In figure skating, a Sit Spin is a basic skating position where the skater spins on one foot while crouched low to the ice. To receive credit for a sit spin, the skater’s hips must be at least as low as the knee of the skating leg.
How a Skater Performs a Sit Spin
- The Entry: The skater gains speed and enters the spin on a deep curve.
- The Drop: They bend their skating leg deeply, lowering their body into a “sitting” position.
- The Leg Position: They usually extend their free leg (the one not touching the ice) straight out in front of them.
- The Exit: The skater stands up and pushes out of the spin to regain movement across the ice.
Variations of the Sit Spin
Once a skater masters the basic position, they often add variations to increase the difficulty level:
- Pancake Spin: The skater folds their upper body over their leg and tucks their free foot onto their thigh, making them look like a folded pancake.
- Broken Leg Sit Spin: The skater extends their free leg out to the side or behind them, creating a “broken” silhouette.
- Cannonball: The skater holds their free leg and pulls their head down toward their knee, tucking into a tight ball.
How Judges Score It
Just like the Step Sequence (StSq), judges look for specific technical details:
- Depth: If the skater stays too high, the judges will not count the element as a sit spin.
- Speed: A good spin maintains or gains speed throughout the rotation.
- Balance: The skater must stay centered in one spot on the ice (this is called “centering the spin”) rather than traveling across the surface.
- Revolutions: The skater must complete a minimum number of full circles to earn points.
Because sit spins require immense leg strength and balance, they are a staple in almost every competitive program.