Why do some skaters cheat their Axel takeoff?

Great question — this is one of the most common things I see, especially as skaters get tired or lose confidence in their jump.

When a skater "cheats" the Axel takeoff, they're usually rotating their shoulders and hips before they actually leave the ice. Instead of that clean forward entry on the left forward edge, they're sneaking in some rotation early, which makes the jump feel easier but costs them points. The judges definitely catch it, and it also makes the landing less stable because they've messed with the natural physics of the jump.

Why does it happen? Usually it's because the skater is anxious about rotating enough in the air, so they unconsciously start rotating on the ice instead. Sometimes it's fatigue — a tired skater takes shortcuts. And sometimes it's just a habit that's built up over time if no one's been watching for it closely.

The thing is, a properly executed Axel is actually easier to land than a cheated one, even though it feels scarier. When you trust the geometry and let yourself actually take off forward, the rotation happens naturally and you're in control.

Want to see this in your child's skating? [SkateMarks analyzes every jump with per-second AI coaching notes.]