One foot spins

[skate224]

I am starting to learn the one foot spin but I have trouble on where and when to enter the spin from a backward crossover position. I always seem to three out of the spin. And I don't know how long I need to wind before I start turning to the opposite direction. Any advice?

[sunnybunny]

I have no advice, but I can empathize! I do the exact same thing. I have been working and working, but I am having the hardest time getting it! Your post was a few weeks back, have you gotten the hang of it? If so, help me!!

[axelkid]

I've heard a lot of different suggestions. Please feel free to take your pick.

1. You are gliding backwards on the right (if you're a counter clockwise spinner) inside edge. Imagine that the edge creates a circle and you want to step into the center of the circle. As for when to do step, well you want to make sure that you are secure on your edge and centered over your skating leg so that you won't be off balance when you step onto the left outside entrance edge. You want the back to be straight and not hunched over the skating foot.

2. I've also heard that when you step onto the entrance edge, you should aim to step back out against the direction you are travelling. This is confusing and I wish I could draw it for you. I think this hint comes from the fact that the instructions in 1 are difficult. People are told to try and step into the circle but this is much easier said than done because of the funky inertia and people often just end up on an edge that is almost a forward continuation of their previous backward edge. This is very hard to control this will usually result in a spin that is all over the place.

3. If you have a lot of speed, I've seen that a lot of the more advanced skaters seem to deepen their backward edge before stepping on the forward entrance. This deepening actually increases their speed and makes a ripping noise (which is very cool), but if you are just learning, I don't know if you need to worry about this.


2.

[skate224]

Thanks for the advice. I don't know if I've got the hang of it yet, but I guess I'm improving a little. I am working on stepping into the circle, sometimes I get it, sometimes I don't. But the biggest problem is thatI have to step into the circle with a strong outside edge. I feel that I'm not always doing that and I can't find my sweet spot yet. Are we supposed to spin on the flat of the blade? I can do a few revolutions but I doubted they're on the right spot, that's why the spin didn't sustain. Above all, I need to remember to hold my arms and free leg out first, before I draw them in later. I always bring them in too quick. Anyone has more information?

[aehodman]

Edited because I thought this thread was for TWO foot spin advice. Duh me!!! I really need to pay better attention!

[skate224]

I'm getting better at stepping into the circle, but after that my problems come. Somehow, I feel that I'm spinning on the edge of the blade but not the flat. I don't know if it's because I didn't swing strong enough to bypass the first three turn. I'm confused at how and when you swing your free leg around. Does it end up in the front eventually? How do you get a strong arm swing?

[Stardusty8606]

this is what axelkid told me about entering spins and by the way axelkid i luv that rip noise too!

If it is entering a spin - a good way to get more speed is to approach it from clockwise crossovers (if you spin counter clockwise). Put yourself on the right back inside edge and step out into the center of the circle you are making on a left forward outside edge, free leg behind you. This edge deepens more and as it does, you bring the free leg around. Your skating leg finally hooks, you do a three turn, and it sends you into the spin.

You probably didn't need all this technical breakdown, but I guess it is there to illustrate that speed is all about TIMING. If you bring the leg around to early...you won't be able to channel all of the rotational velocity into a fast spin. Same thing if it is too late. Even the speed of the entrance edge doesn't determine how fast you will spin necessarily. You can use a very slow entrance edge and if you bring in your legs and arms at the right time very quickly...you will have an EXTREMELY fast spin.

I do not take credit for this brilliance, this was what axelkid told me!

[skate224]

Thanks Stardusty8606 and axelkid. I will try that when I get back to the rink tommorrow. Hopefully, I'll find the right time to bring in the arms and leg.