World and Olympic coach Robert Tebby explains and demonstrates how he begins developing the axel. He starts this video by noting that he draws on the ice and has very clear instructions and targets for the skater. Learning an axel is challenging and it helps the skater to know how to start and “what they’re trying to achieve.” Robert demonstrates his starting position, with the feet in a T-position where the shoulders are in line with the non-axis or take-off foot (body facing “outside” the circle of the take-off edge) and both arms touching and pointing in the direction that the axis foot is pointing.
On the push Robert wants the skater to keep the hands together and in that starting position until the back or pushing foot is off the ice. He says, “When they push, the back foot comes up, and then the arms go back.” For the forward movement into the jump, Robert wants the arms to come forward near the body and touch at the wrists (in front) and then the jumping movement happens. Note that the axis arm is closer to the body on the wrist touch. For the jump itself, “We’re trying to make it feel like we are landing with the free leg already across.”
In describing the general tracing, Robert says, “Curve equals (rotational) momentum. It doesn’t equal control. So you have to judge as a coach how much curve (versus) how much control you’re getting and adapt.” He continues, “As a coach you always have to adapt. You have a basic strategy that you use and then you see what you get and you correct from there.” In describing the jump and how rotation is created, Robert is using the term momentum as a way to describe rotational energy. He then reiterates the important points and adds the concept of “sinking down into the step” to load the take-off leg when pushing forward. He uses these “basics” for waltz jump backspin, and he thinks of this as being good for “transition from edge to rotation.”
Once the skater has some control with this, he moves on to a “bell jump” which has various names throughout the world (half axel, once-around, etc.). The bell jump uses the take-off already described but rotates in the air to land forward. Robert describes this as a full turn in the air, but in reality it’s less than a full turn in the air because some of the rotation actually happens on the take-off edge. He thinks of the bell jump as being good for the jump aspect of axel development. He says, “With the bell jump you’re working on the same timing with the arms but you’re working a little bit more on the knee coming up and doing one rotation in the air.” When landing the bell jump, Robert wants the wrists to maintain contact. He demonstrates the basic entry with a crosscut (crossover) and two foot backward glide down the line, before stepping into the bell jump. After the skater feels comfortable with landing the bell jump forward on two feet he has them transition to a backspin.
Robert says, “My process generally is waltz jump backspin, bell jump backspin, try an axel.” He cycles through these and focuses on one or another depending on what a skater needs (control, jump, or rotation). Next, he shows an exercise he uses near the boards to help with the movements of the axis leg. Robert says, “What your mind thinks your muscles are doing and what your muscles are doing are not always the same thing. Our brains are very smart… we understand when coaches tell us things. Our muscles are pretty dumb. They tend to do what they did last and even though you may think you’re doing something, you’re not.” The exercise in question helps a skater learn the feeling of the “transition from the toe pick to the backspin.” The exercise starts with the non-axis skate on the ice parallel to the boards, with the axis leg bent and heel high with knees together. Robert then has the skater jump straight up and when they do they should lift the heel of the axis foot. The next part of the exercise starts the same but includes a half turn. The final part of the exercise has the same jump (from the first part) and the same turn (from the second part) but lands instead on the other foot, or the axis foot.
Robert notes, “There is no arbitrary kicking of the (free) leg. The (free) leg comes forward because the left (take-off, non-axis) foot is hitting the toe and turning. The left (non-axis) leg is creating that motion (the perceived kick-through).” Because the take-off foot is turning on the ice, the axis hip also moves which creates the desired free leg motion.
Sorry, this content is for members only.Click here to get access.
Already a member? Login below… |
Add to "My Favorites" (Beta testing)
