Spins and Jumps: Direction Help!

[slcbelle]

I seem to be a weirdo.  My natural inclination is to spin clockwise (right leg) and to jump counter-clockwise (landing on right leg) but one can't spin and jump in opposite directions.  So, I have to choose.  I CAN spin counter-clockwise (as I do in the recent video I upload of my Month 4 skating ability) but it's doesn't feel as easy and natural as clockwise especially when on one leg.   I haven't tried jumping clockwise but I'm going to try tomorrow.

Help me choose.  Is it more important to choose direction based on the way I want spin or the way I want to jump?  (Remember, they are different directions.)  I would think I'd want to spin on my stronger, more balanced leg (the right one).  But I'd also want to land on my strong, more balanced leg (the right one).  What to do?  Which is most important and how do I choose? FWIW my favored direction for backwards crossovers is counter-clockwise.  (HELP.)

[sarahspins]

You CAN spin one way and jump the other way.. if you never plan on doing doubles it will likely never really be a problem.  The problem comes in when a naturally CCW skater is spinning/jumping CW (or the other way around) - it will be almost impossible for them to progress well with doubles and beyond.

[Skittl1321]

That was my inclination too. Honestly if I had it to do over again, I'd spin and jump in opposite directions.  Unless you plan to get high level jumps, it really won't matter. Multi rotational jumps are really where it matters most.  Our skate director does opposites.

Otherwise, go with your spin direction. That is likely the better turn direction, so you won't have to worry about the entries (though if you work on them from the start, it won't be a problem). Lang on the weaker leg will quickly be overcome and you probably will be okay until loop when you need a one legged jump on the weak side. (i can do a better off ice ccw loop, but can't do the turn to enter it.well enough to try it on ice)

Also, remember spins happen on both legs. Choose based on the direction you naturally spin when told to turn in circles, or the one you can spin around (off ice) longest without geting dizzy.

[Rachelsk8s]

I have a student in one of my more advanced LTS classes, who prefers to spin CW but jump CCW.  I've been trying to get her to choose one direction and stick with it, however it just really isn't working out too well   She is just starting the Salchow and its been a struggle for her. I found a video of a skater online recently spinning CW and jumping CCW, and it made me think about this scenario.  I honestly thought that as others have posted, it probably won't become an issue until one hits more advanced jumps, more specifically multi rotational.  Although I'm also starting to wonder about how the loop, flip, and lutz might be affected by this.  I really think that trying to spin and jump in one direction is your best bet, the test is usually to see which direction you prefer when doing two foot spins. 

[PinkLaces]

Were you a dancer at some point?  At the seasonal rink, more kids than normal that were more comfortable spinning CW, but jumping CCW.  They are all dancers.  What they are doing there is teaching those kids to jump and spin CCW.  

I do know a teen girl who jumps CW and spins CCW.  She has her axel, double salchow, and double toe loop.  She spent a lot of time spinning on her spinner and also with an ankle buzzer to get those jumps.  

[slcbelle]

Otherwise, go with your spin direction. That is likely the better turn direction, so you won't have to worry about the entries (though if you work on them from the start, it won't be a problem).

YES!  You are so right!  My right forward outside 3 turns (CW) are so much better than my left forward outside 3 turns (CCW)!  Wow.  I never thought of that.  Duh.

Were you a dancer at some point?  At the seasonal rink, more kids than normal that were more comfortable spinning CW, but jumping CCW.  They are all dancers.

Is it fair to call 2-3 years of dance a "dancer"?

[Isk8NYC]

I have a skating friend who spins and jumps in opposite directions.  Wasn't much of a handicap to her - she passed Senior Figures, Ice Dance and Freeskate and won several trophies as a Junior/Senior lady.  I think the ice dance helped her overcome a lot of the difficulties.  We had a conversation once about learning twizzles and backspins in the opposite direction.  You'll need to learn back scratch spins in the opposite direction to do the usual jump drills, but that's easier than trying to force the jumps.

If you want to pursue freestyle and focus on one direction, go with your jump direction. 

[nicklaszlo]

I've never picked a direction.  I practice jumps and spins in both directions, and nothing bad has happened as a result, except coaches think I'm weird.

[Rachelsk8s]

I've never picked a direction.  I practice jumps and spins in both directions, and nothing bad has happened as a result, except coaches think I'm weird.

I wish I could spin and jump in both directions, or at least the basic spins/jumps I've gotten pretty used to demonstrating two foot/one foot spins and a waltz jump in the other direction lol.  I don't know what it is but this year at the rink I teach LTS we have so many skaters who skate CW, (I skate CCW). 

[Skittl1321]

I've never picked a direction.  I practice jumps and spins in both directions, and nothing bad has happened as a result, except coaches think I'm weird.

This is really a decent habit.  More skaters are spinning in both directions in programs.  My coach is able to demonstrate all the jumps and spins in both directions, although occasionally he has to stop and think about the entry.

I learned to two foot spin the "wrong" way when I taught LTS, but it was dizzying for sure.  I can waltz jump either way, but cannot go any further than that.

[irenar5]

One of the adult skaters at my rink jumps CCW  and spins CW.  One huge inconvenience is that her right boot wears out a LOT faster than the left. She did say she wished that someone helped her pick a direction when she was learning as a kid.

[sarahspins]

One huge inconvenience is that her right boot wears out a LOT faster than the left.

This isn't uncommon in a lot of CCW skaters though... my right boot has always broken in faster than the left and my current pair is showing more signs of wear than my left.. 

[slcbelle]

One of the adult skaters at my rink jumps CCW  and spins CW.  One huge inconvenience is that her right boot wears out a LOT faster than the left. She did say she wished that someone helped her pick a direction when she was learning as a kid.

Now, that's something to consider.  Hmm.

[jjane45]

This isn't uncommon in a lot of CCW skaters though... my right boot has always broken in faster than the left and my current pair is showing more signs of wear than my left.. 

Even the screws get loose faster lol

[Skittl1321]

Now, that's something to consider.  Hmm.

Unless you never do a backspin, and spend a TON of time on sit spins, I don't think it should really be a huge factor.  Every skater at our rink who jumps regularly has their landing side wear down before the other side.

Quite honestly, most of the low level adults (myself included) at our rink never wear out boots- they wear out blades and decide they want to upgrade the boots for a comfort feature, or the boots smell horribly, or their feet changed size (often due to pregnancy).    If you are still picking a direction it is unlikely you need to worry about the effect of wearing down your boots due to excessive pressure of bending them.


I wouldn't over think it.  If you can go CCW, I'd do that.  It is a pain to be a CW skater (especially if you take group classes and have limited ice space and need to go against the traffic flow), even though they are becoming more common.  Or just keep doing everything both ways.  If you really have to pick a direction you can pick one later when you know which side you really favor.

[techskater]

It's not a huge deal, one of the best adult ladies (she's been on hiatus for a couple years) spins mostly CW and jumps CCW (but does some of her spins CCW). She's landed 2A and triples...

[twokidsskatemom]

I can tell you your coach will make you pick one, and she will suggest you go the way most skaters go! Been there with DD and your coach. It is much harder to find space on crowded ice !!

[slcbelle]

I can tell you your coach will make you pick one, and she will suggest you go the way most skaters go! Been there with DD and your coach. It is much harder to find space on crowded ice !!

She asked me on Thursday if I wanted to try jumping the other way so I think she's open to me going either way.  I tried to skate today but there was no 4:15 session!  I called this morning to check and the lady at the front desk said the 4:15-5:15 was the latest session.  False!  And I even dragged my husband with me to watch.  Bummer.  I'll be there Monday for the public session.  Have a great weekend!

[techskater]

I don't think being CW is a huge detriment and actually other than really low level FS kids puttering in the CW Lutz corner it has its advantages.   

[PinkLaces]

I don't think being CW is a huge detriment and actually other than really low level FS kids puttering in the CW Lutz corner it has its advantages.   

I am a CW skater.  The kids in the lutz corner is huge for me right now as I'm trying to get a consisitent lutz.     It wouldn't make me change to CCW though. 

Keep practicing both for now and go with what feels best.

[Skittl1321]

I don't think being CW is a huge detriment and actually other than really low level FS kids puttering in the CW Lutz corner it has its advantages.   

For me, it isn't a problem on freestyle, but is a HUGE issue in group lessons.  Skating against a herd sucks.

[slcbelle]

...other than really low level FS kids puttering in the CW Lutz corner it has its advantages.   

Hey!  I resemble that remark!   

[twokidsskatemom]

She asked me on Thursday if I wanted to try jumping the other way so I think she's open to me going either way.  I tried to skate today but there was no 4:15 session!  I called this morning to check and the lady at the front desk said the 4:15-5:15 was the latest session.  False!  And I even dragged my husband with me to watch.  Bummer.  I'll be there Monday for the public session.  Have a great weekend!

[/quote
There was ice on the other rink...Didnt you see them? Bummer !
See you Monday!

[techskater]

I am a CW skater. 
Keep practicing both for now and go with what feels best.

I am also a CW skater, so I "get" what you are saying.  I am trying to get my doubles consistent and my 2S ends up in the CCW Lutz corner which can be a problem at times.

[dlbritton]

I realize this is an old thread but I am discovering interesting and relevant topics all of the time.

I am right handed and left eye dominant. The only thing I do left handed is deal cards.

I really got to thinking about this in LTS on Saturday when we started working on T-stops. I am able to stop equally well with either leg. The first time we did a T-stop I used my right leg to stop going away from the barrier and then used my left leg when we came back to the barrier. Several of the other students asked if I was left handed after that. I'm not even sure which leg a right-handed CCW skater would use in a T-stop.

I am still trying to determine my spinning direction preference. In 2 foot spins I am smoother spinning CW but am able to get more revolutions CCW but with the left foot scraping/scratching on the inside edge (not on the toe-pick).

For 3 turns, mohawks  and forward crossovers I am definitely better turning CCW but as I practice I am getting better going CW. For Back crossovers I am better going CW.

I don't know if this is related to directional preference but on "step" turns from back to front I am more comfortable stepping outside the circle than inside the circle.

When I first started skating my left foot/leg was definitely dominant, but that was partially from the MCL tear I had suffered in my right leg 6 months earlier. Now that my legs are fairly equal in strength (a year later) I am starting to improve on all skills with my right leg.

In snowboarding I have not determined my dominant side either. You steer with the trailing leg. I have better strength leading with my right foot and steering with the left but finer control leading with my left foot and steering with the right.

The Adult MITF tests appear to emphasize equal performance in both directions, and I don't anticipate progressing beyond Gold, so I figure it is best to work on both directions.