World and Olympic coach Robert Tebby continues his discussion of some aspects of the process he uses to move from a single axel to the double axel. In Part 1 he outlined a general process with recommended drills. In this short video, he discusses the important question of when to start working on the double axel. He begins by saying, “I’m a firm believer that if you want to get something you better start trying it.” This sentiment implies working on the double axel as soon as possible to improve it such that it can be landed as the jump improves and the skater’s athleticism reaches the necessary level.
Robert cites two drills (single axel double loop and single axel backspin from Part 1) and notes that solid control of those exercises implies a skater is “ready to start trying some double axels.” He continues, at first “your goal should not be to get around (clean). Your goal should be to do more than a single, maintain alignment (axis) and stability, and land on your feet.” This doesn’t mean the skater won’t fall, just that they are absorbing the energy of landing with their legs. Robert says, “The sooner you start working on it, the sooner you get it.”
Robert demonstrates an outstanding exercise consisting of a one-foot waltz jump land in a twizzle (on non-axis foot) with the free foot behind and then switch feet (to axis foot) into classic backspin and exit. This exercise as demonstrated is particularly helpful for single axel development, but by substituting a one-foot axel for the one-foot waltz jump, it becomes a powerful double axel exercise.
The process is one of continued technical improvement. Robert mentions the idea of exaggerating corrections and he offers examples of a kick through that is too big, or arm swing that is too big. He says, “Our brain is smart, but our muscles are dumb. So you really need to teach those muscles to the extreme.” He talks about this process and shares an example of a triple salchow.
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