Hi David.
Thanks for the review and happy to help you progress with your AXIO.
You’re right. Controlling an AXIO with our non-dominant arm is more challenging to master. We typically don’t have the same degree of strength, endurance and particularly coordination compared to the arm we use most often. However, this is very trainable and worthwhile to improve. It just takes a little more repetition to help our nervous system learn. Also, there is strength and conditioning benefit that occurs in the process.
Here’s a few techniques to speed up the process--
1) Keep your elbow bent in a 90 degree angle at your side (hand shake position). This may not be the functional position you want to use your arm in, but it decreases resistance and makes the AXIO easier to control for a longer period of time. As you gain more control and endurance you then extend the arm out further away from your body and work different positions.
2) Shifting the AXIO smoothly back and forth (aka “oscillations”) so the ball rolls across bottom of channel helps develop control. Progress to rotating the ball completely around the system, but try to keep it going around as slowly and smoothly as you can. It’s common with our non-dominant side to over accelerate and lose control. Don’t let the ball move too quickly around the channel. Greater rotational speed will come.
3) A good goal is to try to rotate the AXIO for 30 seconds without losing control. If you lose control, just get it going again. The clock keeps ticking. Keep track of how many times you lose control in 30 seconds. Try 3 sets each direction.
I also highly recommend using the AXIO with both hands at the same time and progressing by altering body and AXIO positions to challenge stability and control as you improve.
Please refer to the website for the AXIO Quickstart videos, the Fitness Library and 'Applications' section for sport-specific training curriculum.
All the Best,
Ted B.
AXIO Centripetal Training