How to do a scratch spin?

How to do a great scratch spin.?

• im learning the scratch spin but i don't seem to get it and i went over all the steps w/ my coach but when i practice i can't do it! how do you do it successfully??? please tell me

• Answer:

  What is it that you are having the most problems with? How solid is your one foot spin? If you have a pretty solid, centered one foot spin, I have a suggestion for you (especially if you are having trouble getting yourself to cross). You must center your spin first. Make sure your hips and shoulders are level. All your weight needs to be on your skating side on your entrance and throughout - otherwise you will be pulled out of your spin and travel. Get into a 1 foot spin as you always do. When you put your freeleg into a 1 foot spin position, they say to keep your thigh parallel to the ice, right? Well technically, if you keep that thigh (and hip) locked in place, you can move your lower leg (below the knee) in any position. So instead of putting your freefoot "next" to your knee, keep that thigh and hip in place and just turn your foot out so it gets in "front" of the knee. There is the beginning of the cross for the scratch spin. From there, you keep running the blade down your skating leg (and bring your hands down at the same time) - this tight position is what will make you spin faster! If you need a better scratch spin explanation, you can find it here: http://stason.org/TULARC/sports/recreational-figure-skating/6-2-9-Forward-Scratch-spin.html (Scroll down a bit) Be patient .. . there are a lot of things to think about in a spin, but one day it will click altogether. Keep practicing them and you'll get it!! Best of luck!!