Figure Skating - Spins

Spins

Spins are a required element in all figure skating competitions, and they exist in all four Olympic disciplines. There are three basic spin positions in figure skating – the sit spin, the camel spin, and the upright spin. There are a number of variations.

Camel spin variations include:

  • catch-foot camel variation
  • layover camel variation
  • doughnut camel variation

Sit spin variations include:

  • pancake sitspin variation
  • broken leg variation
  • tuck behind
  • canon ball
  • clam sit spin variation

Upright spin variations include:

  • layback variation
  • Biellmann variation
  • haircutter variation
  • layover layback variation
  • pearl variation

There are many different interpretations of these spins and skaters who create new ones may have the element named after them. They may also receive points for creativity. During a spin, the skater rotates on the round part of the blade, called the front rocker, just behind the toe pick (the ball of the foot). Spins may be performed individually or in a sequence combining different types of spins. A spin may be executed on the back rocker of the blade during a change of edge spin. For example, a back scratch spin will flip edges to a forward inside edge. This feature of a spin will change the level of a spin. Spins may be performed on either foot. Like jumping, skaters mostly rotate in the counterclockwise direction, but there are some skaters who rotate in the clockwise direction. Some skaters are able to rotate in both directions. For skaters who rotate in a counterclockwise direction, a spin on the left foot is called a forward spin, while a spin on the right foot is called a back spin.

Spins can be entered on the ice or through a jump or sequence of jumps known as star jumps. Spins that are entered through a jump are calling flying spins. Flying spins include the flying camel, flying sit spin, death drop, and butterfly spin. Flying spins may go from a forward spin to a back spin. A flying spin can also be performed as part of a spin sequence.

In pair skating, spins may be performed side by side with both partners doing the same spin or combination spin at the same time. Additionally, in pairs and in ice dancing, there are pair and dance spins, during which both skaters rotate around the same axis while holding onto each other.

  • A basic camel spin

  • Side by side basic camel spins

  • A pair camel spin

  • A dance spin with the woman in a camel position and the man in a sit position.

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