Page Lipe discusses how she introduces change foot spins, particularly as it relates to the ISI Freestyle 3 requirement. The ideas are appropriate for all coaches and skaters learning and teaching change foot spins.
When changing from the forward spin to the backspin, Page recommends one of two approaches. In the first she has the skater put their toe pick in and start a pivot and then “make a C on the ice before they cross.” However, Page has had more success asking the skater to put their foot down flat and turned open and then do a three-turn into the backspin while closing the hips.
The point that Page emphasizes for the change from the backspin back to the forward spin is to put the foot down on a back inside edge. Just focusing on this helps skaters from pushing onto a forward outside edge to create a new spin.
Returning to the transition from forward to backward, Page shows an exercise at the wall to help skaters develop the proper movement and feeling. The key is to put the skate down open, and then close it without moving the shoulders.
Page takes a moment to share her personal teaching style. She prefers not to overload the skater with information. By using hands-on and demonstration coaching methods, she has found the most skaters figure it out without detailed explanations. She supplies just enough information to address problems that crop up. As she notes, adult skaters generally require a much more detailed explanation.
As part of this discussion, she offers a clue for the backward to forward transition. She notes the skater must pivot around and push with the heel. The secret is to stay back on the blade.
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2 responses to “Figure Skating Spins – Change Foot Spins – Forward-Backward-Forward (Page Lipe)”
Thanks Page! Very helpful tips!
Helpful, thank you.