i have been working on my axel, a figure skating jump for over a year now. i am a dedicated ice skater and am physically capable of landing this jump but i just can't seem to do it. however, i try to keep a positive attitdue. my arch ememy at the rink just laned hers and i am very upset. everyone knows and says i am the more advanced. i think at this point it may be phycologial and i have my self convinced that i can't land it even though i really want to and am trying to keep a positive attidude. please help me. is this psycologial or is it something i just need to keep practicing? you must know that i devote at least a half hour of practice to this every ice session. thank you kindly. Jamie, age 13

-- Jamie (JamelaRS@aol.com), October 26, 1999

Answers

Hi Jamie!!!

Well, let me start by saying that in NO WAY am I a licensed sports psychologist or counselor. I am however, a lifelong athlete, and play softball at the Division I level currently. I can tell you from experience that there is nothing more frustrating than wanting to master a skill and not being able to do so, no matter how much effort you put into the skill. Have you talked to your coach about how you feel about learning the axel? If not, that's a good place to start. Try to figure out WHY you want to get the axel down so badly. Also, think about why YOU BELIEVE that you just can't get this jump down. Once you define what it is that's stopping you, then you will be able to start working on destroying whatever it is, and get to succeeding at the jump. Again, let me remind you that I'm not offering professional advice, but I do hope that you can get past whatever it is that's holding you back. If nothing else, know that many people (including yourself I bet) have confidence in you, and are proud of the effort you have put in so far! Good luck, and feel free to email me about your concerns. :)

Regards, Thea

-- Thea Stoll (ts176@barnard.columbia.edu), November 03, 1999.