A Kinematic Comparison of Single, Double, and Triple Axels

Abstract

To be competitive internationally, figure skaters today must perform complex athletic skills such as triple axels. However, few skaters are executing such jumps consistently. In this study, a 3D kinematic analysis of five elite male skaters was undertaken to compare characteristics of single, double, and triple axels and to determine which parameters are most critical to completion of the triple axel. Results indicate that skaters increase their number of revolutions by increasing their rotational velocity, not by increasing their time in the air. The study also shows that skaters' triple axels travel horizontally only 70% as far as their single axels, an observation attributable to skaters' greater skid distances, greater takeoff angles, and consequently lower horizontal velocities in their triple axels. It appears that achieving a high rotational velocity by generating angular momentum at takeoff and by minimizing moment of inertia about the spin axis is a key to completing the triple axel.