Do a Scratch Spin
Learn to do the basic elements for Freestyle, grade 1 -2 Ice Skaters.
(these instructions are for "regular" counter-clockwise skaters, if you spin clockwise, reverse.)
Steps
- These directions are for a "regular" counterclockwise spinner, reverse if a clockwise spinner.
- Start by warming up and getting used to being on the ice. This is important as it helps to balance when centering your spin.
- Do backwards left crossovers in a circle.
- Prepare to step into the crossover circle by gliding on right backward inside edge with right arm in front of the body and left behind.
- Step into the circle with a left forward outside edge slightly changing the arms so that the left shoulder is checked in front and the right is between the back and side, this edge should create the shape of half a heart or a candy cane that tightens creating the turn that begins the spin
- Once it gets tight enough, you will hit the area of your blade just before the toepick (the sweet spot) and you will complete the three-turn that will create your rotation. Your arms should be out to your sides at an angle slightly lower than your shoulders and your right foot should up held up at an approx. 45 degree angle to the ice and slightly to your side. This is when you center and balance your spin on the ice to prepare for increasing your rotational velocity.
- To begin to spin faster, slowly bend your elbows and bring your hands into your chest. This should feel as if you are squeezing a stuffed animal into your chest, your hands will feel centrifugal forces resisting your hands. By resisting this force and pulling your hands in, you will gain speed.
- At the same time, bring your right leg toward your left knee into the approximate shape of a "4"
- Once your hands are nearing your chest and your right foot is nearing your knee, you can either clasp your hands and move them above your head, down toward your stomach or tighter into your chest
- At the same time as you complete your arm movement, slide your right foot down across your left foot
- Finally, stretch your hands into their tightest possible position by extending them completely upward or downward or squeeze them in as close as possible
- At the same time lock your leg down as tight as possible to the other leg. This last step is gaining the finally momentum from the spin
- To exit the spin, bring up the knee of your free leg to stop the rotation and push backward onto that leg (you will be on a right backward outside edge) you and extend the spinning leg behind you .
Tips
- Do not do this spin until you have mastered the basic upright spin. As this is a difficult spin that will be used frequently throughout your future as a figure skater, so make sure to learn it right the first time and perfect this spin before moving on!
- Maintain a good posture, it will help center.
- Don't pull your leg in until you feel centered.
- This is the easiest spin to make rotate extremely fast and is the basis of all other more complex spins.
- Make sure to press the balls of your feet into the ice to prevent traveling.
- Look over left shoulder during cross-overs to keep rink safe.
- To keep from traveling, make the three turn that initiates the spin a half heart shape that builds rotational energy, followed by the circle where the spin will take place inside of. Then take a rotation or two to establish balance. Also, keep spinning leg straight.
- Some figure skaters prefer spinning with their hands crossed at the chest, so maybe you should try that.
Warnings
- Don't do this if you don't know how to stop.
- Don't try this spin unless you can do a simple one foot spin.
- This is a fairly basic element, but you must not try it for your first time on ice. It takes practice and so do backward crossovers.
Things You'll Need
- A decent pair of skates
- A rink with enough open space, usually best to try on a freestyle session rather than at a crowded open skate
- Lessons from a coach will help with technique and safety
- If you feel the need for extra support or confidence, start by wearing a padded attachment to your skating pants.
Related Articles
- Ice Skate
- Do a Spin on the Ice
- Stop on Ice Skates
- Spin on Ice Skates Without Jumping
Sources and Citations
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