Expert: Dianne DeLeeuw - 10/28/2009

Question
Hi Dianne,
Do you recommend using the jump harness for learning jumps like axels and doubles ? what's the average amount of time you think someone learning the axels should spend on the harness for it to be effective ? my child has only been on the harness a handful of times (maybe around 4 times at 15 mins each time) but has been practising it on her own for a few months now. To my untrained eye, it looks like she's doing the same mistakes over and over again (not crossing her legs, not shifting weight and landing on wrong foot). I'm concerned that because she keeps doing it the wrong way she'd get used to doing it the wrong way. Would you recommend more jump harness time ?  Thanks.

Answer
Hi,
I use the harness alot, but still have kids I call "queen of the harness" because it is perfect but they cannot do it by themself.  I try to balance my harness by alternating on and off.  Using the harness can minimize fear of big falls and boost confidence.  Talk to your coach and trust their opinion as each child is different.
Good luck,
Dianne