Figure skating spin specialist Charyl Brusch shares ideas and insights about how to create faster spins. One method for helping skaters create more speed is getting them to “use their limbs a little bit more” and really focusing on having the outside arm (and leg on upright and sit) go around. This in combination with being on the correct spot on the blade and having the right entrance pattern can really help.
Charyl notes that there’s only a very small amount of blade in contact with the ice on a good spin. She tells her skaters, “I want them to think of stepping on a penny. So there’s only that much blade on the ice. The more blade on the ice, the bigger the circle. The bigger your circle, the slower you’re going to rotate.” The ideal spin spot on the blade remains the same throughout the spin, and the blade needs to be nearly on a flat (not too much inside edge or outside edge). Many skaters slow down dramatically in a combination spin because their weight changes on their blade in the different positions and during the transitions. Charyl thinks of a combination spin as if it’s “one spin with multiple positions.”
Another concept for creating faster spins is using a smaller diameter entrance circle. Some skaters will enter spins on a big circle which is essentially a flat. Being able to tighten up the circle allows the skater to press on the edge to create rotation. Alternatively, some skaters have an entrance that is too tight (small circle) where they too cannot really press on the edge properly for power. Getting the correct edge pressure and lean takes a bit of practice but then happens automatically, like going around a corner on a bike.
Getting skaters to push harder on the entry is another good way to create faster spins. Some skaters have stiff knees and ankles, so spending time on bending and pressing is helpful. From a standstill, keeping the body more upright can help them put more weight on the back foot which can also create more push power.
Some skaters are afraid of the edge pressure and entry speed, so Charyl suggests building confidence by doing two-foot spin entries. The idea is to push and then put the pushing foot back down as a sort of “training wheel” (another bike reference) to help with balance. Over time, reduce the dependency on that foot by picking it up sooner and sooner on the entrance edge.
