Figure skating coach Sheila Thelen talks about 2 common misconceptions related to spinning. A high percentage of skaters are unable to correctly answer the following questions:
- Where on the blade do you balance as you spin?
- Does a forward scratch spin spin forward or backward on the blade?
Sheila explains the proper location for spinning on the blade and she demonstrates that “all spins spin backwards” (not including advanced spins intended to have a change of edge). She offers insights into why it’s important for all skaters to know this information. All skaters should watch this video, and coaches need to remember that skaters may not understand what their coaches are saying without explicitly telling them the fundamental details.
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6 responses to “Misconceptions About Spins (Sheila Thelen)”
I think ur name should be either Elizabeth or Tessa but I reaaaaaaaalllyyyyy like ur name ?
Perhaps a better framing of the question “What direction do forward spins spin— forward or backward?” would be “What direction do forward spins spin— clockwise or counterclockwise?” That is less ambiguous, I think.
Erika, I think the purpose of the question is simply to see if skaters realize that their skate blade skates backwards for all spins (backspins and forward spins). Clockwise or counterclockwise is not a very valuable question since almost all skaters only spin in one rotational direction, whether it’s a backspin or forward spin.
You look like a “Becky” to me.
You have a great name….I could see you as an Ellen or Barb
I think I will start calling her, “Clytaemnestra” 🙂