Hi, what I suggested was a drill for a two foot spin. Your coach is right, if you wish to do a proper two foot spin (for the Skate UK grading) you would normally get into the spin from a small pivot using the active edge of a pivot to give you a momento for spinning, then you will go into a position I described (shoulder length feet both making a circle)... at which point you will cuddle your Big Teddy very tightly indeed... squeeze it tight to your chest which will make your spin go faster. Then you'd exit it by a half Lemon back and glide on one foot (as all exits from jumps or spins look).
So, the above were drills for spin... because if one looks at the videos and considers simple physics... pupils need to learn to:
- understand that the speed comes from the power edge and not the waffle of your arm;
- they need to stay upright;
- they need to keep their feet apart (but not necessarily as wide as shoulder length);
- they need to keep their body straight not twisted on one side with hands initially outstretched) (this is where the Big Teddy comes in
)
If they gotten themselves in the above position, they will end up stable on ice... So, the next time their coach tells them to do a proper entry, they will do it but will return to the above position (as it feels safe for an adult skater). The only thing the adult skater will then need is to train themselves to avoid dizziness when spinning fast... doing the drill continuously i.e. pushing on the edge slightly then keeping the spin position then pushing on the edges - keeping the position.... allows to continue spinning until dizzy (or for as long as you want spinning - my record 2 minutes
) I keep my arms outstretched when doing the drill - I certainly suffocate the Teddy when doing the proper spin