Sunday, January 30, 2005
Entry in both axel and waltz jump
Let's share some opinions on the entry technique for both the axel and waltz jump.
Is anyone aware of a different method used with a skater who jumps clockwise vs. counter-clockwise? Here's the situation:
A coach struggled with a student (who jumps clockwise) for three years on an axel. She had a very nice lift into the jump but would always under-rotate by 1/8 turn. She also landed the jump flat footed and the coach always felt like she didn't get the maximum push off her toe when taking off.
The coach taught her to use the traditional method of looking back on the back outside edge just before stepping up into the jump and also had her arms/shoulders facing outside her edge.
The coach eventually dropped her as a student and she started to work with another coach; then she started landing the axel within three lessons.
The new coach changed her entry method by not having her rotate her shoulders and not having her look back until right at the point of stepping forward.
Has anyone else changed methods because a skater jumps a different direction?
Is anyone aware of a different method used with a skater who jumps clockwise vs. counter-clockwise? Here's the situation:
A coach struggled with a student (who jumps clockwise) for three years on an axel. She had a very nice lift into the jump but would always under-rotate by 1/8 turn. She also landed the jump flat footed and the coach always felt like she didn't get the maximum push off her toe when taking off.
The coach taught her to use the traditional method of looking back on the back outside edge just before stepping up into the jump and also had her arms/shoulders facing outside her edge.
The coach eventually dropped her as a student and she started to work with another coach; then she started landing the axel within three lessons.
The new coach changed her entry method by not having her rotate her shoulders and not having her look back until right at the point of stepping forward.
Has anyone else changed methods because a skater jumps a different direction?
# posted @ 4:57 AM 
Comments:
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I'd like to hear what everyone feels are the pros and cons of using a harness to teach an axel (not doubles or more difficult jumps).
Also: Any harness tricks to share?
Also: Any harness tricks to share?
# posted by 
: 5:09 AM
: 5:09 AM
What a great question!
I tried the "traditional" entry technique but switched to the "not having her rotate her shoulders and not having her look back until right at the point of stepping forward" method 5 years ago.
I found that without the school figures of yore, and the increased desire for jumping, there is not always time to teach both body awareness\coordination AND jumps [skaters seem to get frustrated if they have to do 'boring' edge work ;-)]. So, a happy medium was the alternative method - it squares off the hips and shoulders and helps the skater control the free side and the skating side. The win-win is that the technique keeps the skater's jump progressing and leaves room for lessons on body positions and balance.
However, I eventually 'switch' over to the traditional method when the single jump is consistent, in preparation for the double.
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I tried the "traditional" entry technique but switched to the "not having her rotate her shoulders and not having her look back until right at the point of stepping forward" method 5 years ago.
I found that without the school figures of yore, and the increased desire for jumping, there is not always time to teach both body awareness\coordination AND jumps [skaters seem to get frustrated if they have to do 'boring' edge work ;-)]. So, a happy medium was the alternative method - it squares off the hips and shoulders and helps the skater control the free side and the skating side. The win-win is that the technique keeps the skater's jump progressing and leaves room for lessons on body positions and balance.
However, I eventually 'switch' over to the traditional method when the single jump is consistent, in preparation for the double.
# posted by : 11:05 AM
: 11:05 AM << Home
