Figure skating spin specialist Charyl Brusch continues a spin lesson (see first part of lesson here and second part of lesson here) by teaching the beginning stages of a death drop. She begins with what she calls a “kick turn” which simulates the entry edge and take-off movements, including an exaggerated kick with the free leg and both arms extending over head without actually jumping. Next she has the skater add the “right left” kick sequence, which includes pulling back strongly with the non-axis foot. Charyl wants the “second kick” or backwards kick with the non-axis foot to kick in the same direction on the ice as the “first kick.” This requires a quick transition due to the rotation of the exercise.
Next Charyl asks for a “little baby death drop” from a standstill. She draws the take-off edge on the ice and asks for faster timing and more kickback with the non-axis leg. Also notice the focus on trying to generate more power and force on the take-off edge through the lift-off into the air. Charyl holds on to the skater and helps simulate the snapping movement into the back sit from the kickback position (but note the skaters left arm is not in the right place, it should be pressed forward on the kickback). The movement into the back sit can be thought of as “folding” into the position where the free leg is left where it is and the body turns into it.
A common error in early death drop development is not pivoting enough on the toe pick at the end of the take-off edge. To help with this, Charyl has the skater ride the entry edge and simply pivot on the toe while holding the free leg back. This improvement to the pivot unfortunately changes the direction of the death drop take-off for this skater so Charyl has her focus on taking off sooner. One tip Charyl offers is, “Don’t release your leg to the side so much.” Instead she wants the free leg to move closer to the take-off leg. The next area of focus is the kickback after take-off, and Charyl has the skater practice the desired motion while hanging on to the wall.
Sorry, this content is for members only.Click here to get access.
Already a member? Login below… |
Add to "My Favorites" (Beta testing)
