Adult Ice Skating: Back Spin (Trevor Laak)

Trevor Laak discusses the backspin, particularly as it relates to adult skaters.  The backspin is generally a very challenging spin for low level skaters, and many adult skaters have a particularly hard time with the spin.  Trevor explains why and addresses the major issues with exercises and drills.  The first drill develops balance and builds confidence as well as alignment.

The purpose of the second drill is to get skaters to shift their weight forward so they are skating backward on the front of the blade.  Most young skaters are more willing to spin fast and they are most likely to make the transition from forward inside edge to back outside edge very rapidly as part of a fast accelerating spin.  On the other hand, adults tend to want to make gradual changes to slow and controlled spins that ensure their safety but slow their progress.

The last exercise is a novel way for skaters to feel the correct use of the blade, but it allows them to do it in a safe, two-foot manner.  By mastering it on two feet and then slowly learning to reduce the weight on the second skate, most adult skaters can learn a backspin safely and relatively quickly.

This video was originally shot as part of a promotion for adult skaters, but these drills of course are appropriate for young skaters as well.


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8 responses to “Adult Ice Skating: Back Spin (Trevor Laak)”

  1. Monika Janek

    This is super! I like how this video is directed to adults too…backspins are so scary! I always envy those that can pull them off.

  2. George aka NakedApe

    Hey, Trevor, great to finally see you in a coaching video. It’s also nice to see you addressing adult issues, since I am one (an ‘adult’, not an ‘issue’), and I also have trouble with the backspin. Sometimes it is indeed useful to toss your caution and cerebral analysis to the wind and just throw yourself into it. Usually your body and brain will sort it out. That’s probably why kids tend progress faster than adults. The worst that can happen is that you will end up with a saucer sized hematoma right over your hipbone. I could send you a photo but I don’t want to gross anybody out (LOL).

  3. Nancy G

    Love it Trevor!! I love the 2 foot spin going from pigeon toed to two outside edges. I will try that with my adults, and my kids! I think you should do more videos! Happy New Year!

  4. srswift

    THANK YOU for addressing adult specific problems. I can totally relate to the fear factor involved here and will try this one out myself.

  5. J Wells

    Great video. Trevor! Hope you have more from you in the future.

  6. webmaster

    Yes Laura, there are more adult skating videos coming soon, including flip! Trevor

  7. Laura

    These “adult” focused videos are golden! In the skating world we’re frequently treated like second class skaters so it’s particularly wonderful to get this focused instruction here on “icoachskating.com” I hope there is a flip jump video in store! 🙂 Thanks so much

  8. sarah

    i really appreciate your understanding of the adult skater and the fear factor. I was much more fearless when i was younger and skating. Now I have to really focus at each lesson on doing something out of my comfort zone. i love the way you address this fear and give doable tips to move outside the fear without jumping too far outside the comfort zone. great job! Please keep ’em coming! 🙂

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