Q&A for How to Do an Axel in Figure Skating

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I can rotate one and a half and land on two feet or I can go around once and land on one foot. But I can't rotate enough and land on one foot. What should I do differently?

Community Answer

Really push yourself and give it more force on the takeoff. If you can rotate the one and a half landing on two feet, but can't land on one, it's more of a mental problem and you'll need to work on visualizing an accurate landing, both on and off the ice, until you nail it.

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Question

How can I overcome the fear of doing an axel? I really want to, but it's hard for me to just go for it.

Community Answer

Maybe use a harness to really get the feeling of the jump on the ice. Also, do a lot of axels on the floor. When you jump, try to think just do it, and be sure to put it in perspective -- yes, you may fall but not many times will you fall hard. Once you try it you will probably think that was easy!

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Question

What do I do if I have a mental block about figuring out axels?

Community Answer

It takes a ton of time to be ready. At your figure skating rink, watch others do it. This definitely helps. Otherwise, just keep trying! It will seem scary and kind of hard, but don't be afraid to fall. You will do great, just keep at it!

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Question

I am currently working on my axel. I have correct posture, but I can only land the one and a half if I turn a little before my take off. I feel I am not jumping high enough. Do you think that is the case?

Community Answer

It sounds like you may be skidding, a technique used to start rotation before actually getting into the air. Some coaches encourage it when students are working on double or triple axels, but it’s best to stay away from it when working with just singles. Think about jumping up more than jumping across, and focus on getting your leg up until the top of the jump, and then pulling in.

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Question

Can I do axels if I am still in gamma?

Community Answer

No, you probably can't do them just yet. The axel jump isn’t until freestyle 5. Don’t let that stop you though! with hard work and practice, you’ll be working on them in no time.

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Question

Which way would I land if I rotate all the way?

Community Answer

You would land backwards. The reason the axel is one and a half rotations is because it takes off forward, unlike all of the other jumps. The half rotation is so you can land backwards.

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Question

I tried to do an axel on the plain floor, and I did it. How come I can't seem to do it on the ice?

Community Answer

First of all, your balance will be harder to gain on the ice. Second, on the ice, you're landing it on a blade that is less than an inch wide. This is very difficult.

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Question

How do I stop myself from landing on my left foot? I have been working on it for a long time, but I either land it left foot or two feet.

Community Answer

Just keep practicing and you will get it.

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Question

Can I do an axel in figure skating at any age?

Community Answer

It really depends on your level in figure skating, as well as your confidence. If you are older, but it is your first time on the ice, I would recommend not trying it, but working on basic skills first to lead up to it. However, if you are younger but have been skating for a few years and are confident in all of your single jumps, then I would say go for it and start practicing. Remember, practice makes perfect!

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Question

Don't some skaters spin clock-wise, and wouldn't that mean you'd land on your left foot, in figure skating?

Community Answer

Yes, it is rarer for a figure skater to spin clock-wise but yes, you would take off from a right foot outside edge and jump and rotate 1.5 rotations and land on your left foot with a back outside edge.

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Question

I can do a double but I land before I can do a triple what am I doing wrong?

Community Answer

You need to jump higher to get in 1 more rotation. Try working on it in the harness for a while before attempting it without the harness.

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Question

My single jumps/backspin are all very strong but I never asked my coach to work on axel. But yesterday we finally worked on it in the harness and it was very hard and I could not land it.

FigureSkater123

Community Answer

I have been working on axel for 1/2 a year and can't land 1 1/2 rotations on 1 foot, even in the harness. Try doing lots of off-ice axel and jumping at home. Also, try 1 rotation axels- just don't do the extra half.

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Question

I've been skating for 5 years and still can't land my axel is this bad?

FigureSkater123

Community Answer

Have you been working on axel for 5 years? If so maybe bring this up with your coach. Work on it a lot at home.

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Question

I am a lefty in skating and have been skating for 6 years. Do you have any tips on helping my coach switch her directions?

FigureSkater123

Community Answer

Say this: "I think I might be a reverse jumper, can we try jumps and spins the reverse way this session?"

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Question

Does it matter if you turn clockwise or counterclockwise? Or can you do whatever side makes you comfortable?

FigureSkater123

Community Answer

Your coach will be able to tell if you are "regular (cc)" or "reverse (c)". If you are not comfortable jumping the way that you are, tell your coach.

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Question

How long does it usually take for someone to land an axel? I've been working on it for over a year now and have rarely landed it.

FigureSkater123

Community Answer

It is very common to take a while to get axel because it is 1 more rotation than other single jumps. You can ask your coach for exercises and techniques to improve your axels.

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Question

I'm 10 and feel confident enough to try a single an axel. Should I try it?

FigureSkater123

Community Answer

It really depends on your level. If your coach gives you the go-ahead and you have landed everything up to lutz then you should try it on the floor first.

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