Axel jump in figure skating

Axel jump in figure skating

The Axel jump in figure skating is a very difficult jump and actually has an additional half turn more compare to all other jumps in figure skating.

The take-off for the Axel jump in figure skating is from the forward outside edge of the skating foot with one and a half revolution (540°) landed on the backward outside edge of the free foot.

We can declare that the first performance of this Axel jump by Mr. Axel Paulsen on speed skating blades represented a revolution in the conception of the figure skating of this time. At this time only jumps with one revolution (360°) were performed. As times change other jumps with more revolutions-double, triple and now quads are in a figure skating competitors repertoire. Only time will tell us where the human limits are, will it be possible to have a jump in figure skating that has 5 revolutions? We shall see.

Nevertheless, it is the simple Axel jump in figure skating which remains the king of the jumps because of its power and speed.

How to perform the Axel jump by Karin Doherty.

Describing the Axel jump take-off on the left foot. There are several run-ins, we shall describe the simplest run-in the backward outside. By means of crossover backward to the right gather sufficient speed and stay on the right backward outside edge with the left arm and shoulder backward, right forward, the free leg extended backward. Then we strike the left forward take-off curve in the main direction of travel. During the take-off for the Axel jump the take-off curve we increase the bend of the knee and bring the arms as far backward as possible in the open position, also the free leg is held backward and slightly lifted.

This position of the arms and the free leg before the take-off for the Axel jump is very important as it permits full swing of the arms and of the free leg along the longest possible path thus using them to the most for assisting the take-off, it should not be longer than 3 to 6 feet depending on the speed. The push off for the Axel jump is so timed that all the movement, the swing of the arms and of the free leg upwards and straightening of the skating leg at the knee are concluded at the same time. The landing of the Axel jump is performed on the right backward outside edge. The landing leg bends strongly at the knee and the free leg is extended backward. During the Axel jump the head must be erect.

The Axel jump in figure skating takes about one year or more to practice before finally successfully landing it. At the beginners level of the single Axel I do recommend of skating with the MK Professional skating blade.