How Do I Stop My Figure Skating Spins From Traveling?

Question: How Do I Stop My Figure Skating Spins From Traveling?

Answer:

Some common mistakes which can cause ice skating spins to travel are:

1. A shallow entry edge
2. An entry edge that does not progressively diminish in diameter
3. The free leg swings around too early
4. Starting the spin too early

Some techniques that may help in centering figure skating spins include:

1. Lean into the entry edge circle with the body's weight over the skating side.
2. Keep a deep entry edge with the free leg stretched and held behind.
3. Keep the shoulders level and down. The arms should be rounded slightly forward to the body.
4. A skater's hips should be level.
5. The free leg should be at a ninety degree angle to the body.
6. The skating foot should make smooth and even little circles on the ice. The circles' tracings should be on top of one another.
7. If a skater's weight is too far forward, the smooth and ever little circles can not be achieved. Don't spin on the blade's toepick.
8. Relax and enjoy spinning.
9. Practice spinning over and over. The more you practice spinning, the better your spins will get.

More About Centering Figure Skating Spins:

• Centering Spins by Janet Champion