Getting into backspin position on the single axel?

Question

I am learning my single axel. My waltz-loop, waltz-backspin, and half axel jumps are all really good, but when I pull up into an actual axel, I can't seem to establish that backspin position. My coach has said that I need to "snap" my left hip around to achieve this, but I just can't seem to do it. I always feel excessive pressure on my right hip when I try to do an axel. Has anyone else had this problem, and if so how did you fix it?

Answer 1

It took me ages to get my axel, and now that Ive got it im told that its awesome. Make sure when you tae off you step OUT of the circle and bend your free leg up, not around. Take off firmly from you toepick and you need to pull yourself into the rotation. Its like your coach told you, "snap" would be the best description that I can think of. My main problem was that I needed to land on my toepick with a strong, staight leg and push my leg out before opening my arms. The faster you push out, the more you can help yourself. Be sure to extend your leg before you step into the takeoff, open your arms out and DONT BLOCK WITH YOUR SHOULDER!!!!!!!! Also dont cut the entry edge short before you jump and get a solid toepick on the ice when you jump AND land. Dont bend in your knee when you land or youll probably just collapse. Alot of donts but trust me, they help lol =D

    Good luck and I hope thaty you get your axel soon, I know its frustrating, but once you get it your doubles will also start to come so easily, I landed my double loop, salchow and toeloop came really easily after i got it (i already had my double loop but anyway lol)

Answer 2

Your coach is right (of course!).  :)  Be careful that you're not dropping either shoulder in the jump, which may cause you to favor either side.  I had a lack-of-snap issue a few months ago.  I was taking off sort of twisted rather than square.  When you're in the "neutral" position (after you push back and before you step forward to take off), make sure your shoulders are square and not twisted.  Also, as one of my coaches put it, think that there are two layers of ice, one higher than the other.  When you take off in your axel, you're jumping off the lower layer up to the higher layer where you snap into your backspin.  One of the things that helps me the most with axels is really getting my knee through in the take off.  Exaggerate it like you're trying to touch your knee to your chest.  Good luck with your axel!!  :)

Answer 3

ya that happened to me, but i fixed it and now i can land it. You have to make sure that when you take off you make an h position in the hair with your free leg, and then just like your coach told you snap your hip and make sure your arms are in the right place. (tight to your chest).e and when i say snap,i mean think about doing a loop when you are up in the air and you will be in that position, then just pull in your legs until they cross and your  arms. And then land that baby!!

Good luck!! :)