Senior spirals figure skating?

Question

i need to take my senior moves test. and as figure skaters know, senior moves has senior spirals. my problem is my spirals are only a little bit above my hip and may not be passable. i have all my splits (right, left, and strattle) and i know my legs are strong enough, but i cant seem to get my leg up. suggestions on techniques?

Answer 1

try to lower your chest towards the ice

spirals aren't only about flexibility but also about strength and balance so try to do them off ice and hold them for a long period of time

Answer 2

You know that spiral stretch that many skaters do for their warm up . . . where you get someone to hold up that leg for you as you go into the spiral position?  Here's a similar stretch, but you do it by yourself - and you work on strengthening at the same time.  

Instead of being propped up by a person, have your leg held up by a sturdy piece of furniture . . . like a sofa arm or a table (you can put your arms on a chair for balance support, but try to not to "rely" on it).  It doesn't even have to be high.  Then press DOWN.  Pressing down will work out the muscle that you need to get leg to go up.  Also put your head up and arch that back while you're at it - you need to work on your back as well.  

Eventually make it more challenging for yourself . . . put your leg on higher furniture (I propped it on top of the piano!) . . . and then you try it on a wall or a doorway.  Just remember to press your lifted leg down.  It's not something that happens overnight . . . you'll gradually notice how much higher your spirals are getting on the ice.  So start working on it asap before your test!  

If you have your splits, you're definitely flexible enough.  But if you can't get your leg up, it's a strength issue.    

Good luck!