Ice Skating Spins Video: Back Spin (Bobbe Shire)

Bobbe Shire talks about the upright back spin.  In this video, Bobbe reviews her 5 steps of spinning.  To see a more complete discussion of these, please see Bobbe’s introduction to spinning video which focuses on the forward scratch spin.

Here are some of the critical elements she discusses.  Notice that she wants opposite hand in front on the entrance edge and she says “you just wait.”  For the first skater demonstrating, because she spins to the left on the right foot, Bobbe wants the left hand forward on the presentation edge and it stays forward on the entrance edge/hook.  On the hook she wants “toe, knee, bellybutton” all lined up as on all spins.  Also, Bobbe doesn’t let her skaters drag their free leg on the ice.  Instead she wants the foot turned out and lifted which increases the rotational energy which she calls “George.”

Bobbe says just a word about how she would start a very beginner “with a pivot and put the foot over.”  But for her skaters that already know the spin, she has them start on the line and do the 5 steps to develop consistency of edges and positions.

Notice that Bobbe only teaches the back scratch spin for air position and to get used to the entrance for the back sit and back camel.  This means she doesn’t focus as much on keeping the free foot away on the hook.  Also notice that Bobbe wants a quiet spin.  This is echoed by many top coaches that try to get their skaters on the “sweet spot” that has a clean running edge with virtually no toe pick.

Notice how Bobbe demands that her skaters hold the exit position.

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