New Axel Takeoff
I’ve subscribed to a website called iCoachSkating.com for a few years. The website is chock full of helpful information and from world-class coaches around the globe.
One of the coaches, Robert Tebby, talked about how a correct axel uses an internal hip rotation rather than relying on the free leg kicking through. In fact, Robert says that the knee should be the body part that is the farthest from the body when taking off. My axel takeoff is generally a bit swingy, so it’s not the prettiest element in my arsenal.
When my coach and I reviewed the Robert Tebby technique and talked about it, we tried to disprove him. My coach wasn’t fully bought into Robert’s explanation. However, once I demonstrated a waltz jump and focused on driving through with my knee (and keeping it there), we noticed that Robert’s explanation was indeed correct. Call us shocked.
After my lesson ended, I tried applying this thinking to an axel. It took me a few tries, but I noticed how much more I got on the “kick through” (with my knee – not with my entire leg). I realized that I was able to get more distance and height using this strategy. I sent the video my coach, who was super excited about the immediate improvement in my jump. I no longer was “swinging” my leg around, and I no longer took off going fully backwards. The takeoff was correct, and my alignment improved.
Take a look!
I’m hoping that this technique sticks around because I feel like I’m flying!