Figure skating spin specialist Charyl Brusch continues a multi-part series of videos on centering spins. In the previous video she explained the process she uses to teach centering, and she uses basically the same process for both beginners and more advanced skaters. In this video, she discusses factors that cause centering problems.
She begins by showing how not waiting the appropriate amount of time on the entry edge causes the spin to travel, typically directly to the right of the three turn (or slightly back and to the right) for CCW spinners. To solve this she recommends riding the entrance edge longer so the center of the three turn faces back toward the start of the entrance edge. This is one of the reasons she uses the hockey lines as a gauge to clarify directions. She says, “As soon as I turn early, I’m going to spin away from the spin. I can get myself in the same spot every time by waiting for that three turn.”
Another common issue is when a spin tends to travel to the right and forward of the center of the three turn. In this case, Charyl focuses on body lean. She demonstrates how popping the skating hip into the circle and leaning outside the circle on the entry edge can cause this problem. In simple terms, the solution is to line up the center of the body over the skating foot on the entry and three turn. Another way to think about this is if the free side starts spinning early, it tends to cause this lean outside the circle. Thus maintaining core control and shoulder stability/stillness on the entry edge is very important. This can be done with either arm (or both arms) in front, but Charyl likes the skating side arm in front because she thinks it’s easier to “stop that free side from releasing” and it’s easier for the coach to see it.
Another common centering problem isn’t so much an entry issue, but an alignment issue once the spin has started. In other words, it’s possible to have a perfect entry but a traveling spin. This is easy to see by looking at the tracing, and it shows up especially as random direction wandering from the initial center. She says, “I try to get their head lined up over their skating foot, and I teach a scratch spin with the knee in front.” With the free knee in front, it’s easier to get the desired alignment and keep that alignment during position changes (free leg pressing down).
Another factor is staying in the correct spot on the blade, including the idea of spinning on a flat where the skating ankle is strong and stable and neutral. Any wobbling or movement of the skating foot during the spin is undesired and can cause traveling. Charyl shows a good exercise at the wall to learn the desired position and movements without losing alignment. Notice the slight body turn toward the skating side to maintain the desired alignment. If the body opens rotationally to the free side during the spin, usually the spin will travel. If a skater has too much toe pick scraping, Charyl fixes it by having the skater push the hips under more.
Keywords: spin centering, fixing a traveling spin, why do spins travel
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