Expert: Dianne DeLeeuw - 7/12/2008

Question
hi. I am really confused about my axel because i first landed it after seven months of skating with second-hand Risport boots. When I switched to Jackson Elite Plus, I lost my axel, got it back and then lost it again. It's still inconsistent now but I'm a bit confused because I can do axel on the ground. On the ground I can also do all my double jumps, I can almost do a double axel on the ground and can also almost do a triple salchow on the ground! But despite all of this I am still falling on my axel when i do it on the ice. My coach has also told me that I'm over-rotating slightly when i do the axel but I can't open up enough. Because of falling really hard on my hip several times, I have gotten a mental block and now am terrified to do axel on ice. Please help! I really to pass FS 5 soon!!
Thanks in advance,
Katrina

Answer
Hi,
This is normal when first learning axel.  It could be your blade mount that is different.  The take off time could have changed and now pops you around.  
Get a hip pad for sure!
If blades are good on everything else you may just need to readjust your axel take off.  Doing doubles on the ground may also cause you to turn the take off too much.  Back off these.
Good luck,
Dianne