What Is a Triple Axel?

During international competition and the Olympics, watching figure skating can be fun, but it also can be confusing. With different jumps and spins, it can be difficult to spot the differences in each jump performed by the skaters. But each maneuver does have its own name and technique. The axel maneuver is a spin jump in every competitive skater's repertoire.

  1. History

    • The axel jump is named after the Norwegian skater Axel Paulsen. In 1882 he performed the jump in Vienna, Austria, during an early international competition.

    The Axel

    • A triple axel is a rotation jump used in competitive figure skating. A triple version of the axel means the skater completes three-and-a-half revolutions in the air before returning to the ice. The base of the axel jump is one-and-a-half rotations. Skaters can then elaborate on the maneuver with two or three rotations.

    Mechanics

    • The axel jump is one that is entered into on a forward, outside edge, which is rare. This means the skater approaches the jump by skating backward, but quickly turns the opposite leg in the direction she is moving. The skater will take off with this leg. She might skid on the ice before taking off for the jump to get a better grip on the ice. When in the air, she crosses her left leg in front of the right, which is called a back spin. The skater lands with the free leg stretched, back straight and level shoulders.

    Variations

    • The axel has several variations, some used in competitions and some for entertainment purposes. The Russian split axel is when the skater jumps into a Russian split, then continues with the rotations before returning to the ice. A delayed axel is when the skater jumps into a slow spin and finishes with a faster spin. A tuck axel is when a skater jumps and bends his knees with his legs back while spinning. A cross tuck axel is a tuck axel with both legs crossed behind the skater.

    Errors

    • If a skater doesn't properly time the jump or doesn't grip the ice enough with her blade, it might result in a "waxel." This could make the skater fall to the ice. Other issues that may occur are over-rotation on takeoff and improper body alignment while in the air. Under-rotation, a fall or wobble could result in deductions in a competition.