International coach and jump specialist Jeremy Allen continues a multi-part series on the axel, with an emphasis on the importance of edge pressure and how to generate it. In Part 1 he discussed the take-off and the need for edge pressure, and he showed a number of exercises to help a skater generate this edge pressure. In Part 2 he offered additional exercises that build on the previous exercises. In this video, he talks about the hip/shoulder relationship and how to use the body and axis arm to generate more rotational energy.
Jeremy says on an axel, “Your hips and shoulders are always together” and he demonstrates what he means by simply doing a two foot spin in place with the shoulders and hips locked together during the rotation. He then demonstrates this for various positions in the axel jump, from the initial step to the take-off to the air position. As such, Jeremy cautions against turning the shoulders against the rotation as the jump leaves the ice.
In Part 1 and Part 2, Jeremy focused on how to generate rotational energy from the take-off edge. Here he discusses additional ways of creating and using rotational energy. In particular, he notes that “some skaters use the right (axis) side a lot” by allowing the axis arm to come around and across much like in a spin. He says, “No matter what technique, you have to use your right (axis) side.” He demonstrates this with a two foot spin. He also describes and demonstrates the “snap back” and “hips initially turning over” as well as the movement into an efficient air position as ways in which skaters create fast rotation.
To clarify, Jeremy then explains, “I tend to go the more traditional route to start with an axel.” He describes and demonstrates this more traditional approach, particularly with narrow arm movements where the hands go past the hips rather than wide around the body. Once a skater has mastered this more traditional axel, Jeremy will consider slight variations to help if more rotational energy is needed for the double or triple axel. He says, “There’s not just one way a skater can get a jump done.”
Axel Insights and Drills – Part 1 (Jeremy Allen)
Axel Insights and Drills – Part 2 (Jeremy Allen)
Axel Insights and Drills – Part 3 (Jeremy Allen)
Axel Insights and Drills – Part 4 (Jeremy Allen)
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