Figure skating spin specialist Kim Ryan teaches sit spins in a class setting at a recent seminar. Kim begins by explaining the value of spinning in terms of points in competition programs. Not surprisingly for a spin coach, Kim would like to see skaters spend as much time working on spins as they do working on jumps. As she notes, “A good combination spin can be worth the same amount of points as a double axel or a triple jump.”
Next Kim explains that having rock solid and centered basic spins makes learning and mastering difficult variations and getting IJS levels much easier. So the goal for this class is to work on the basics of the sit spin.
To start the sit spin, Kim has the class do a stationary 2-foot exercise similar to a squat or a dip. She explains how to hold the hands, and wants a specific process for getting into and out of the squat position. In particular, she wants the skaters to bend forward from the hips with the legs straight before bending the legs and tucking the hips underneath. This is a great way to get skaters comfortable with the fairly extreme forward body position most skaters need to properly balance the sit spin.
Kim asks, “Can you sit too low?” The answer is yes, as sitting too low often results in skaters getting too far back on their blades. A proper spin is balanced near the front of the blade. Kim recommends having the bottom of the skater’s rear at roughly the height of the skating boot.
Next she has the class do the same exercise gliding forward on two feet. Notice the unwillingness of the class now to bend forward and to get down low, even though they could when they were not moving. After more practice where the skaters get lower when gliding, Kim has them repeat the exercise but briefly do a shoot the duck in the down position simply by “slipping” the free foot forward. This position is (usually) different than the shoot the duck that most skaters do (with hips too low, balanced too far back on blade, hands holding up free leg). She then does this exercise on the other foot.
For skaters who struggle to get back up after a sit spin (or in this case, a two foot dip), Kim notes that keeping tension in the arms and keeping the head forward (don’t pull head back) are particularly helpful tips.
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