International coach and jump specialist Nick Perna continues an axel development class for young skaters at a camp, introducing the early concepts as they relate to waltz jump. A significant percentage of this class is not really ready to work on the axel, but as Nick demonstrates it’s never too soon to teach important concepts that will make axel development dramatically easier down the road. In Part 1, Nick shared important waltz jump tips such as getting under the jump, stepping onto a controlled forward take-off edge while “kicking the butt” with the free shoulder back, and narrow arm movements. In Part 2 Nick focused on arm and leg positions and movements, body posture, the necessary hip movements (“swing set”) that allow the skater to create more lift.
In this video, Nick begins by explaining the importance of the loop jump to the axel, as many coaches teach the axel as just a waltz jump loop jump combination where the skater doesn’t come down between the two jumps. Done correctly in preparation for axel, a waltz jump loop jump needs to have the free foot in front and across when landing the waltz jump, and the free foot should remain crossed throughout the loop jump. Nick explains that, “If your leg is swinging out (not crossed), you’re not going to have a good loop jump and you won’t be able to get into the backspin part of the axel.” He also notes that it helps to have the head turned to the axis side when landing the waltz jump.
Nick describes the desired free leg position for the loop as an h-position, as this ensures the free foot remains in front. To work on the h-position, he has the class try to do a backspin in the h-position. For those who cannot do a backspin, simply gliding backwards in the h-position can be very helpful. A good h-position has a straight skating leg. Nick takes the time to teach one young male skater a backspin and h-position.
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