Spin help

[Figuresk8_katie]

Hi everyone!

I posted a few days ago about perhaps testing my Sr.Silver Elements next week. I also posted that I was going to wait until October to test them. My coach and I started working today on the precise elements that are required for the test. Actually, today was a REALLY good jumping day! I landed all my doubles, except my double lutz (I two-footed it).

However, as far as my spins are concerned, I need HELP!!! My combonation spins (camel, layback, backsit) is fine. My flying camel-backsit is also (suprisingly) not too bad. I REALLY need help with my camel change camel. How do you keep up your speed in camel spins? as well as back camel spins? Any tips?

Thanks !!

-Katie

[flo]

If you lose speed, then have someone look at your entry. I actually gain speed from a forward to a back camel. Keep your back flat in the change and put your new free leg into position quickly.

[Caro]

Hi! Hopefully some useful steps/tips below! It's what I've been taught, what I did, and how I teach it! Note that when I say left and right, I'm assuming you are a right-handed skater. If not, reverse the left for the right and vice versa!

1. To change the leg: While spining in the forward camel, bring your right leg straight down to the ice, slightly on the pic of your skate, with your knees and toes pointing slightly towards your left knee (should be under 45 degree angle). Keep your back parallel to the ice at all times.

2. Right before the moment your right pic touches the ice in step 1, bring your left arm in front of your head, parallel to the ice. It will help you push off to do the change spin.

3.The push off: Shift your weight onto your right leg and slightly bring your left leg & foot at a 90 degree angle with the right leg and push off. Your arm and left leg should follow symmetrical in the push-off (ie. if your arm should follow your leg; if your at 1/4 turn and your left foot is now parallel to your right foot, your arm should be straight out to your left). The push off should be around 1/2 to 3/4 rotation around your right leg before the left leg goes up into its position (your right leg should be rotating on itself with the push. Think of it as your right leg being the axe of rotation.) You will have to test how fast and how wide apart you like to push off: some people I know like a slower wider push off, some like a faster narrower push, and add any other variations. Be careful not to overshoot your leg or to play see-saw with your torso, because you might lose your balance and slow down the spin's rotation speed.

Oh this is so hard to explain in writing...! I wish I could make you some kind of drawing... Or show you in person. On the ice.

[Figuresk8_katie]

hey carlo

thanks for trying! lol it's confusing but i think i figured out what it is you meant! thanks!

[doubletoe]

Hey, Caro, I really like your signature line!! The more you think about it, the deeper it is!

[Figuresk8_katie]

Hi again!

When working on my camel-change-camel today I realized that once I step into my back camel position I always end up on my outside edge, making it IMPOSSIBLE to hold for the full 5 rotations that my coach wants on the back camel. The test requires that you hold the camel-change-camel for at least 5 rotations on each foot, or at least that's what I've been aiming for. My flying camel-back sit, on the other hand is pretty good! So I'd still appreciate ANY help on the camel-change-camel if anyone can help!!

Thanks again!

-Katie