How long does it take before you learn scratch spin?

Question

With lessons once a week on average?

Answer 1

I guess I read this question in 2 ways.  If you mean when do you "learn to do" scratch spins,  it's after getting the one foot spin established.  But judging from the jumps I know you're at, I don't think this is what you meant.  

So I think you mean when do you actually "get" a scratch spin you can count on?  Spins period take a lot of practice - I don't think it's necessarily about how many lessons you take.  I can't remember exactly "how long" it took me to get a scratch spin consistant . . . but I will say it took a while to get it right . . . and then there was always room for improvement.  As already mentioned by everyone, it depends on the person and their skating situations (it can depend on how well a coach can explain it too - wink!).  

I think besides the centering issues, a big hump to get over is "crossing" that freeleg over the skating leg (some are initially afraid of).  To get over the fear, I've told skaters to just get into their one foot spin position . . . once the foot is at the skating knee, then you turn your freefoot "heel" out to go over the knee - and then slither down the skating leg.  That free "heel" out explanation seems to make it not a big deal afterall - so mentally they feel more confident about starting to crossing.    

And then it's the timing of the legs and arms working together.  Think that you're a puppet on strings - your left hand and foot move the same time . . . as well as your right hand and foot.  As the leg crosses, you pull your arms in . . . when your free leg goes down the leg, your arms go down too (or up - for a "chandelier" spin!).  

It's good to practice the positions off ice too.  Much of the problem in not centering/balancing the spin well is not keeping square.  The shoulders and hips must be level - and you can't always tell while your moving (spinning) on the ice.  You can isolate the positions off the ice to see if a shoulder is down, or a hip is rising up (especially the free side).  Keep doing it correctly off ice and remember that feeling when you actually do the spins ON the ice.  

Anyway, this was probably an "over" answer - hee hee.  Keep practicing it . . . it WILL come.  There was a time I just thought I was never going to get the hang of spinning.  But one day it clicked.  And it will for you too.  Happy scratch spin!!!!  :)

Answer 2

im in the usfsa program im in basic 8 and i didn't learn that until basic 7, about 42 weeks later. if ur already on that level try asking an instructor or coach thats around to help out and reccomend how you should do it. the spin is fairly hard and takes alot of prep. if you cant do a 1 foot spin for at least 3 rev. then you cant do a scratch.

Answer 3

Just like everyone else, I think it depends. Some people can get the hang of it in two practices, others months. There are just some people out there who have talent in skating, and some just don't (no matter how hard they try) Since you're practicing only once a week, don't count on getting it right away. Because you might be able to get the spin one week, but since your next lesson/practice would be another week away, your body might forget or you might forget.

I highly recommend practicing at least twice a week. Or if you can only practice once, then at least 3 hours each practice. (remember to take short 10 minute breaks and stretches)

However, if you want to be more serious about the sport, I suggest practicing much more. The pros out there skate every single day and wake up like at 4 am, just to get to the rink.

And always remember, NEVER GIVE UP! :D

Well, best of wishes to you and your skating!

Answer 4

on average... i'm not sure. but as everyone says, it varies. Depending on your talent, how long you skate for, how your coach is, and how good your skates are. I had a lot of trouble when I first learned my scratch spin. Also, are you saying your learning your scratch spin now? Or you've just started on the ice and you want to know how long it will be?

It took me about a year of skating (group lessons for most of it, then private) before I learned my scratch spin. It took me about two months once I learned it before I as able to do it well.

Answer 5

sounds painful,lol, no soory no idea babe

Answer 6

Everybody learns at a different pace and everybody has things that are harder for them than other things. It took me about 2 months to learn my scratch spin. For me my learning a good scratch spin took me a while just because I had to learn how to spin the other direction because I was taught how to spin like a "lefty". Good luck!

Answer 7

It depends.  It takes everyone different amounts of time.  

It seems like the easiest spin, but actually it's rather difficult.  Even once you can do the spin, you'll still have to work on centering it, getting it faster, and improving your arm and leg positions.  Lots of skaters are still working on their scratch spins even though they can do camels and sit spins.  

Almost everyone has trouble learning the scratch, so just keep practicing & it will come:)