How to Do Advanced Spins in Figure Skating

Figure skaters learn to master many different types of spins, but upright forward spins quickly can be elevated from basic to advanced. Here's how.

Instructions

Difficulty: Challenging

1. Perform a back cross over and glide on the back inside edge of your right foot, with your right arm stretched out in front of you and your left arm straight out behind you.
2. Turn your shoulders counterclockwise and step onto the ice with your left skate.
3. Swing both arms around the front of your chest in a counterclockwise direction.
4. Tuck your arms in tight to your chest and begin to spin with your left knee bent.
5. Stand up straight to achieve a proper spinning position, keeping just a slight bend in your left leg.
6. Wrap your right leg around the standing leg and keep your arms tucked tight. This position will allow your rotation speed to increase.
7. Step out of the spin with your right leg and release your arms out to the sides. Glide away backwards from the spin on your right foot with your left foot extended behind you.

Tips & Warnings

• Advanced upright forward spins can also be performed on the right foot, turning in a clockwise direction. The same steps apply, but in the opposite direction.
• Do not attempt to perform advanced spins unless you are wearing fell-fitted skates with sharpened blades.