axel problem

[kenshiji]

I think i haven't take off high enough......in the first place...
then,even on the ground,i can't do it..just rotate for 360..not 540....
i keep trying my waltz jump+back spin...
someone told me that waltz jump+loop jump is a good way for practicing axel
i don't buy it indeed......i can't be thinking of any relation between them...
what are your comment?
folks,how long did you take for the enough rotation...not including landing..
just rotate enough...

[luna_skater]

Waltz-loop is the most common first step to learning an axel. :?? What don't you buy about it?

[stardust skies]

Not only is waltz/loop the most common practice excercise for axels (along with the waltz/loop/backspin), but a waltz jump + loop IS essentially what an axel is. You take off like a waltz jump, and then once the waltz jump is achieved, you don't land but tack on a loop at the end. It can also be thought of as backspin in the air, but technically, a loop is a backspin in the air too, so...

don't know what you don't buy about it either. As always, best advice is to ask your coach.

[kenshiji]

waltz jump+loop just like doing a normal loop...not so difficult for me...
not quite special in my view..

[sk8er1964]

waltz jump+loop just like doing a normal loop...not so difficult for me...
not quite special in my view..

The waltz-loop does two things for you.

First, it gets you into the correct axel take-off position (assuming you are doing the waltz jump correctly for this exercise - a big assumption), and second it gets your body used to switching over to your right side (assuming your CCW), which is where it needs to be in the air to successfully complete an axel.

If you aren't getting the rotation, especially on the floor, and you have the height you say you do, then you are not in the correct in-air position for the jump. The only way I know how to train your body to get into that correct air position is to do...

waltz-loops
step-throughs of an axel take-off into a backspin.

Good luck -- and listen to your coaches. They probably know a whole lot more about teaching an axel than you do about learning one! :P

[doubletoe]

I think i haven't take off high enough......in the first place...
then,even on the ground,i can't do it..just rotate for 360..not 540....
i keep trying my waltz jump+back spin...
someone told me that waltz jump+loop jump is a good way for practicing axel
i don't buy it indeed......i can't be thinking of any relation between them...
what are your comment?
folks,how long did you take for the enough rotation...not including landing..
just rotate enough...

Think of jumping straight up, then doing a backspin in the air. How is your backspin? I didn't start landing my axel on the floor or on the ice until I could do a backspin.

[kenshiji]

my backspin is okay....
thank you for all your comment...
i will try to do more waltz+loop before attempt axel again

[doubletoe]

my backspin is okay....
thank you for all your comment...
i will try to do more waltz+loop before attempt axel again

Yes, and it's even better to warm up with a waltz-loop-loop, doing a very small, controlled waltz jum, then trying to stay in one spot and jump straight up on the loop-loop. This will help give you the feeling of rotating backwards over your landing hip, which is the most challenging part of the axel. It's an entirely new feeling and you need to get comfortable getting in that position and staying backwards instead of opening up. Good luck! :)