Figure Skating Spins

Figure skating spins are elements where the skater rotates around a central axis on one spot on the ice. Spins are evaluated based on their speed, centering, balance, body position, and overall aesthetics.

ISU communication 1445 defines the spin positions as:

• Upright - any position with extended skating leg which is not a camel position
• Sit - buttocks not higher than the knee of the skating leg
• Camel - Free leg backwards with the knee higher than the hip level, however Layback and Biellmann are still considered as upright spins
• Intermediate positions - (not one of the 3 basic) all positions that according to the above definitions are not camel, sit or upright.

Here are some common types of figure skating spins:

1. Upright Spin: The skater's body remains in a vertical position. Variations include:
   • Scratch Spin: Skater pulls arms and free leg in tight to increase rotational speed.
   • Layback Spin: Skater leans backward with an arched back, typically with one leg bent and the other extended.
   • Biellmann Spin: Skater grabs the blade of the free leg extended above and behind their head.
2. Camel Spin: The skater's free leg is extended parallel to the ice, creating a "T" shape with the body. Variations include:
   • Flying Camel Spin: The skater jumps into the camel position.
   • Donut Spin: Skater grabs the blade of the free leg, which is pulled in a circular arc around the body.
3. Sit Spin: The skater's skating leg is bent at a 90-degree angle or lower, with the free leg extended forward. Variations include:
   • Cannonball Spin: Skater wraps their arms around the free leg, pulling it tightly to the body.
   • Pancake Spin: Skater's free leg is crossed over the skating leg, with the upper body bent forward, parallel to the ice.
4. Combination Spin: A sequence of spins combining two or more different positions (upright, camel, sit) without a significant pause between them. Skaters often change edges and foot to increase the difficulty.
5. Flying Spin: The skater jumps into a spin position, such as:
   • Flying Camel: Jumping into a camel position.
   • Flying Sit: Jumping into a sit position.

Evaluation Criteria

• Speed: How quickly the skater rotates.
• Centering: Maintaining the spin around one central point without significant travel across the ice.
• Position: The correctness and aesthetic appeal of the body position.
• Variation: Use of different arm, leg, and body positions to increase complexity.
• Transitions: Smoothness in changing from one spin position to another.

Components of a figure skating spin preparation

Preparing for the spin is important. Each figure skating spin has it's own variation on what needs to happen to prepare for the spin.

Entrance

The entrance to a figure skating spin is important. Each figure skating spin has it's own variation on what needs to happen to prepare for the spin.

Hook

This is where the skater stops the forward motion and converts it to centripetal motion. The goal is to maximize the conversion of energy to rotational momentum.

Rotation

As the skater pulls their extremities in the speed of the spin will increase. The keys to a long lasting figure skating spin are good centering, balance, and conservation of energy.

Conclusion/Exit

They exit from a spin is that same as that for a jump. Leg extended, arms out.

Figure skating spins are an exciting feature of the sport. They are exciting for beginners and they are exciting for the audience.