Why Strong Basic Spins Matter for Your Skater

Kent Johnson
Jan 29
2 min read

If you’ve ever watched your skater practice spins and wondered “Why are they doing the same simple spin over and over?”—you’re not alone.

In modern figure skating, especially under today’s judging system (IJS), strong basic spins are the foundation for everything that comes later. Skaters don’t earn high scores by jumping straight to difficult spin variations. They earn them by mastering the basics first.

What Are “Basic Spins”?

Basic spins are the three core spin positions every skater learns:

Upright
Sit
Camel

These spins may look simple, but they develop essential skills:

Balance
Body control
Strength
Consistent rotation

Just like learning to write clearly before composing essays, skaters must master these basics before advanced spins can score well in competition.

Why This Is So Important in Competition

1. Judges Must Clearly See the Position

For a spin to receive a higher level, judges and technical specialists must be able to clearly recognize the position.

If a sit spin isn’t low enough, or a camel isn’t truly horizontal:

Difficult features may not count
The spin may receive a lower level
The score can drop quickly

Strong basic spins make sure the position is obvious and correct.

2. Speed and Centering Come From Good Technique

Parents often notice when a spin looks slow or wobbly. That usually isn’t about effort—it’s about technique.

Practicing basic spins teaches skaters how to:

Stay balanced over the blade
Spin in one place (centering)
Build speed naturally and safely

This makes spins look smoother and more confident in competition.

3. Consistency Reduces Stress on Competition Day

Under pressure, weak spins tend to fall apart:

Traveling across the ice
Losing balance
Exiting too early

Skaters with strong basic spins are better able to:

Stay calm under pressure
Recover from small mistakes
Finish spins cleanly

That consistency helps both scores and confidence.

4. Advanced Spins Are Built on Strong Basics

Modern programs include:

Difficult arm positions
Changes of edge
Fast entries from footwork

Without strong basic spins, these advanced elements become risky. With strong basics, they become achievable—and repeatable.

5. Strong Basics Help Prevent Injury

Good spin technique protects a skater’s:

Back
Hips
Knees

When skaters rush advanced spins without the necessary strength and control, they may compensate with poor posture or force, which increases injury risk over time.

What Parents Can Do to Help

Trust the process when coaches emphasize basic spins. Encourage patience—progress in spinning is gradual✔ Support off-ice training (core strength, flexibility, Pilates, ballet). Celebrate improvement, not just difficult variations