Introduction to Basic Spins
Your first steps into the spinning world
🎯 Why Learn to Spin
Spins are one of the most beautiful and exciting elements in figure skating. They look magical, feel amazing once you get them, and are essential for advancing in the sport. While spins seem intimidating at first, they're built on skills you already have: balance, edges, and body control. This guide will take you from "I can't spin" to confidently rotating on the ice!
What is a Spin?
A spin is when you rotate in place on the ice, balanced on one foot. You enter the spin with momentum, find your center of balance, and rotate multiple times before exiting.
Key Components:
- Entry: How you get into the spin
- Centering: Finding your balance point
- Rotation: Spinning around your axis
- Position: Body position while spinning
- Exit: How you stop and skate out
Three Basic Positions:
- Upright: Standing (easiest, learned first)
- Sit: Sitting position on one leg
- Camel: Horizontal with free leg extended
Two-Foot Spin Tutorial
- Skate counterclockwise in a small circle
- Moderate speed, arms extended
- Knees bent, look ahead
- Feet parallel and touching
- Weight on balls of feet
- Stay balanced
- Quickly hug yourself
- This accelerates your spin
- Keep core tight
- Aim for 2-3 rotations
- Stay centered
- Look at one spot
- Extend arms to slow down
- Step out with one foot
- Glide away
Progression Timeline
✅ Weeks 1-2: Two-Foot Spins
Learning to circle, first rotations, building to 3-4 revolutions
✅ Weeks 3-4: Faster Spins
5-6 rotations, better centering, controlled exits
✅ Months 2-3: One-Foot Attempts
First one-foot spins, 1-2 rotations, building strength
✅ Months 4-6: Solid Spins
Consistent 3-5 rotations, ready for advanced spins
Common Mistakes
🚫 Looking Down
Keep head up, eyes forward. Pick a spot to focus on.
🚫 Leaning
Stay perfectly upright, weight centered over spinning foot.
🚫 Traveling
Enter with less speed, focus on finding your center point.
🚫 Straight Leg
Keep slight bend in knee for control and stability.
🚫 Loose Arms
Pull arms in tight! Tighter arms = faster spin.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about learning spins
Most adults can do a two-foot spin within 2-4 weeks. A solid one-foot spin takes 3-6 months. Spins are one of the hardest skills, so patience is key!
Dizziness is normal! Your inner ear adapts after 2-3 weeks. Take breaks, practice spotting, and limit spin practice to 10-15 minutes initially.
Traveling means you haven't found your center yet. Slow down your entry, stay upright, and practice finding that balance point. Most beginners travel for 4-8 weeks before centering.
Most skaters spin counterclockwise on their right foot. Try both directions and see which feels natural. Stick with one direction to build muscle memory.
You can learn two-foot spins alone, but a coach is highly recommended for one-foot spins. Proper technique prevents bad habits. Even occasional lessons help tremendously.
Spin with Confidence
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