Purpose: Skaters should practice holding their star position--the snap position they hit after their spin entry-- in a spin before moving into their H position because the star position is key to having centered spin. Practicing this on a spinner helps skaters also feel where the weight should be...

Purpose: Skaters should practice holding their star position--the snap position they hit after their spin entry-- in a spin before moving into their H position because the star position is key to having centered spin. Practicing this on a spinner helps skaters also feel where the weight should be...

Purpose: The star position is the snap position after an upright spin entry edge and hook. It comes before the traditional H position. Having good alignment on the star position is crucial for a centered spin, even more so than the H position, so this drill helps skaters practice holding the posi...

Level: Foundation
Exercise: Spinner forward upright spin entry 1/2 turns
Purpose: Skaters should practice the entry position for each spin in 1/4, 1/2, 3/4, and 1 turn progressions. This ensures that the skater has good alignment and balance on the spinner in that entry position before having th...

Level: Foundation
Base exercise: Forward/Backward upright spin star position hold
Variation: On spinner
Purpose: Skaters should practice their star position--the snap position they hit after their spin entry--before moving into their H position because the star position is key to having centered...

Level: Beginner
Base exercise: Forward upright spin entry
Variation: 1/4 turns
Purpose: Skaters should start practicing spins on their spinner by 1/4 turn progressions. By working through the 1/4 turn progressions, they will be able to make sure their axis and alignment is correct before trying a...

Level: Foundation
Base exercise: Forward scratch spin
Variation: None
Purpose: Doing spins off ice using a spinner is a great way for students to practice their balance, centering, and confidence. Using a spinner can often be more difficult than on the ice because the skater has to keep their axi...

Level: Beginner
Base exercise: Forward Upright Spin
Variation: From standstill, arms above the head during cross position
Purpose: Skaters should work on their forward upright or scratch spin from a standstill first to gain confidence and body awareness on the entry. Once they have gained more co...

Level: Beginner
Base exercise: Forward upright spin
Variation: Forward inside three turn step forward entrance
Purpose: Practicing different entrances into spins is a good skill for skaters to learn as they can be more versatile and flexible when putting together program choreography
Focus: Entr...