Spin entry from back crossovers

Back crossovers on a circle, a step forward onto the entry edge with the skating arm in front, and an upright spin.

On a circle

Not checked yet. The drill details on this page are a first draft by a non-expert, and no coach has seen them yet. Read them as a starting point and check them with a coach. Corrections are very welcome.

The run Back crossovers · step forward to LFO · upright spin

shoulder to hip —on the —

Backward crossovers and a step forward, forward outside three turn · back inside edge: entered, centred, wound up and stepped out. Negative twist means the shoulders are held back against the hips, which stores rotation before a takeoff and checks it on a landing.

Back crossovers round a circle build speed, then a step forward onto the forward outside edge sets up the spin, the left arm in front and the right out to the side, ready to come round. The same circle is skated again and again so the entry becomes one movement.

Most spins that travel or wobble go wrong before they start, on the entry edge. The drill repeats the part that decides the spin: the step forward landing on the circle, the edge held long enough to turn into the centre, and the arms and free leg coming round together.

Coaches set it on the circle a skater will use in a programme, so the entry is practised where it will be used.

Another entry practised the same way is a forward inside three into the back spin, on a straighter line.

This drill trains

Upright spinThree or more revolutions on one back inside edge with the skating leg straight.

Built from

Right backward outside crossoverRBO to LBI: the free foot crosses in front of the skating foot onto the same lobe, still travelling backwards.

Found in 3 independent sources: coaches' public teaching and published skating-skills tests, taken as base guidance and written for the guide.