Figure Skating Spins

Sasha Cohen

This week I’m talking about the different types of spins – upright, sit, camel, combination, and flying spins. There are different variations for spins and at the higher levels of ice skating, you can get even more credit for difficult variations than in the past.

With the new judging system, the IJS, you get more credit by doing a variation of position, difficult entry to the spin, or a change of edge. I don’t usually link to Wikipedia. However, this article describes the positions well and has good pictures of the various spins: Figure Skating Spins.

Photo Credit: Sasha Cohen by Ryosuke Yagi at Flickr Creative Commons.

April 1, 2011

Skating Etiquette

FS Traffic Flow

This week I’m sharing an article about skating etiquette. The article is written for coaches, but I think the information can apply to skaters as well. One thing I don’t agree with in the article is that the coach shouldn’t follow skaters in their programs. I think it can be useful to chase students to motivate them to skate faster and more aggressively.

At the Kroc center where I coach, the most important thing is for the skaters to give right of way to the skater who is in his or her program. Remember that the order in the music line is two coaches and then one skater. Also, try to be aware of the other skaters on the ice, especially when skating away from the boards. As in crossing a street, look both ways first.

Here’s The Forgotten Art of Skating Etiquette from Jimmie Santee at Over the Edge.

March 26, 2011

Inspiration from the 2011 U.S. Men’s Champion, Ryan Bradley

Ryan Bradley was the winner of the senior men’s event at the recent U.S. National Championships in Greensboro, North Carolina. I’ve been friends with Ryan for many years. We both trained at the Colorado Springs World Arena as well. I enjoyed seeing Ryan win this title!

Ryan has always been a showman with one of his main focuses to please the crowd. Watch this winning short program and how Ryan incorporates strong technical difficulty (including a quad/triple combination) with a fun, showy style. This should be remembered as one of the most entertaining programs ever for a men’s national champion!

February 10, 2011

Performing under Pressure

During the next two months in preparation for the State Games in March, I’ll be talking about how to perform your best in competition. I always say that competing should be for fun. Regardless of the placement, you need to enjoy the experience. Skating your best should be more rewarding than a trophy or first place finish.

But, I understand it’s always nice to receive an award for a job well done! An article from Sports Coach talks about performing under pressure and where pressure comes from. You can use the information not only for competition, but also in other life events that bring pressure.

January 13, 2011

Christmas Show Pointers

2007 Viejas Christmas Show

2007 Viejas Christmas Show

Christmas ice shows are a fun way to celebrate the holiday season! There are many different types, ranging from full-blown productions with spotlights, professional skaters, and full storylines and themes to a recital of Christmas numbers with music and costumes.

In San Diego, there are a number of Christmas shows. In November, I starred in a show up at Viejas Casino. There are also shows at Horton Plaza and San Diego Ice Arena. I am getting ready for the Kroc Center annual Christmas show on December 15! Many of my students, my sister, Chrissy, and I will be skating in it.

If you have a Christmas show coming up, here are some Christmas show pointers:

  • Remember your skates and costume.
  • Girls, wear makeup and do your hair.
  • Be at the show early enough to find parking and to check in ahead of time.
  • Once you arrive, find your assigned locker room to warm up and get ready in.
  • Most of all, have fun, smile, and enjoy! 🙂

Chea and I (and my whole family) received a special gift this holiday season – my sister, Chrissy, and her husband, Tom, will be living in San Diego! Chrissy moved here on Wednesday, and Tom (who is British) is visiting until his visa is ready for him to move here in January. Chrissy will be joining Chea and me at ChitwoodSkating.com starting in January. For now, we’re all taking time off from writing blog posts to enjoy some awesome family time together!

Happy Holidays!!!

December 10, 2010