> Craig wrote:

As far as 'edge' and the 3-turn are concerned, with a left foot spin
> (counter-clockwise) you'd be entering the 3-turn on a forward
outside
> edge... at the point of the the turn, you switch to a backward
> inside edge. It's this back inside edge that cranks around in
> circles in a spin. Though it looks like skaters are 'pivioting' on
a
> point, they are actually cutting circles. I've found the average
> size diameter of my circle 'tracing' are about 9" across on ice,
> nearly 12" in inlines. I'm sure the ability to maintain speed and
> high numbers of rotation are affected... but cant begin to explain
> why

Criag and all,
I'd like to stress the importance of this last paragraph. This
technique should cause us to center our spins well, which is what the
goal is. If one can center his spins, then the spin rotation is
longer because there is no cyntrifical force to get one off balance,
thus slowing the spin.

When I spin, I think of taking the first spin circle right around the
middle or "tip" of the three turn--and at that point, the free foot
will come forward. Also at that moment, the forward motion is now
backward motion.

I am not sure what the exact circle tracing measurements are in my
spins, but it seems that they are much smaller than the 9" and 12"
mentioned above. I think the larger circle size may be due to having
a free leg that is out to the side a little far. I am suggesting the
free leg remain a little more in front, which would cause the body to
be more centered over the skating foot during the spin and there
would not be as much drag on the inside edge. Please forgive me if
I'm jumping to the wrong conclusion OK?

Another way to maintain rotation is to bring your free leg in slowly
up to the knee. Then crossing the legs, push the free led down heel
first along the leg. The down motion of the free leg as well as the
leg brought in slowly to the knee will keep the spin stay in
rotation longer, especially if you do the arms first and then the
leg. You can even try this technique: FAAF. That would be Foot to
knee, Arms to chest, Arms pushed down to floor, and the Foot pushed
down to floor.

Hope this makes sense. I had to write this fast.
Keep on Skating
Marion
>