International coach and jump specialist Chris Conte continues a series of videos focusing on development ideas for single, double, and triple axel. In Part 1 he focused on the single axel and some exercises and details to build a double axel. In Part 2 he worked with two skaters on double axel, using the pole harness to allow for safe attempts as well as axis correction and air time assistance. In a related video Chris discussed the triple axel while giving a triple axel lesson on the overhead track harness. In this video, Chris returns to double axel development by giving another skater some private instruction.
After the skater attempts a double, Chris begins by complimenting the skater for “using speed again” as increased entry speed can be very helpful for understanding jump direction which is so important on double axel. Chris then explains that this skater is pressing the skating foot a bit too far forward and the resulting edge bite makes the edge “hook around too much.” This tends to send the lower body into the circle rather than in the desired jump direction. Chris uses a very hands-on approach to helping this skaters feel the desired balance and alignment. He says, “With the little ones, I find using ‘tactile’ like that is the best way to communicate because they can feel it.”
Chris notes that he kind of likes having skaters lean slightly into the circle on the initial entrance edge (although he notes that remaining vertical is also acceptable), keeping the skating hip under for better alignment. This skater like so many working on the double axel tends to pop the left hip into the circle on the forward take-off edge which tends to force the jump to “spin into the circle.”
As a final note Chris says, “Axels I’m sure most coaches would agree are not built in a day. Double axels take a little while. It’s tricky. You’ve got to be quick. You’ve got to be right in the right place. You’ve got to jump a bit higher. So, it can be a long haul for a lot of them.” He finishes noting the importance of “progress, not perfection.”
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