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Spinboard Training – Camel Spin and Variation (Kim Ryan)
Figure skating spin specialist Kim Ryan shares a process for developing and mastering the off-ice forward camel spin on a spinboard. You can learn more about spinboards here and purchase a spinboard directly from Kim. Kim recommends a standard spinboard upright warm-up before working on camel spins. Kim begins with a reminder of how to […] Continue reading →
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Spinboards For Off-Ice Spin Training
iCoachSkating founder Trevor Laak encourages all skaters to buy a spinboard from spin specialist Kim Ryan. Kim has pioneered the use of spinboards for off-ice spin training, and she has been using these tools regularly with skaters from all over the world. The purpose of this video is to show you what is possible with […] Continue reading →
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IJS Series #2: GOE (The Strategic Method)
Coaches Stephanie Bass and Tiffany McNeil of The Strategic Method continue their discussion of the IJS protocol sheet. In Part 1 of this series, they offered an overview of the IJS protocol sheet. In this video, they talk at length about GOE or Grade of Execution, including what it means and how it’s calculated. NOTE: […] Continue reading →
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Flying Sit Spin Lesson – Part 2 (Kim Ryan)
Figure skating spin specialist Kim Ryan continues a flying sit spin lesson with a skater who is familiar with the element but not proficient. In Part 1, Kim covered the entrance and initial fly, including arms and the leg tuck. At the end of Part 1, Kim was trying to get the skater to feel […] Continue reading →
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Polishing Spins for Competition (Kori Ade)
In this short video, World and Olympic coach Kori Ade reviews her skater’s program spins and offers insights and suggestions. This is a continuation of a previous video on program improvement. The first spin is a spin in one position. The position is camel, and specifically it’s a flying camel, switch to inside edge, layover, […] Continue reading →
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Flying Sit Spin Lesson – Part 1 (Kim Ryan)
Figure skating spin specialist Kim Ryan gives a flying sit spin lesson to a skater who is familiar with the element but not proficient. After having the skater attempt one as a baseline for the lesson, Kim has the skater come to the boards and use the doorway to practice the desired air position and […] Continue reading →
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Spin Tips – Big Toe, Little Toe, and Toe Pick (Charyl Brusch)
In this short video, spin specialist Charyl Brusch talks about a variety of toe concepts for spins. She begins the video by addressing where to step into a backspin from a forward spin and noting that she does not typically ask a skater to put the pressure on the little toe which is commonly taught. […] Continue reading →
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More Butterfly Details (Amy Brolsma)
Coach Amy Brolsma continues her discussion of the butterfly. In the first part of this discussion, Amy shared a detailed step by step approach to learning/teaching the butterfly. In this video, she offers more insights, covering a wide range of relevant details. She starts by recommending a camel, back camel, back sit spin combination spin […] Continue reading →
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Butterfly Spin Entrance – Step by Step (Amy Brolsma)
Coach Amy Brolsma shares a process for teaching and learning the butterfly flying spin entrance. This step-by-step guide starts assuming the skater has no knowledge or experience with the butterfly, and by the end a skater should be able to do a basic butterfly. Amy starts with the skater facing the wall with hands on […] Continue reading →
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Combo Spin Tips and Lesson (Sheila Thelen)
Spin specialist Sheila Thelen offers some feedback to a young skater who is working on a combination spin on one foot. The combination spin starts with a bounce spin (technically not an illusion), then transitions into a shotgun sit position, then sit side (broken leg sit), and then finishes with a pancake. There’s a lot […] Continue reading →
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Backspin Haircutter (Sheila Thelen)
Spin specialist Sheila Thelen continues a layback lesson with a skater. In the first part of the lesson, Sheila worked on improving this skater’s standard haircutter (forward spin). In this video, Sheila helps the skater learn a haircutter from a back spin. She notes that “it’s not that hard, you just have to practice it.” […] Continue reading →
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Sit Forward (Pancake) and Sit Behind Spin Lesson (Kim Ryan)
Spin specialist Kim Ryan gives a young skater a lesson on some sit spin variations. The first variation is a sit forward which is known as the pancake. After the skater attempts one, Kim takes the skater to sit in the hockey box and work on the position and the hold. One trick that Kim […] Continue reading →
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Improving the Haircutter Position (Sheila Thelen)
In this video, coach Sheila Thelen is working with a skater on the haircutter layback variation position. The skater has a good start on the position, but Sheila offers some helpful tips regarding where to position the arms and head, and how to use the arms properly. On the grab arm, the skater is leaving […] Continue reading →
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I-Spin Tips (Sheila Thelen)
Spin specialist Sheila Thelen works with a skater on the upright forward I-spin. In particular, Sheila offers some tips for the foot grab and second arm assist. Also, the discussion about rising up to straighten the skating knee is very important, as is the tip to remain spinning on the proper spot on the blade […] Continue reading →
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Starting a Haircutter Spin (Kim Ryan)
Spin specialist Kim Ryan continues her lesson with a skater just learning a layback spin (see part 1 here). In this part of the lesson, Kim challenges the skater to learn the haircutter variation. As you’ll see, Kim uses a step-by-step approach to the spin starting with her “skinny V” entrance with the skating-side arm […] Continue reading →
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Fixing a Flying Sit Spin Take-Off and Tuck (Bobbe Shire)
Figure skating spin specialist Bobbe Shire shares insights about how to fix a flying sit spin that spins too much at take-off so the skater cannot get proper lift. It is very common for skaters to either create too much rotation on the entrance edge or too little. In this case, the skater is creating […] Continue reading →
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Spin Strategy and Process for Maximizing IJS Points (Charyl Brusch)
Spin specialist Charyl Brusch discusses the strategy and processes she uses to help her skaters develop spins to maximize IJS points in competition. This process focuses on quality over quantity, and Charyl builds upon the inherent strengths the skater already has when selecting and training the spins for their programs. [Editor’s Note: All detailed discussions […] Continue reading →
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Increasing Layback Speed and Side Layback Tips (Bobbe Shire)
Figure skating spin specialist Bobbe Shire continues her discussion of the layback spin. During the first part of this video, Bobbe talks at length about how to make a layback spin faster or spin longer. She talks about arm and body and leg positions and their relationship to George. As a reminder, George is the […] Continue reading →
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Upright Spin Variation – The Y-Spin (Charyl Brusch)
Figure skating spin specialist Charyl Brusch explains how she teaches the upright spin variation called the Y-spin (sometimes also called the “heel stretch spin”). This video contains tons of important observations and insights to help anyone working on this upright backspin variation. The first tip Charyl offers is the idea of keeping the hips square, […] Continue reading →
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Improving a Layback Spin with Haircutter Variation (Kim Ryan)
Spin specialist Kim Ryan continues with a layback spin lesson. You can view part 1 of this lesson here. In this part, Kim works with the skater to integrate a haircutter position into the spin and a stronger exit. After the layback and haircutter, Kim wants the skater to return to the “skinny V” prior […] Continue reading →
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Important Spinning Advice (Bobbe Shire)
Figure skating spin specialist Bobbe Shire shares some thoughts about spin training. To start the video, she finishes up a discussion of the backspin layback she covered here. She suggests using a running 3-turn sequence to get into the spin. The free leg should be in the attitude position throughout the entry. The real value […] Continue reading →
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Front Layover Camel (Charyl Brusch)
Figure skating spin specialist Charyl Brusch explains and demonstrates how she would teach a front layover camel to a proficient spinner. Obviously, skaters need a consistent front camel spin before they can really work on this. Charyl describes an initial position of reaching forward with the skating side arm in a front camel and balancing […] Continue reading →
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Layback Tips, Backspin Layback (Bobbe Shire)
Figure skating spin specialist Bobbe Shire offers insights about the layback spin and also explains the tricks for learning a layback backspin. One important tip for a forward layback or a backspin layback is to stop the free leg from coming in front, and leave it to the side before letting it draw back into […] Continue reading →
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Change of Edge Camel Spin (Charyl Brusch)
Figure skating spin specialist Charyl Brusch shares how she teaches a change edge camel spin. This is a forward camel spin (blade skating backward, technically on an inside edge) that switches edge and skating direction (blade skating forward, technically on outside edge). As Charyl notes, this spin is difficult and it usually requires considerable practice […] Continue reading →
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Learning a Layover Camel Spin (Kim Ryan)
Spin specialist Kim Ryan teaches a skater how to do a layover camel spin. Going into this lesson, the skater had never attempted a layover, so we get to see how Kim introduces it and builds it up. We also get to see what can go wrong and how she addresses it. Kim starts by […] Continue reading →
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Layback Lesson (Sheila Thelen)
Figure skating coach Sheila Thelen gives a skater a lesson the layback spin. As you’ll see, this skater’s base layback is actually more like a side layback. She has a very hard time going straight back. Sheila addresses this initially by trying to correct the free leg and free foot position. The tip here is very […] Continue reading →
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Fun With Advanced Layback Spins (Bobbe Shire)
Figure skating spin specialist Bobbe Shire talks about using the layback spin to maximize IJS points and simply to have fun with. At the beginning, Bobbe discusses trying to get a level 4 call for a layback as a spin in one position with a change of foot. Before beginning, Bobbe discusses the importance of […] Continue reading →
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Learning a Hamill Camel (Charyl Brusch)
Figure skating spin specialist Charyl Brusch explains and demonstrates the process of teaching a Hamill camel to a skater who can already spin well. The move was popularized by 1976 Olympic Champion Dorothy Hamill and it’s not so much a spin as a unique transition from a back camel spin to a back sit spin. […] Continue reading →
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Building a Butterfly – Part 2 (Robert Tebby)
World and Olympic coach Robert Tebby continues his presentation on how he teaches a butterfly flying spin entrance. In Part 1, Robert shared a detailed, step-by-step process to learn the butterfly. Here in Part 2, Robert addresses two of the most common issues skaters face when learning a butterfly, namely the challenge of creating enough […] Continue reading →
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Building a Butterfly – Part 1 (Robert Tebby)
World and Olympic coach Robert Tebby shows how he teaches a butterfly flying spin entrance to a group of skaters. This is an excellent presentation that offers a large number of tips that allow a skater to learn this difficult skill relatively quickly. As Robert notes, the butterfly is considered a “difficult fly” in the […] Continue reading →
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Drill for Victory Spin or Y-Spin (Kim Ryan)
Spin specialist Kim Ryan shares a drill she uses to help skaters with the basics of a “victory spin” which is also known as a Y-spin. This spin is an upright spin with the free leg held up to roughly head height with the free arm. The grab is usually at the ankle but some […] Continue reading →
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Illusions – Learning an Illusion Spin (Charyl Brusch)
Figure skating spin specialist Charyl Brusch teaches an illusion. The illusion falls under the “windmill” type spin in IJS language and is performed as part of a backspin. (A similar-looking spin done using the forward spin is called “bounces.”) Charyl uses 2 primary methods in this video to teach an illusion. In the first method, […] Continue reading →
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Tips For Core Change on Back Sit Spin (Sheila Thelen)
Figure skating coach Sheila Thelen works with a skater to improve the twist of the shoulders to get the core change on a back sit. The skater is not leveraging the arms and skating side elbow to help create the twist. Notice how Sheila wants the skating side arm completely straight so the skater can use […] Continue reading →
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Tips for Side Layback (Kim Ryan)
Spin specialist Kim Ryan works with a skater on her side layback. In the desired position for this spin, the shoulders should be vertically stacked. But even many skaters who have good flexibility to the side may have problems getting this shoulder position. Kim offers a great way to address this. By doing a stand-still […] Continue reading →
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The Butterfly Spin Entrance – Part 2 (Charyl Brusch)
Spin specialist Charyl Brusch continues her presentation on the butterfly spin entrance. This video clarifies some of the concepts covered in Part 1. Charyl discusses leg fanning, second leg timing (starts up before second leg drops), a strong back, the importance of taking off and landing on the toe picks, strong inside edge take-offs, low […] Continue reading →
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Illusion Into Flying Sit Spin – Part 2 (Sheila Thelen)
Figure skating coach Sheila Thelen continues her lesson with a skater on an advanced spin that the skater wants to get Level 4, but it’s getting called as Level 3. In Part 1, Sheila focused on the spin entry and overall speed of the spin. In this video, Sheila is helping the skater make an advanced […] Continue reading →
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The Butterfly Spin Entrance – Part 1 (Charyl Brusch)
Spin specialist Charyl Brusch gives a step-by-step process for teaching and learning a butterfly. The butterfly is a relatively complicated skill to learn, so it’s hugely beneficial to see a presentation like this. The demonstrator in the video knows the exercises well, but has not yet mastered the butterfly itself. Charyl begins at the wall […] Continue reading →
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Improving an Advanced Spin – Part 1 (Sheila Thelen)
Figure skating coach Sheila Thelen works with a skater on an advanced spin that the skater wants to get Level 4, but it’s getting called as Level 3. In this first part of the lesson, Sheila talks about the different parts of the spin. She spends a lot of time on the entry, mostly for our […] Continue reading →
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Tips for Change Edge Camel Spin (Bobbe Shire)
Figure skating spin specialist Bobbe Shire explains how she teaches a change edge camel. She begins by teaching the change edge using a forward upright spin. She explains that the hook on the original forward spin entry has a three turn, and the change of edge is also a three turn. In the forward upright, […] Continue reading →
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Side Layback and Transition to Square Layback (Charyl Brusch)
Spin specialist Charyl Brusch offers insights regarding the side layback, and how to properly transition to the square or back layback position. She has the help of two talented advanced level skaters so we can observe how different skaters create these spins. Charyl takes a moment to explain how she teaches skaters to get into […] Continue reading →
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Improving a Layback Spin (Kim Ryan)
Spin specialist Kim Ryan gives a layback spin lesson. At the beginning of the lesson, Kim focuses on improving the skater’s upright position before switching to the layback. This position is critical, especially during the learning process, because it sets the upper body in a stretched position and helps the skater press the hips forward to […] Continue reading →
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The Upright Straight Spin (Charyl Brusch)
Spin specialist Charyl Brusch explains how she teaches the upright straight spin. This spin goes by many names including the heel stretch, Y-spin, and shotgun. This is an advanced spin requiring significant flexibility. As Charyl explains, the key is remaining on the same part of the blade the whole time. She usually develops them from a […] Continue reading →
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Lesson on Bounces or Forward Illusions (Sheila Thelen)
Figure skating coach Sheila Thelen teaches bounces to a skater who has never done them before. Sheila refers to bounces as “forward illusions,” and many coaches and skaters use this same terminology, even though it is not strictly correct. Bounces are a windmill-type spin performed from a forward camel (unlike “illusions” which are performed from a […] Continue reading →
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How to Improve a Flying Camel (Kim Ryan)
Spin specialist Kim Ryan gives a flying camel lesson. She begins by sharing a standstill drill that helps a skater develop an understanding of the proper movement of the hips and legs. She starts by having the skater in a forward camel position against the wall. She uses an imaginary “fence” that runs perpendicular to the […] Continue reading →
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Flying Spin Lesson – Death Drop Drills, Flying Camel Insights (Charyl Brusch)
Spin specialist Charyl Brusch gives a skater a lesson on death drops and flying camels. Although this skater is challenged by these skills, this video offers insights into some of the drills Charyl uses to correct these problems. On the death drop, Charyl starts with “kick turns” to develop the basic feel for the element. With […] Continue reading →
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Introducing an Illusion (Sheila Thelen)
Figure skating coach Sheila Thelen teaches an illusion to a skater who has never done one before. An illusion is a windmill-type spin performed from a backspin or a back camel (unlike “bounces” which are performed from a forward camel spin). Sheila works with the skater and builds the spin step by step. Sheila has the […] Continue reading →
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Advanced Layback Lesson (Charyl Brusch)
Spin specialist Charyl Brusch works with a skater on her layback and layback variations (side layback spin, haircutter spin, and Biellmann spin). Notice how even with an advanced spinner, Charyl has the skater warm-up the back at the boards before attempting a layback. The basic layback performed by this skater is worth modeling. For the transition […] Continue reading →
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Combination Spin Lesson (Sheila Thelen)
Figure skating coach Sheila Thelen offers a series of tips to improve a combination spin. The combination spin in question is a back camel, back sit, twisted back sit, upright, change foot to haircutter. Sheila begins by addressing position issues with the back camel. She asks the skater to lock the free knee, open the free foot, […] Continue reading →
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Advanced Spin Lesson (Charyl Brusch)
Spin specialist Charyl Brusch gives a spin lesson to a skater with advanced spinning skills. Notice how even with her advanced skaters, Charyl starts the lesson with a basic upright back spin and works toward improvements (in this case, primarily head position). The concept of feeling the collar of the skating jacket to keep the […] Continue reading →
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Butterfly Flying Spin Lesson – Common Problem (Kim Ryan)
In this figure skating spin video, spin specialist Kim Ryan is working with a skater to improve her butterfly. If you are looking for information about the basics of a butterfly, check out these two videos: Butterfly Entrance and The Butterfly. The video below focuses on one very common problem with the butterfly. Due to the focus […] Continue reading →
