Axels and Lutzes are two types of figure skating jumps. An Axel is a jump in which the skater takes off from a forward outside edge and rotates 1 1/2 times in the air before landing on the same outside edge. A Lutz is a jump in which the skater takes off from a backward outside edge and rotates 1 1/2 times in the air before landing on the same outside edge. Both jumps are considered difficult and require a great deal of skill to execute properly. The term LEAPS is an acronym for these two jumps, with the 'L' standing for Lutz and the 'A' standing for Axel.