The Biellmann spin is an advanced figure skating spin named after Swiss skater Denise Biellmann, who popularized the move in the late 1970s and early 1980s. This spin is known for its high level of difficulty and its impressive visual appeal, often becoming a highlight in a skater's performance.

Here is a detailed description of the Biellmann spin:

Entry and Preparation

  1. Positioning: The skater usually enters the spin from a camel spin or a scratch spin position. They begin with a strong edge to maintain speed and balance.
  2. Grip: As the skater begins to prepare for the Biellmann spin, they reach back with one or both hands to grab the blade of their free skate (the skate that is not on the ice).

Execution

  1. Lifting the Leg: The skater pulls the blade of the free skate upwards behind them, arching their back. This movement requires significant flexibility in the shoulders, back, and hips.
  2. Spiral Position: As the leg lifts, the skater's body begins to form a "C" shape, with the free leg being pulled over the head. Ideally, the blade of the skate is held above the head in a near-vertical position.
  3. Spinning: The skater continues to rotate on the edge of their standing leg. The spin is typically executed on an inside edge, which helps with stability and balance.

Key Elements and Characteristics

  1. Flexibility: The Biellmann spin demands extreme flexibility, particularly in the back, hips, and shoulders. Skaters need to work on their stretching and flexibility routines to achieve this position.
  2. Strength: Maintaining the position while spinning requires significant core and leg strength, as the skater must hold their body in a challenging position while continuing to rotate.
  3. Balance: The skater must balance their body weight on one leg while pulling the other leg upwards, which requires excellent control and balance.
  4. Speed: A well-executed Biellmann spin is performed with speed, making it visually impressive. Maintaining speed while in this position adds to the difficulty.
  5. Aesthetic Appeal: The Biellmann spin is visually stunning due to the extreme position of the skater's body. The combination of flexibility, strength, and speed makes it a highlight in figure skating routines.

Variations

  1. One-Handed Biellmann: Some skaters perform the Biellmann spin by holding the blade with only one hand, adding an extra layer of difficulty and artistry.
  2. Layback Biellmann: This variation starts with a layback spin, where the skater's body is arched backward, before transitioning into the Biellmann position.

Training Tips

  1. Flexibility Exercises: Skaters should regularly engage in flexibility training, focusing on backbends, splits, and shoulder stretches.
  2. Strength Training: Core and leg strength exercises are crucial for maintaining the Biellmann position while spinning.
  3. Progressive Training: Skaters often begin with simpler spins and gradually work their way up to the Biellmann spin, ensuring they develop the necessary strength and flexibility over time.
  4. Coaching and Spotting: Working with a coach to ensure proper technique and avoid injury is essential, especially when first learning the spin.

The Biellmann spin remains one of the most iconic and technically demanding elements in figure skating, showcasing a skater's flexibility, strength, and grace.

Submitted by Abontu on