Axel / Axel Jump: Forward Takeoff Edge Mechanics, Rotations, and Base Values | Figure Skating Glossary A18

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Figure Skating Glossary · A18

Axel / Axel Jump: Forward Takeoff Edge Mechanics, Rotations, and Base Values

⚡ Quick Definition

The Axel (Axel Jump) is the only figure skating jump launched from a forward outside edge and landed on the backward outside edge of the opposite foot. Because it takes off forward and lands backward, every Axel requires an extra half-rotation (0.5 turn) in the air (e.g., Triple Axel = 3.5 revolutions), making it the most technically demanding jump in competitive skating.


Among the six recognized figure skating jumps (Axel, Lutz, Flip, Loop, Salchow, Toe Loop), the Axel stands apart due to its distinctive forward entry. In official scoring documents, "Axel" and "Axel Jump" refer to the exact same recognized technical element and share the official code A.

1. Takeoff and Landing Mechanics

Figure skating jumps are classified into Edge Jumps and Toe Jumps. The Axel is an Edge Jump, meaning it generates lift purely from a gliding skating curve without tapping the toe pick into the ice:

⛸️ Axel (Edge Jump): Launches directly off a deep forward outside edge (Forward Outside / FO) using knee spring and swing-leg momentum. No toe-pick vault assistance is used.

⛸️ Toe Jumps (Lutz, Flip, Toe Loop): Vault off the ice by actively tapping the toe pick of the free leg into the surface behind the gliding foot.

Footwork & Rotation Flow (Counter-Clockwise Example):

  • Takeoff Foot: Left Forward Outside edge (LFO).
  • Vault Action: The right free leg swings forward while the left knee extends dynamically upward.
  • Landing Foot: Right Backward Outside edge (RBO), gliding cleanly backward onto the opposite foot.

*Note: For clockwise spinners (left-handed jumpers), the takeoff is executed from the Right Forward Outside edge (RFO) and lands on the Left Backward Outside edge (LBO).

💡 Spectator Tip: Many skaters perform backward crossovers, step-sequences, or mohawk turns before turning forward right at the moment of launch. Do not confuse the preparation pathway with the actual jump. The defining feature is the final instant the blade leaves the ice, which is always forward.

2. Rotations: Why Does the Axel Have an Extra Half-Turn?

All other five jumps take off backward and land backward (full 360° integer revolutions: 1.0, 2.0, 3.0, 4.0). Because the Axel takes off forward (facing 180° opposite) and must land backward, skaters must complete an extra 180° (0.5 turn) in the air:

Jump Name Official Code Actual Aerial Revolutions
Single Axel 1A 1.5 turns (540°)
Double Axel 2A 2.5 turns (900°)
Triple Axel 3A 3.5 turns (1,260°)
Quadruple Axel 4A 4.5 turns (1,620°)

3. Official Base Values (ISU 2026/27 Season)

Under ISU Communication No. 2786 (Single & Pair Skating Scale of Values for the 2026/27 season), standalone clean Axel base values are rated as follows:

  • 1A (Single Axel): 1.10 points
  • 2A (Double Axel): 3.30 points
  • 3A (Triple Axel): 8.00 points
  • 4A (Quad Axel): 12.50 points

*Note: These figures represent solo base values. If placed in the second half of a program (with bonus factor), executed in jump combinations/sequences, or flagged for under-rotation, adjusted calculation formulas apply.

4. Technical Panel Calls & GOE Evaluation

An Axel is not judged solely by its base score. Official scoring separates the Technical Panel call from the Judges' GOE (Grade of Execution):

  • Technical Panel (Rotation & Edge): Verifies whether the jump achieved full rotation. Calls include Clean, Quarter (q), Under-rotated (<, 70% Base Value), or Downgraded (<<, reduced to lower revolution tier). Unlike spins, Axel jumps are not graded by levels (Level 1–4).
  • Judges' GOE (Execution Quality): Judges award between -5 and +5 based on takeoff flow, height, ice coverage (distance), effortless air position, and smooth landing extension according to ISU Communication No. 2788.

5. Distinguishing Three Similar Terms

  • Axel / Axel Jump (A18): The solo competitive jump element recognized on official ISU protocol sheets (1A, 2A, 3A, 4A).
  • Axel Hop (A19): A training or transitional drill (often a single or half-turn hop) used in warmup routines and choreographic footwork rather than a scoring jump element.
  • Axel-type Jump (A20): A broader classification term covering any jump that takes off from a forward edge (such as Waltz jumps, Axel hops, and competitive Axels) within regulatory program definitions.
📚 Figure Skating Glossary Series
• Related Entry: A07 Air Position (Tight rotation axis & leg crossing)
• Current Entry: A18 Axel / Axel Jump
• Next Entries: ➡️ A19 Axel Hop | ➡️ A20 Axel-type Jump

References & Verification

Verified as of October 12, 2026:

  1. International Skating Union (ISU), Figure Skating Jumps Explained: All 6 Types (The Axel Section), Jul 29, 2026.
  2. ISU Communication No. 2786, Single & Pair Skating Scale of Values 2026/27 (SOV update released Jun 2, 2026), Jump Table pp. 1–3.
  3. ISU Communication No. 2788, Single & Pair Skating Levels of Difficulty and Guidelines for Marking GOE and PCS 2026/27, Jump Elements p. 12.
  4. ISU Technical Panel Handbook Single Skating 2026/27, Jumping Elements and Jump Sequences, pp. 27–30.

#FigureSkatingGlossary #Axel #AxelJump #TripleAxel #QuadAxel #FigureSkatingMechanics #ISURules

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