My scratch spin in figure skating is getting better but I still cannot move my leg down.....?

Question

Any tips on staying centered while being able to move my foot down and come out of it good?

Also I am competing in May. Do I have to move my leg down for a spin to be considered a scratch spin in Freeskate 1?

Answer 1

My scratch spin has come a long way...first off, dont rush into the spin. Let your leg free for a few seconds and then slowly pull in. Put your hands out and slowly bring them in, like you are resting then on a table. Interlock your hands and push your two hands together straight down...Good luck ! HAPPY SKATING!!!!!!!

Answer 2

I know this sounds werid but bend your knee until you get to the required postition.. then start to rise your leg

Answer 3

Don't panic about the competition.....  My stepdaughter competed at that level last weekend and was also worried about her scratch spin.  Out of the group, I didn't see any scratch spins to get real excited about.  Most of them were all over the place (not centered), on the verge of being out of control and I don't think any of them were pulled in all the way.  When we worked on her program, I knew she was going to probably have a lot of girls much younger than her (she's 14) in her group, so we focused on strong pushing (stroking and crossovers), control, holding of landings and just a stronger overall program than what the younger girls would probably have.  She did great -- got 3rd place and did one of her best scratch spins.

For centering your spin, I would practice going into the spin and holding the open position.  You'll feel yourself center and learn where you need to be on your blade to center the spins, which will help you find it more quickly with practice.  Snap into the spin, hold your free foot out at knee level with your foot turned out and arms out so you can see them out of the corners of your eyes.  See how long you can hold the position and don't start pulling in until you start slowing down.  Once you get more proficient at the spin, you won't have to hold the first position long at all, but it helps get you centered while you're learning.  When you're pulling in, be sure to pull your leg in and arms in at an equal rate, keeping your shoulders and hips square.  Raising your free hip in the entrance to the spin will also send your spin out of control.  It takes a little practice and muscle to push your foot all the way down, right next to your spinning foot.  You'll get it...don't worry.  :)

Answer 4

KEEPING YOUR SPINS CENTERED:

Shoulders should be level and down

Hips should be level and square

The free leg should be controlled and extended

After the spin is hooked, the arms and free leg should reach their final  position