 41, after her 2nd medal at the 2008 Olympics

Doubletoe -- LOL!! I love reading any advice that you give because it always seems so spot on and understandable from a skater's point of view -- if that makes sense! Looplover, keep working them off ice and loads of back spins,three jump/back spin and three jump/loop jump/back spin and you will have them before you know it! Again, thank you everyone for all of the advice!!! I love reading this forum......

I think about a tangential line because a tangent line only hits the circle at one point. I don't step perpendicular to the line, more like 165-170 degrees from the BO edge. I keep both rather flat.