How I Finally Nailed the Backscratch Spin (And How You Can Too!)

When I first saw a skater whip into a perfect backscratch spin, I figured, “Hey, that looks so easy, maybe I can pull it off too!” Spoiler alert: I spun myself dizzy, fell on my butt a handful of times, and nearly gave up in frustration. But then I came across Alecia’s little gem of advice about hand placement specifically, placing your hands down on the entrance to balance and center your spin and it was a total game changer. Let’s just say it took my sloppy spins from wobbly to (almost) world-class in record time.

Below, I’ll share the nitty gritty of what worked for me, plus a few other ice skating tips that’ll help you refine your backscratch spin without losing your cool, or your footing.

What’s a Backscratch Spin, Anyway?

If you’re brand new to figure skating lingo, the backscratch spin is that classic upright spin where your arms and legs are tucked in super tight. The goal is to keep your head tall and your body aligned, creating a fast, clean rotation. It’s not just for showing off (though it looks awesome when done right). It also lays the groundwork for more complex spins later on.

Tip #1: Start Strong with a Balanced Entrance

You know that nervous flutter you get right before you commit to a spin? Happens to me every time. But I learned that if I keep my arms a tad wider at the very beginning and then gently drop my hands down, just like Alecia suggests, my center of gravity feels way more stable. It’s like my body goes, “Oh, that’s where we’re supposed to be!” and I suddenly stop flailing.

⁉️ Why This Matters: Once your arms are down and steady, your weight settles right over that skating leg. No more tipping forward or back, it’s like flipping a switch for better control.

Tip #2: Think Tall (Even If You’re Short!)

Fun fact: I’m not exactly the tallest person in the rink, and I used to hunch my shoulders during spins without realizing it. Big mistake! Picture a string pulling you up from the crown of your head, your spine should line up nice and straight. Believe it or not, this tiny mental cue helps you feel more balanced and even a bit lighter on the ice.

🧠 Keep in Mind: If you slouch, you’ll probably notice your spins veer off center or slow down prematurely. Give your shoulders a quick shake before spinning, tense shoulders are a real buzzkill.

Tip #3: Perfect the Pull In

Okay, so you’re gliding into the spin, and it’s time to draw in your free leg and arms. The trick? Do it smoothly. Don’t yank everything in at once like you’re bracing for impact. Instead, bend your free knee, bring it closer to your skating leg, and gather your arms around your chest, kind of like you’re giving yourself a soft hug. This is what creates that “scratched in” look, hence the name of the spin.

🏃‍♀️ Watch Your Tempo: If you pull in too slowly, your spin might not speed up. Too fast, and you risk toppling or getting dizzy. Experiment until you find the sweet spot that feels most natural.

Tip #4: Play with Momentum

Here’s a cool physics lesson in action: the closer your limbs are to your center, the faster you’ll rotate. So if you want to dial up the drama of your spin, pull those arms in snugly. Need to slow down? Extend an arm or your leg a bit to reduce your speed. It’s like you’re your own personal accelerator and brake!

✋ Word of Caution: Spinning too fast too soon can make you feel disoriented. I’ve definitely stumbled out of a spin or two while trying to be fancy. If you ever feel wobbly, slow it down until you’re back in control.

Extra Nuggets of Wisdom

1. Consistent Blade Care: Dull blades = shaky spins. A routine sharpening schedule means you won’t catch an edge or skid unexpectedly.
2. Stretch It Out: A quick warm up or stretch routine targets those hips, back, and shoulders, making spins smoother, and reducing injury risk.
3. Practice Off the Ice: If you can’t get rink time every day, try balance drills at home. Standing on one foot while pulling your arms in can build that spin muscle memory.

Wrapping It Up: Practice Really Is Everything

At the end of the day (or the end of the rink), the backscratch spin is a combo of strong fundamentals and a dash of personal flair. Once you’ve nailed your posture, hand placement, and timing, you’ll feel that sweet, controlled rotation that makes you look like a pro. I promise, if someone like me, who’s taken more than a few comedic tumbles, can figure it out, you definitely can, too!

Think you’re ready to give this a whirl? Go out there, try these tips, and let me know how it feels. And if you discover your own secret sauce for a smoother spin, don’t keep it to yourself, share it with a friend or teammate. We’re all in this sparkly ice kingdom together!

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