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 you’re soaring, and the next you’ve landed in a swirl of triumph (or maybe on your backside). Either way, we’ve got five must try tips that will make you feel like you’re performing under bright rink lights, even if you’re practicing in your living room.
1. The Waltz Jump: Like Stepping Upstairs 📶
Imagine you’re 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. You’ll 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 ↔️
Picture yourself ringing a bell—no, 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: It’s Spin Time 🌪️
Ever gotten dizzy after one too many carnival rides? This is a similar feeling—minus the cotton candy. You’re 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 voilà - you’ve completed your rotation.
4. Combining a Waltz Jump with Scratch Position ➕
It’s 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 = Axel’s Best Friends 🦘
Now it’s 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 you’re comfortable with this combo, you’ll be well on your way to tackling the off-ice axel with style and (let’s be honest) a healthy dash of bravery.
Quick Tips to Keep in Mind
🌡️ Warm up: A few leg swings and arm circles go a long way.
👠 Shoes: Choose supportive sneakers or skating trainers—no flip-flops, please.
🌲 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!
