Tips for a spiral?

Question

hi there!

i just started learning how to do a spiral on the ice. but for some reason, my back curves upward and my upward leg

bends. [lol. then i cant balance, and PLOP! Im on the ice again]

ive tried really hard to get my back flat but its just not working!

how can i get my back flat and my leg straight? also, how do you maintain balance while executing a spiral?

thank u thank u thank u =]

Answer 1

work on ur flexibility and also ur back muscles.

use ankle weights and work on spirals off the ice.

Answer 2

Hey bumblebee:)!  When you do a spiral, think of your body being the letter "U".  Your stomach is the bottom of the "U", your head and toes are the top ends of the "U".  Arch your back like you want to make a shape of a "U" . . . feel the extention from the top of your head to the tips of your toes - like they are pulling opposite forces upward to complete this "U" shape.

To keep your leg from bending, POINT your toes . . .you almost have to lock that knee.  

For balance, for now, don't aim for a real high spiral just yet.  Get some speed, and then go for the "U" shape . . . keep that back arched and lift that leg back STRAIGHT as high as you can keep it before losing balance.  Each time you practice, aim for a higher freeleg while keeping your balance and not sacrificing a nice position.  

And as others have already mentioned, practicing on the floor really helps, and work on both sides!!  Stand up straight, keep your shoulders down and back.  Keep your chin up, looking straight ahead.  Keep your arms out and level, bring your upper body down and free leg up . . .keep the feeling of standing up straight (meaning don't bend at the waist).  Point those toes and keep that chin up.      

You will eventually find that spirals are actually easier to balance on the ice, especially with speed.  It's like a bike where your body can continually adjust.  

Good luck!!  That's so great you're "into" your lessons - woo hoo!!!!

Answer 3

It really helps to practice it a lot off-ice, preferably in front of a mirror (like at the gym).  Without forward momentum it could be a little harder to balance at first but you can hold something if you need to at first just so you can check your position and get used to how it feels.

Answer 4

dont think of faltenning your back, think of arching it up and look straight forward. you should also stretch and get more felxable to make your leg get higher. also when you get your body down more, the leg automaticly goes hingher, even if you are not flexible.=]