Learn new tricks for ice figure skating: 2 basic spins.
Spinning is what you do in the sport of figure skating. Twirling and turning refers to ballet and ballroom dancing. All freestyle skaters don't favor spinning, as it requires impeccable balance, a lack of motion sickness, and strength. Ice skating requires a fairly high degree of fitness, and spinning at fast speeds is akin to lifting moderately heavy weights due to the g-forces. Many adult skaters prefer spinning to jumping since a fit person who fears leaving the ice may turn into a fine spinner. Another advantage to spinning is that in the beginning you require very little space. This is something you can practice even in the most crowded sessions.
The 2-Foot spin:
The first type of spin you learn is the 2-Foot spin. Like the name implies, you spin on both blades. This is similar to the bunny hop in that it's not used very often, although it is required if you take certain freestyle skating tests.
Before you spin, you need to determine whether you spin to the left or right. You can try this off ice first. Or you can try spinning in both directions and discover which way is simpler for you. Sometimes a skater will jump to the left and spin to the right, and vice versa. However, most skaters spin and jump in the same direction.
To begin the 2-Foot spin, stand with your feet about hip distance apart. [Note: this spin will be described in the standard counterclockwise direction]. Stand up straight, chin up, and bring your arms in a circle in front of you. Imagine you're holding a large beach ball. Your arms will be at shoulder height. The arms and hips will be squared, that is, aligned in such a way that if someone were to draw you, a box would be able to fit around your torso. Put your right toepick into the ice.
Now it's time to wind up for the 2-Foot spin. Bring your left arm to the front, your right arm to the back, much like you learned in the check out portion of the waltz jump. Always make sure your palms are down. The windup consists of your arms going back into the slightly rounded circle in front of you. Meanwhile, your feet will be kept in the same hip distance position and you'll get at least one revolution out of your initial attempt. Remember, always look up -- looking down will only make you spin slower and make you even dizzier.
The next step is to try it again, but with the difference of keeping your right foot slightly turned in or pigeon-toed, so that you can keep the spin centered. When spinning you want to stay in pretty much the same place. After each spin, check the ice. Do the circles stay in one spot or do the look like they're spiraling? When they are spiraling -- the proper skating term is traveling -- that's what you want to avoid. In the beginning, you may only get around once or twice. You might also get dizzy. The more you spin, the more you get used to it.
The 1-Foot spin:
Many skaters are happy to discover that the 1-Foot spin is actually easier than the 2-Foot spin. Dancers and gymnasts in particular find a 1-Foot spin similar to the pirouette.
The start of the spin is just like the 2-Foot, your hips and shoulders are squared. You're looking ahead of you, NOT at the ice! Put your right toepick on the ice and have your arms form a circle about shoulder-height. Imagine holding a large beach ball. Wind up your arms so that your right arm is back and your left arm is in front. The imaginary beach ball is now at your right side. Bring the beach ball back to the center and lift your right leg up. In the beginning, it's fine to only lift the skate an inch or two off the ice. When you get more proficient, you'll want your right boot tucked flamingo-like at knee height. When you begin to spin, make sure you look to the left and only do a revolution or two. That is usually all most people are capable of doing at this point. It's important to start slowly and build up speed. If you should happen to get too much speed in the beginning, you'll more than likely not be centered, and you'll probably feel very disoriented. The advanced skaters who do fast spins have all experienced bouts of dizziness. The more you practice, the less dizzy you'll get after the completion of each spin. Naturally, when you get dizzy you'll want to wait until your head clears before trying your next spin.
When stopping a spin, you have two choices: 1. Put your toepick down so it acts as a brake, or 2. Exit properly by doing a right back outside edge, just like the check out on the waltz jump landing. Initially, the toepick down method is fine.
As you become more proficient with the 1-Foot spin, you'll want to be over your left hip [right hip for those spinning clockwise], as that's the point in which you're completely balanced. When you get more speed, don't try to spot anything on the wall, as you won't be able to""you'll be going too fast. Instead, just watch everything blur right past you! Don't close your eyes either; you'll lose your balance.
Off-ice spinning:
There are companies that sell spin trainers. You'll be able to find their ads in such skating magazines as those given to members of ISI [Ice Skating Institute] and the USFSA [United States Figure Skating Association]. On the Internet you can look for figure skating pro shops and links and will locate reasonably priced tools to help you spin.
The first type of spin trainer is a plastic rectangle about the size of a large ladies' shoe. On the bottom is a strip of curved plastic which resembles the rocker on the blade; only it's a lot wider. When using this skate spinning device, it's a good idea to invest in a square or circle of plywood about 2 to 4 feet in width and length. This will keep you from traveling too much in your spins, but it will also save the finish on your floor as the plastic device can cause scratches. Also, the spin trainer doesn't work on carpeting. When doing basic spins, you can wear slippers, shoes or socks, as it doesn't really matter. You will want to be in a clear area so that you don't crash into any furniture or slam into walls. If you have no room, try using it in a garage or outside on an asphalt or concrete surface.
The second type of spin trainer is slightly more expensive, but you can use it on any surface. It's made of rubber-covered steel with ball bearings and a solid base that won't slip when in use. Slightly larger and heavier than the plastic spinning device, this spin trainer is very easy to use. There are many skaters who claim that spin trainers are helpful and others who don't think they benefit their spinning. If you are considering investing in one, the cost is about $25-$35, but if you know of someone who can loan you theirs, then you can determine whether you want to buy one or not.
Economy spin trainer:
You can make your own spin trainer in seconds. All you need is a paper plate! You can also spin in a pair of heavy socks. Keep in mind that this is only for learning balance in a spin, and that you won't achieve too many revolutions.
Learning to spin will take many attempts, but it's so rewarding when you finally achieve that perfect sense of spinning.
