Spins are a pivotal aspect of figure skating. A spin in refers to a move where a skater rotates or spins with the skates rooted at a central point on the ice.
Different Types of Spins
Sit Spin
A sit spin refers to a spin wherein the buttocks of the skater are level with the skating knee. There are several variations in this spin, but the basic one is where the skater is in a sitting position, with the skating leg is bent, and the free leg is extended in front. On the contrary, when the free leg of the skater is turned inwards at the hip, it is called a broken leg sit spin.
Camel Spin
In a camel spin, the skater holds his free leg backwards, with the knee higher than the hip level. The most primary form of camel spin, or arabesque spin, as it is called, is done when the skater gets into a spiral position. Here, the free leg of the skater is extended behind the level of his or her hips, parallel to the surface of the ice. When the same spin is done from a jump entry, it is called a flying camel spin. Again, there are a number of spins included under this main category.
Upright Spin
As the name suggests, this spin mainly entails the skater to be in an upright position, of course, with a lot of variations. In an upright spin, where the skater rotates with both feet on the ice, it is called a basic 2-foot spin, and the one where the skater rotates with one foot on the ice, is called a 1-foot spin.
Types of Jumps
- Toe Loop Jump
- Salchow Jump
- Flip Jump
- Flip Jump
- Loop Jump
- Lutz Jump
- Axel Jump
- Waltz Jump
- Split Jump
- Stag Jump
- Half Axel
- Half Lutz
Doing a Spin
- With both feet together, stand or glide on the ice. When you glide, keep the knees bent a little bit, with the back and neck straight.
- Now, extend one arm straight in front of you, and the other to the side. If the direction you are going to take is to the right, your right arm should be in front, and the left arm should be in front of you if you are going to turn left.
- The next thing you do is to swing your arms in the desired direction of your intended spin. Tuck your arms into your chest side by side, or cross them across your chest after swinging them.
- There, you are almost done! Now spin on the ice, with both your feet together all the time. Finally, open your arms out on your sides to balance and conclude the spin.
- This is the most generic and simple method for almost all figure skating spins. Another important aspect in these spins is that, for those who rotate in a counterclockwise direction on the left foot, it is called a forward spin, and when it is done on the right foot, it is called the back spin.
Figure skating spins and jumps, at the end of the day, are amazing to do or even watch. and can give you a high. But, it is better not to attempt them without a coach or a partner. You may run the risk of injury, if you are a new entrant. Also, have someone observe you, so that you would understand your mistakes, if any.
