Mastering the Off-Ice Axel: 5 Fun Ways to Boost Your Confidence
Ready to conquer the elusive off-ice axel? Think of it like the holy grail of figure skating jumps - one moment youâre soaring, and the next youâve landed in a swirl of triumph (or maybe on your backside). Either way, weâve got five must try tips that will make you feel like youâre performing under bright rink lights, even if youâre practicing in your living room.
1. The Waltz Jump: Like Stepping Upstairs đś
Imagine youâre climbing the grandest staircase ever - just with a slight twist. The waltz jump is all about springing upward while keeping your body aligned, as if each jump is one more step toward that shining new level of skill. Keep your knees bent for more lift, and resist the urge to rush through the takeoff. Youâll notice your control improves when you focus on a steady rhythm (one, two, three⌠jump!).
2. The Bell Jump: Embrace the Left-to-Right Shift âď¸
Picture yourself ringing a bellâno, not the wedding kind⌠though if you nail this jump, you might want to throw a celebration. This move is all about shifting your body weight from side to side in a controlled motion. As you propel yourself upward, think of your arms and legs as the clapper of a bell, swinging smoothly back and forth. The aim is a clean, balanced jump that preps you for the rotations coming next.
3. Once Around: Itâs Spin Time đŞď¸
Ever gotten dizzy after one too many carnival rides? This is a similar feelingâminus the cotton candy. Youâre practicing a full rotation here, so keep your core engaged and your head up. A sneaky trick: pick a focal point before you begin and snap your head around quickly to reduce the dizzy factor. Land with your knees slightly bent to absorb the impact, and voilĂ - youâve completed your rotation.
4. Combining a Waltz Jump with Scratch Position â
Itâs basically taking your waltz jump to the next level. After that majestic takeoff, tighten into a scratch position mid air for a quicker spin. Keep your arms tucked in and your legs close. The more compact you are, the faster you spin. Think of yourself as the figure skating version of a tornado - just with a bit more grace (we hope).
5. Waltz Jump + Scratch Jump = Axelâs Best Friends đŚ
Now itâs time to piece it all together. Seamlessly fuse your waltz jump with a scratch jump to mimic the feel of an axel. Engage your core, snap your arms in, and trust that muscle memory. Once youâre comfortable with this combo, youâll be well on your way to tackling the off-ice axel with style and (letâs be honest) a healthy dash of bravery.
Quick Tips to Keep in Mind
đĄď¸ Warm up: A few leg swings and arm circles go a long way.
đ Shoes: Choose supportive sneakers or skating trainersâno flip-flops, please.
đ˛ Surroundings: Ensure you have enough room to jump and land safely.
Feeling the urge to spin, leap, and conquer the off-ice axel? Strap on some supportive shoes, find a safe practice spot, and start working these five tips into your daily routine. Trust us, every triumphant landing feels like you just won gold!
