World and Olympic coach Kori Ade begins a multi-part series on jump setup patterns. The demonstrator for this series is Jordan Moeller and his jumps are definitely worth modeling. This series will cover the six main jumps, and it will include insights and tips for using these patterns, as well as reasons for their value. In this first video of the series, Kori discusses the setup for axel (also waltz jump).
To begin, Kori shows “the traditional curve” pattern that “you can use for beginner skaters and then you can take it all the way up to an advanced level.” From forward, the pattern uses a forward inside edge and then a forward inside mohawk to get close to the wall before setting a “broad curve” or very large circle preparation. Kori shares a way of thinking about the jump, where the back preparation edge is going up a hill, the jump happens at the peak of the hill, and the landing is coming down the hill. Kori uses this pattern because it “gives structure” and a broad curve, as well as some steps.
Next, Kori shows how she “pokes” at a skater on the back outside preparation edge to get the proper alignment and broadness of the curve. Common errors are hip position, head position, bent skating knee, body lean, and arm position on the setup. She calls the desired position a “tall position.” Kori is adamant about preventing a switch to a back inside edge on the preparation. She believes it causes a series of problems that lead to alignment problems, power issues, and “a big swinging free leg.”
Next, Kori has Jordan demonstrate the traditional Gus Lussi S-curve pattern. She uses this pattern for skaters “that are having a hard time keeping their foot underneath them when they launch.” The pattern starts with back crossovers in the opposite direction to the jump’s natural rotation, with a final undercut leading to an edge change before the stillness of the step forward into the jump. Many skaters struggle with the slight edge change, so this entrance is a good exercise for skaters to feel correct alignment and control before the step.
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