Spin specialist Kim Ryan gives a class a lecture and demonstration on centering spins, focusing on the basics of performing an upright front scratch spin. Kim uses a step-by-step process to help skaters learn and center spins, and there are specific reasons for each part of the process.
[Editor’s note: This may be a frustrating video to watch for many. Kim is often not in the frame, and when she is in the frame she’s often blocked by others standing on the ice. This is the risk we run when shooting video at a seminar or class. But the information Kim imparts is valuable, and this is one of the better videos sharing Kim’s entire approach to centering.]
Kim begins by talking about the word “centeration” which she sometimes uses to talk about centering. She explains that a spin is centered if it travels less than a blade length in any direction and skaters can think about it either as a square or a circle. Kim also explains that skaters in general should spend more time practicing spins for two reasons: advanced spins are worth a lot of points in competition and spinning is a great way to work on strength and flexibility (and avoid injuries). She says, “The best thing for skating is skating.”
When learning to center spins, Kim suggests starting on a line and trying to spin on that line as it can help with awareness. From there she explains her entire process for learning a spin. This includes how to hold and move the arms and legs, how long to hold the entrance edge, and what needs to happen to speed up the spin. Small details such as “thumbs up” and using the “international symbol of peace and goodwill” while keeping the “elbows down” can dramatically improve shoulder position. Riding the entrance edge three quarters of a full rotation is another valuable concept, and her “skinny-V” position helps skaters learn control, especially if the skater can “sew your belly button to your back.” She notes that learning a good “front spin” entry can also help with jump take-offs. There’s a lot of detailed information in this video.
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