GR8 SK8 TIPS

One of ISI’s goals is to draw our community of coaches together to network and share advice for the betterment of the ice skating industry. Below, you’ll find tips from several ISI coaches on specific skating moves and techniques. A sincere thank you to the coaches who participated.

Interested in sharing your GR8 SK8 Tips? Please send to editor@skateisi.org.

 

TEACHING THE SCRATCH SPIN

COACH 1:

Using the hockey line, start skater standing still on the line. Next, have the skater push forward outside edge back to the line (with left arm forward for counterclockwise spinners; right arm for clockwise spinners), three turn and start spinning.

Use washable markers on the ice to draw the pattern to help skater visualize the start of the spin.

Don’t add back crossover entrance until spin on the line is strong and the skater’s core is steady.

COACH 2:

Prior to teaching the scratch spin, I think it is important for the skater to have a strong one-foot entry into their one-foot spin and the ability to balance with the free leg extended in front for a minimum of three to four revolutions.

When introducing the scratch spin, I take the skater to the wall and discuss the free leg position prior to pulling the leg in. Then we discuss the bending of the free leg knee until the back of the free foot touches the knee of the spinning leg. I make a point to explain to the skater that both the skating and free knees will be facing the same direction while spinning to prevent traveling. Once the free foot has reached the standing knee, we practice pushing the free foot down along the outside of the spinning leg while flexing the free foot. This is all done on the wall. Then we practice doing the same thing while doing a one-foot glide.

We start in the basic upright spin position and then draw the free foot in just as we did on the wall. I also practice squeezing the arms in at this point. I usually have the skater squeeze their elbows in as they draw their hands together. Once the skater has a good understanding of how to control the upper and lower body and how to use them together, I let them try the scratch spin, paying careful attention to the axis on entry and maintaining balance on the inside edge while spinning.

COACH 3:

The skater should begin perpendicular to a line.

He or she should push onto a deep forward outside edge to skate a half circle back to the line. The circle should become deeper as the skater gets closer to the line.

The skater should increase the knee bend till momentum stops, then turn a forward outside three turn to then begin the spin.

He or she should stay down in the knee bend until balance is established, rise straight up as they maintain balance and pull arms and legs in.

The skater should keep the arch of free foot close to the knee.

COACH 4:

A good back scratch begins with a forward right inside three turn. The blade rocks over from the forward inside edge to the back outside edge (leaning by the right pinky toe). I tell the skater: Try to spin as close to the end ofthe three turn as possible. Imagine an umbrella. Try to tuck the spin under the umbrella at the far end.

After rotating into a backward outside edge back spin, it is important for the skater to find their balance over their right hip or their rotating axis. He or she should extend their right arm to the side and left arm in front, trying to balance on the ball of their foot or where their toes meet the rest of their foot. As he or she starts pulling in their free leg and arms over the right side of their body, he or she will feel the centrifugal force they are creating and will spin fast. The goal is to try to create small circles on top of each other.

I instruct the skater as follows:

Practice lifting your left leg up and check back as you exit into a landing position.

Squeeze your stomach muscles to your spine and don’t lean forward or arch backward.

Try not to overcontrol your spin. Relax.

Additional entry options are from a back inside pivot, two feet, or crossing your free foot over and gently dragging your toe pick along the ice.

COACH 5:

Starting on a line, draw a half circle or half of a heart. Have the skater stand on the line leading with the left foot and left arm. Then have the skater push onto the left forward outside edge, leading with the left arm, and increase the curve/edge until the top (which skater should be at the top of the half circle) makes a three turn. The free leg should be held back until the top of the turn at which time it will be brought around in a circular action. When the skater reaches the toe pick or rake, the free leg will be pulled in up and crossed in front of the skating knee. This could be difficult at first so bringing the free leg to the side of the skating knee is best while the skater learns to balance on the front of the blade while spinning. As the skater spins, he or she should wait for at least two revolutions before starting to bring the arms and legs in to increase speed and revolutions. The skate will be spinning backwards and the print should be making small circles.

TEACHING THE FLYING SIT SPIN

COACH 1:

Instruct the skater to:

Use the doorway of the hockey benches.

Practice jumping and tucking up left leg (for counterclockwise spinners; right leg for clockwise spinners).

COACH 2:

Off ice, I have the skater jump off the spinning leg and practice tucking the leg in the air.

I have the skater use the doorway to the hockey box to hold himself or herself up while they practice tucking and finding the air position.

I think it’s hard for a skater to understand when to release on the takeoff and how to control the spin upon landing. We do a lot of sit spins prior to learning this spin and I like the skater to be able to hold their sit spin for 15 to 20 revolutions. Most find this difficult, but if they can hold it, they usually find the flying sit to be easier to control, thus they are able to maintain the seated position better.