Sit spin
Encyclopedia
The sit spin is one of the three basic figure skating spin positions. It is defined by a squatting position
in which the skater's buttocks are below the knee of the skating leg. This forms an angle of less than 90 degrees between the thigh and the calf of the skating leg. When the spin is entered through a jump, it is called a flying sit spin.
and it is sometimes known as the Jackson Haines spin.
The flying sit spin was first performed by skaters coached by Gustav Lussi, possibly Buddy Vaughn
and Bill Grimditch.
Squatting position
Squatting is a posture where the weight of the body is on the feet but the knees are bent either fully or partially . In contrast, sitting, involves taking the weight of the body, at least in part, on the buttocks against the ground or a horizontal object such as a chair seat...
in which the skater's buttocks are below the knee of the skating leg. This forms an angle of less than 90 degrees between the thigh and the calf of the skating leg. When the spin is entered through a jump, it is called a flying sit spin.
History
The sit spin was first performed by Jackson HainesJackson Haines
Jackson Haines was an American ballet dancer and figure skater who is regarded as the father of modern figure skating.Born in New York City, Haines claimed to be national champion in 1864. However, many such "championships" were held during those years, and none were sanctioned by a unifying...
and it is sometimes known as the Jackson Haines spin.
The flying sit spin was first performed by skaters coached by Gustav Lussi, possibly Buddy Vaughn
Arthur Vaughn Jr.
Arthur Vaughn Jr. was an American figure skater. He won the United States Figure Skating Championships in 1943. He was inducted into the U.S. Figure Skating Hall Of Fame in 2001.He was the brother of Jane Vaughn....
and Bill Grimditch.
Variations
There are many variations on the basic sit spin.- A back-sit spin is where the skater spins on the leg opposite to the one in which they would normally (usually the right seeing as most skaters prefer to spin on the left). The specifics of the spin do not change but it is considered a higher level spin. Also, when the back-sit is entered through a jump it is known as a death drop.
- A broken leg sit spin is a sit spin position with the free leg bent inwards at the knee.
- A pancake spin is a difficulty variation on a sit spin in which the free leg is canted towards the body and upper body is bent over it, forming the illusion of the skater's body as a pancake.
- A cannonball spin is a difficulty variation similar to the pancake in which the free skate touches the thigh of the skating leg and arms are held down and touching the skating leg, giving the illusion of a cannonball.