View source for Figure skating spins

{{Short description|Element in competitive figure skating}}
[[File:Junior World Championships 2015 (Kaori SAKAMOTO JPN – 6th Place) (20).jpg|thumb|[[Kaori Sakamoto]] of Japan performing an upright spin.]]
{{Infobox Figure Skating Element|element name=Spin|scoring abbrev=&nbsp;Sp}}

'''Spins''' are an element in [[figure skating]] in which the skater rotates, centered on a single point on the ice, while holding one or more body positions. They are performed by all disciplines of the sport, [[single skating]], [[pair skating]], and [[ice dance]], and are a required element in most [[figure skating competitions]]. As ''[[The New York Times]]'' says, "While jumps look like sport, spins look more like art. While jumps provide the suspense, spins provide the scenery, but there is so much more to the scenery than most viewers have time or means to grasp".<ref name="clarey" /> According to world champion and figure skating commentator [[Scott Hamilton (figure skater)|Scott Hamilton]], spins are often used "as breathing points or transitions to bigger things".<ref name="clarey" />

Figure skating spins, along with [[Figure skating jumps|jumps]], spirals, and spread eagles were originally individual [[compulsory figures]], sometimes special figures. Unlike jumps, spins were a "graceful and appreciated"{{Sfn|Hines|2006|p=103}} part of figure skating throughout the 19th century. They advanced between [[World War I]] and [[World War II]]; by the late 1930s, all three basic spin positions were used. 

There are two types of spins, the forward spin and the backward spin. There are three basic spin positions: the [[upright spin]], the [[sit spin]], and the [[camel spin]]. Skaters also perform flying spins and spin combinations. The [[International Skating Union]] (ISU), figure skating's governing body, delineates rules, regulations, and scoring points for each type and variety of spin.

== Background ==
[[File:Sonja Henie 1936.jpg|thumb|Sonja Henie, 1936]]
Figure skating spins, along with [[Figure skating jumps|jumps]], spirals, and spread eagles were originally individual [[compulsory figures]], sometimes special figures.{{Sfn|Hines|2006|p=100}} Unlike jumps, spins were a "graceful and appreciated"{{Sfn|Hines|2006|p=103}} part of figure skating throughout the 19th century. [[Jean Garcin]], who wrote one of the first books about figure skating in the early 1800s, recognizes their beauty, especially when used as a way to conclude a figure artistically. Figure skater and historian [[Irving Brokaw]] categorizes spin variations not into positions as they are categorized today, but into different changes of the skating foot. He writes in the early 1900s about the importance of spins and insists that advanced skaters should be able to execute one or more spin varieties on either foot.{{Sfn|Hines|2006|p=103}} Spins were performed in the early days of [[pair skating]] by more skilled and experienced skaters, often as conclusions to their programs.{{Sfn|Hines|2006|p=82}} Figure skating historian James Hines states that even in modern skating, spins are placed at the end of programs to make them more exciting.{{Sfn|Hines|2006|p=103}}

Spins "advanced greatly"{{Sfn|Hines|2006|p=103}} between [[World War I]] and [[World War II]]. The spins performed by Norwegian skater [[Sonja Henie]], which can be viewed in her films made during the 1930s, often reached 40 or more revolutions and were "usually well-centered, fast, and as exciting to watch today as they were then".{{Sfn|Hines|2006|p=103}} By the late 1930s, all three basic spin positions were used. Skaters were expected to spin in both directions at the time, but as spins became faster and more difficult, they were only expected to spin in one direction.{{Sfn|Hines|2006|p=103}} Skaters like American [[Ronald Robertson (figure skater)|Ronnie Robertson]] in the 1950s, Swiss [[Denise Biellmann]] in the 1980s, and Swiss [[Lucinda Ruh]] in the 1990s, had "an uncanny ability to perform spins", and were sometimes able to execute up to five revolutions per second in the upright position.{{Sfn|Cabell|Bateman|2018|p=23}} Canadian figure skater [[Olivia Oliver]] holds the [[Guinness World Records|Guinness World Record]] for the fastest spin, 342 rotations per minute, which she completed in [[Warsaw]] in 2015.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Fastest Ice Skating Spin |url=https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/world-records/fastest-spin-ice-skating |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240420032310/https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/world-records/fastest-spin-ice-skating |archive-date=20 April 2024 |access-date=24 September 2025 |website=Guinness World Records Limited |location=London, England}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |title=The Jumps, Spins and Turns of Figure Skating |url=https://olympics.com/en/news/the-jumps-spins-and-turns-of-figure-skating |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240817192104/https://www.olympics.com/en/news/the-jumps-spins-and-turns-of-figure-skating |archive-date=17 August 2024 |access-date=24 September 2025 |work=Olympic Channel Services}}</ref> However, as researchers Lee Cabell and Erica Bateman stated in 2018, "Unfortunately, modern figure skaters often do not achieve these types of revolutions because the rules require skaters to perform spins in different body positions".{{Sfn|Cabell|Bateman|2018|p=23}}

World champion and commentator [[Scott Hamilton (figure skater)|Scott Hamilton]] reported that Robertson would spin so fast that he would break blood vessels in his hands.<ref name="clarey" /> Hamilton also stated that Robertson and Ruh were so good at executing spins that they "would find that part of the blade that had no friction with the ice, and they would spin at the same speed forever. It just seemed like it would never end, and they could change positions and then recrank the spin and make it happen again".<ref name="clarey" /> Ruh, however, suffered from chronic nausea and dizziness and would regularly lose consciousness during practices or in hotel rooms. She was eventually diagnosed with mini-concussions that were probably linked to executing spins and the forces generated by them, especially during layback spins. Ruh also later stated that the rotational speeds she was able to maintain and the long hours practicing and performing them most likely contributed to the severity of her injuries.<ref name="clarey" />

Pair spins became part of competitive figure skating between the world wars;{{Sfn|Hines|2006|p=5}} side-by-side spins, along with [[Death spiral (figure skating)|death spirals]], [[Figure skating lifts|lifts]], [[Pair skating#Solo jumps and throw jumps|throw jumps]], side-by-side jumps, and side-by-side footwork sequences, were a part of pair skating by the 1930s.{{Sfn|Hines|2006|p=126}} In [[ice dance]], there were limitations to dance spins, as well as for other moves associated with pair skating like jumps and [[Competition elements in ice dance#Dance lifts|lifts]], when ice dance became a competitive sport and throughout the 1950s. Spins were limited to a maximum of one-and-a-half revolutions when done by one partner and to two-and-a-half revolutions when they spun around each other. These limitations were put in place to ensure its distinction from pair skating.{{Sfn|Hines|2006|p=173}}

== Execution ==
[[File:Cup of Russia 2010 - Yuko Kawaguti (2).jpg|thumb|[[Yuko Kavaguti|Yuko Kawaguti]], 2010. Illustration of angular momentum: As a skater pulls in her arms, she reduces her moment of inertia and rotates faster.]]
As ''[[The New York Times]]'' says, "While jumps look like sport, spins look more like art. While jumps provide the suspense, spins provide the scenery, but there is so much more to the scenery than most viewers have time or means to grasp".<ref name="clarey">{{cite news |last1=Clarey |first1=Christopher |date=19 February 2014 |title=Appreciating Skating's Spins, the Art Behind the Sport |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2014/02/20/sports/olympics/appreciating-figure-skatings-spins-the-art-behind-the-sport.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250911062301/https://www.nytimes.com/2014/02/20/sports/olympics/appreciating-figure-skatings-spins-the-art-behind-the-sport.html |archive-date=11 September 2025 |access-date=24 September 2025 |work=The New York Times}}</ref> According to Scott Hamilton, spins are often used "as breathing points or transitions to bigger things"<ref name="clarey" /> and are more difficult to explain to the audience "because there is so much going on".<ref name="clarey" /> Hamilton stated that explaining the intricacies of spins, like edge changes, is challenging because they are difficult to see.<ref name="clarey" />

Most beginning skaters learn how to execute spins in the counter-clockwise direction, but some may execute them clockwise.{{Sfn|Petkevich|1988|p=128}} Most spins are executed on one foot, except for the two-foot spin, which beginning skaters tend to learn first, and the cross-foot spin.{{Snf|Kestnbaum|2003|p=279}}{{Snf|Petkevich|1988|p=136}}{{Snf|Petkevich|1988|p=143}} The two-foot spin consists of three essential parts—the setup, the windup, and the spin—as well as the exit, which can be done by rotating in a closed spinning position until stopping or by using a back inside edge with a change of foot.{{Snf|Petkevich|1988|p=26}}

The effect of linear and [[Torque|rotational forces]] is most apparent and most powerful when performing spins. The successful accomplishment of spins depends on the effective management of [[angular momentum]], which occurs during the entrance of a spin and ends once a skater is in the spin and all linear force is translated into [[angular velocity]]. The skater rotates around the point at which their blade touches the ice, the most important point in the vertical axis made by their body, and a fixed vertical axis that extends from the blade on the ice to the highest point in their body. The absence of angular momentum means that fewer variables, or vectors, influence the resulting motion, so if the center of gravity is maintained, spins should be easier to perform than other elements such as jumps.{{Snf|Petkevich|1988|p=127}} The change from angular momentum to angular speed around a fixed vertical axis is difficult to control, though, as is the change from one force to another in general. Moving forward quickly also cannot be efficiently converted into fast angular speed, so the conversion of fast linear motion, which produces a lot of force, into fast rotational motion is small. Therefore, is it a waste of energy to build up speed going into a spin; entering a spin slowly achieves the same result and will probably be more consistent.{{Snf|Petkevich|1988|p=127}}

A spin consists of the following parts: preparation, entry, spin, and exit. During the preparation phase, skaters decrease the radius of the skating curve and velocity/speed, which means that the skater must increase how much they lean into the spin. As researchers Lee Cabell and Erica Bateman state, "A step against the gliding edge exerts a force on the ice; the resultant torque about the axis of rotation results in the angular momentum that is used during the spin".{{Snf|Cabell|Bateman|2018|p=23}} Greater force during the initial push of the spin's preparation phase results in greater torque and angular momentum, which will result in a faster spin.{{Snf|Cabell|Bateman|2018|p=23}} The exit coming out of a spin occurs in two stages: breaking the spin's rotational spin and the exit itself. There are many exit variations of spins.{{Snf|Petkevich|1988|pp=129–130}}
[[File:Threeturn.GIF|thumb|The [[3 turn]], a movement used in many spins]]
The entry phase of a spin produces a logarithmic curve with an indefinite number of radii, smallest at the end and largest at the beginning. When the entry curve radius is decreased, the skater will change the angle of their lean towards the vertical axis, gradually reducing the velocity/speed. The curve ends with a [[3 turn]], then the center of gravity is slightly lower, resulting in the skater beginning to spin. After the initiation of the actual spin, they will exhibit a large [[moment of inertia]]. Their shoulders are square to the hips and rotating with each other at the same angular velocity. The skater's center of gravity must be directly above their base of support (for example, where the blade is in contact with the ice) in order for them to execute a balanced spin. If the spin is not balanced and centered, the vertical projection of the center of gravity moves away from its base of support, which results in the spinning blade making small loops on the ice.{{Snf|Cabell|Bateman|2018|p=24}}

The skater's goal for most spins is to rotate as quickly as possible, to have a well-defined and pleasing body position, to maintain perfect balance before, during, and after the spin, and to remain in one place, called centering, while executing a spin.{{Snf|Petkevich|1988|p=135}} A good spin should rotate in one place on the ice, "drawing a series of tiny overlapping circles on top of each other" into the ice.{{Snf|Kestnbaum|2003|pp=279–280}} A skater who executes a spin that is not centered will travel across the ice, "producing a series of loops strung out along a curve or straight line, so that the skater will end the spin several feet away from the spot on the ice where she began it".{{Snf|Kestnbaum|2003|p=280}} In order to rotate rapidly, the skater must increase their speed (rotations per minute), which is accomplished by reducing the distance of the vertical axis from the parts of their body.  This is done by bringing their arms and free leg closer to their body, in line with the vertical axis. Since the true center of gravity is at the point in which the blade meets the ice, the skater must also lower their arms and free leg toward that point. The force created by the spin is generated outward and upward, or via the path of least resistance, as their speed increases. When skaters allow the force to follow the path of least resistance, however, they will lose some of the force that contributes to rotational speed, so when they increase a spin's speed, they must move their arms and free leg inward and downward. Exactly how this is done varies depending on the type of spin skaters perform.{{Snf|Petkevich|1988|pp=127–128}}

Skaters experience dizziness during spins because as they spin, their eyes focus on an immobile object and follows it until the object passes beyond their peripheral vision. Then their eyes race ahead to focus on a new object and as the spin ends, their eyes continue to follow this pattern, causing dizziness. It takes practice to train the eyes to return to normal, which dissipates the experience of dizziness.{{Snf|Petkevich|1988|pp=127–128}}

== Types/positions of spins ==
There are two types of spins, the forward spin and the backward spin. The forward spin is executed on the back inside edge of the skate and is entered into by the forward outside edge and [[3 turn]]; the equivalent movement is [[ballet]] in the ''pirouette en dedans''. The backward spin, which is executed on the back outside edge, is entered into by the forward inside edge and 3 turn; the equivalent movement in ballet is the ''pirouette en dehors''.{{Snf|Petkevich|1988|p=129}}

There are three basic spin positions: the '''upright spin''', the '''sit spin''', and the '''camel spin'''.{{Snf|Kestnbaum|2003|p=280}}{{Snf|Cabell|Bateman|2018|p=25}}{{Efn|See ISU's "Communication No. 2707", pages 5—8; 12 for points awarded for each spin and varieties of spin.<ref>{{cite web |title=Communication No. 2707: Single & Pair Skating |url=https://isu-d8g8b4b7ece7aphs.a03.azurefd.net/isudamcontainer/CMS/Corporate-Site/Governance/Transparency/ISU-Communications/2707-ISU-SOV-SinglesPairs-2025-26-25-05-01-1747377995-9986.pdf |publisher=International Skating Union |url-status=live|access-date=24 September 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250613064540/https://isu-d8g8b4b7ece7aphs.a03.azurefd.net/isudamcontainer/CMS/Corporate-Site/Governance/Transparency/ISU-Communications/2707-ISU-SOV-SinglesPairs-2025-26-25-05-01-1747377995-9986.pdf |archive-date=13 June 2025|location=Lausanne, Switzerland |pages=5–8; 12 |date=16 May 2025}}</ref>}}

=== Upright spin ===
{{Main|Upright spin}}

[[File:European 2011 Denise Biellmann 2.jpg|thumb|[[Denise Biellmann]], 2011]]

The '''upright spin''' is one of the three basic figure skating spin positions. The ISU defines an upright spin as a spin with "any position with the skating leg extended or slightly bent which is not a camel position".<ref name="S&P/ID2024-104">S&P/ID 2024, p. 104</ref> It was invented by British figure skater Cecilia Colledge, who was the first to execute it.{{Snf|Hines|2006|p=112}} Variations of the upright spin include the '''layback spin''', the '''[[Biellmann spin|Biellman spin]]''' (created by world champion [[Denise Biellmann]]),{{Snf|Kestnbaum|2003|p=281}} the '''full layback''', the '''split''', the '''back upright spin''', the '''forward upright spin''', the '''scratch spin''' (also called the blur spin),{{Snf|Kestnbaum|2003|p=280}} and the '''sideways leaning spin'''.<ref name="S&P/ID2024-104" />

===Sit spin===
{{Main|Sit spin}}The '''sit spin''', invented by American figure skater [[Jackson Haines]], "represents one of the most important spins in skating".{{Snf|Petkevich|1988|p=144}} It is executed on one foot, in a sitting position, with the knee of the skating leg bent in a one-legged crouch position and the free leg held in front, to the side, or to the back.{{Snf|Kestnbaum|2003|p=280}} It is difficult to learn, requires a great deal of energy, and may not be as exciting to perform as other elements, such as jumps, but it has variations that make it more creative and pleasurable to watch.{{Snf|Petkevich|1988|p=144}}{{Snf|Petkevich|1988|p=148}}

=== Camel spin ===
{{Main|Camel spin}}
Colledge was responsible for the invention of the '''camel spin''' (also called the '''parallel spin''');{{Snf|Kestnbaum|2003|p=280}} she was the first to perform it in the mid-1930s.{{Snf|Hines|2006|p=103}}{{Snf|Kestnbaum|2003|p=107}}{{Snf|Hines|2006|p=112}} Writer Ellyn Kestnbaum speculates that the camel and layback spins, which "heightened the visual function of the skater creating interesting shapes with her body",{{Snf|Kestnbaum|2003|p=107}} were, for the first ten years after their inventions, performed mostly by women and not by men because it was easier for women to achieve the interesting shapes the camel spin creates than it is for men.{{Snf|Kestnbaum|2003|pp=107–108}} American skater [[Dick Button]], however, performed the first forward camel spin, a variation of the camel spin, and spins became a regular part of the repertoire of male skaters.{{Snf|Kestnbaum|2003|p=93}} The camel spin is executed on one foot and is an adaptation of the [[Arabesque (ballet position)|arabesque]] ballet pose to the ice.{{Snf|Petkevich|1988|p=150}} When executed well, the stretch of the body should create a slight arch or straight line.{{Snf|Kestnbaum|2003|p=280}}

===Flying spins===
A '''flying spin''' is the combination of a jump and a spin. A flying spin can be appealing for the audience to watch and exciting for the skater to perform.{{Snf|Petkevich|1988|p=157}} Petrovich describes three types of flying spins: the flying camel, the flying sit spin, and the butterfly. The '''flying camel''' consists of a jump from a left forward outside edge, about one revolution in the air, with the landing executed in a camel spin. Dick Button might have been the first skater to successfully execute the flying camel; for many years, it was called the "Button camel".{{Snf|Kestnbaum|2003|p=93}}{{Snf|Petkevich|1988|p=158}} The '''flying sit spin''' was first performed by [[Arthur Vaughn Jr.|Buddy Vaughn]] and [[Bill Grimditch]], who were students of figure skating coach [[Gustave Lussi|Gustav Lussi]], but Button and [[Ronald Robertson (figure skater)|Ronnie Robertson]] made it famous. It consists of a take-off from a left forward outside edge, a sit spin position in the air during one-and-a-half revolutions, and a landing in a sit spin.{{Snf|Petkevich|1988|p=163}} According to Petkevich, "When the jump is high, it can be an exhilarating maneuver for skater and audience alike".{{Snf|Petkevich|1988|p=163}} The '''butterfly spin''' is so named because it describes the position in the air. It consists of a take-off from both feet, a body position horizontal to the ice, and a landing in a back spin. It is often performed at the end of a skater's program because, although it adds to a program's technical content, it does not require much precision or energy to execute.{{Snf|Petkevich|1988|p=174}}

The jump section of flying spins is executed at the beginning of the spin and is part of the entrance into it. The angular momentum at the entrance, like for all spins, must be converted into pure rotational momentum. In ordinary jumps, angular momentum allows the skater to travel a long distance across the rink and propel high into the air, but for flying spins, the principles that govern the spin dominate the jump portion of the spin. The goal is to minimize forward motion on the jump portion. Creating speed on the spin portion is also a goal, but a flying spin never achieves the speed of a basic spin because some of the forces assigned to achieving the speed in a basic spin must be used to achieve height on the flying spin's jump portion. Centering the spin after the jump depends on converting all the angular momentum into rotational momentum. Mastering the flying spin takes less time and practice if skaters have already mastered basic spin techniques and good jumping ability.{{Snf|Petkevich|1988|p=157}}

===Spin combinations===
'''Spin combinations''' are required in the short programs and free skating programs of single skaters and pair skaters.<ref>S&P/ID 2024, pp. 106–105, 110–112, 118–120, 122—123.</ref> Flying spins and basic spins can be combined in any number of variations. The maintenance, or acceleration, of the rotational momentum created on the entrance of the first spin is the most important principle governing the execution of spin combinations, which require quick movements during the spins' transitions. When a change of feet is required to successfully perform spin combinations, the center of rotation of subsequent spins should be as close as possible to the center of rotation of the first spin of the combination.{{Snf|Petkevich|1988|p=177}} Spin combinations must include more than one position and may or may not involve a change of foot.{{Snf|Kestnbaum|2003|p=281}}
[[File:Caroline Zhang combo spin.JPG|center|thumb|620x620px|[[Caroline Zhang]] performing a combination spin, 2007]]

== Rules and regulations ==

===Single skating===
If a skater performs a spin that has no basic position with only two revolutions, or with less than two revolutions, they do not fulfill the position requirement for the spin, and receives no points for it. A spin with less than three revolutions is not considered a spin; rather, it is considered a skating movement.<ref name="S&P/ID2024-104" /> The flying spin and any spin that only has one position must have six revolutions; spin combinations must have 10 revolutions. Required revolutions are counted from when the skater enters the spin until they exit out of it, except for flying spins and the spins in which the final wind-up is in one position.<ref name="S&P/ID2018-110">S&P/ID 2024, p. 114</ref> Skaters increase the difficulty of camel spins by grabbing their leg or blade while performing the spin.<ref name="hill">{{cite news |last1=Hill |first1=Maura Sullivan |date=6 February 2018 |title=All the Figure Skating Lingo You Need to Know Before the Olympics |url=https://www.cosmopolitan.com/health-fitness/a15949360/figure-skating-jumps-spins-moves-olympics/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230616220552/https://www.cosmopolitan.com/health-fitness/a15949360/figure-skating-jumps-spins-moves-olympics/ |archive-date=16 June 2023 |access-date=24 September 2025 |work=Cosmopolitan}}</ref>

A skater must make at least two revolutions in one position, without interruption; if this requirement is not fulfilled, the position is not counted. A change of foot of any spin, with at least three revolutions, must occur both before and after a spin position. If they fall while entering a spin, the skater can fill the lost time by executing a spin or spinning movement immediately afterwards; however, this movement will not be counted as an element.<ref name="S&P/ID2024-105">S&P/ID 2024, p. 105</ref> The ISU states, "If the spinning centers (before and after the change of foot) are too far apart and the criteria of 'two spins' is fulfilled (there is a curve of exit after the first part and the curve of entry into the second part), only the part before the change of foot" will earn points.<ref name="S&P/ID2024-105"/>

Difficult spin variations increase the level of a spin and are worth more points. These variations include movements of the body part, head, leg, arm, or hand that require flexibility or physical strength and that affect the balance of the skater's main body core. There are 11 categories of difficult spin variations; three are in the camel spin position, based on the direction of the skater's shoulder line.<ref name="no2334-3">{{Cite web |date=8 July 2020 |title=Communication No. 2334 |url=https://www.isu.org/inside-isu/isu-communications/communications/24665-isu-communication-2334/file |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220629131425/https://www.isu.org/inside-isu/isu-communications/communications/24665-isu-communication-2334/file |archive-date=29 June 2022 |access-date=26 July 2025 |publisher=International Skating Union |page=3}}</ref>

A spin combination must have at least "two different basic positions with two revolutions in each of these positions anywhere within the spin".<ref name="S&P/ID2024-105"/> Skaters earn the full value of a spin combination when they include all three basic positions. The number of revolutions in non-basic positions is included in the total number of revolutions, but changing to a non-basic position is not considered a change of position. The change of foot and change of position can be made at the same time or separately, and can be performed as a jump or a step-over movement. Non-basic positions are allowed during spins executed in one position or, for single skaters, during a flying spin.<ref name="S&P/ID2024-105"/>

<gallery>
File:2019 Internationaux de France Friday ladies SP group 2 Wakaba HIGUCHI 8D9A7964.jpg|{{center|Haircutter spin<br/><small>[[Wakaba Higuchi]]</small>}}
File:Kaori Sakamoto - 2018 Grand Prix of Helsinki - 20.jpg|{{center|[[Biellmann spin]]<br/><small>[[Kaori Sakamoto]]</small>}}
File:Imai-3.jpg|{{center|Catch-foot camel spin<br/><small>[[Haruka Imai]]</small>}}
File:2018 EC Maria Sotskova 2018-01-18 17-48-23 (2).jpg|{{center|Donut spin<br/><small>[[Maria Sotskova]]</small>}}
File:Photos – Cup of China 2017 – Ladies (Marin HONDA JPN – 5th Place) (16).jpg|{{center|Upright spin<br/><small>[[Marin Honda]]</small>}}

</gallery>

===Pair skating===
====Solo spin combinations====
The solo spin combination must be performed once during the short program of pair skating competitions, with at least two revolutions in two basic positions. Both partners must include all three basic positions to earn the full possible points. There must be a minimum of five revolutions made on each foot. Spins can be commenced with jumps and must have at least two different basic positions, and both partners must include two revolutions in each position.<ref name="techpanel-7" >Tech Panel, p. 7</ref> A solo spin combination must have all three basic positions (the camel spin, the sit spin, and upright positions) performed by both partners at any time during the spin to receive the full value of points, and must have all three basic positions performed by both partners to receive full value for the element. A spin with less than three revolutions is not counted as a spin; rather, it is considered a skating movement. If a skater changes to a non-basic position,{{Efn|A non-basic position is defined as "all the other positions not fulfilling the requirements of any basic positions".<ref name="techpanel-8">Tech Panel, p. 8</ref>}} it is not considered a change of position. The number of revolutions in non-basic positions, which may be considered difficult variations, is counted towards the team's total number of revolutions. Only positions, whether basic or non-basic, must be performed by the partners at the same time.<ref name="techpanel-8">Tech Panel, p. 8</ref>

If a skater falls while entering into the spin, they can perform another spin or spinning movement immediately after the fall, to fill the time lost from the fall, but it is not counted as a solo spin combination. A change of foot, in the form of a jump or step over, is allowed, and the change of position and change of foot can be performed separately or at the same time.<ref name="techpanel-7"/> 

<gallery>
File:Photos – Cup of China 2017 – Pairs (Wenjing SUI & Cong HAN CHN – Gold Medal) (35).jpg|{{center|Side by side spins<br><small>[[Sui Wenjing]] and [[Han Cong]]</small>}}
Image:Rus-nat-totmianina-marinin6.jpg|{{center|Side by side camel spins<br><small>[[Tatiana Totmianina]] and [[Maxim Marinin]]</small>}}
File:Vise & Trent Spin - 2006 Skate Canada.jpg|{{center|Side by side spins<br><small>[[Tiffany Vise]] and [[Derek Trent]]</small>}}
</gallery>

====Pair spin combinations====
Both junior and senior pair teams must perform one pair spin combination, which may begin with a fly spin, during their free skating programs.<ref name="techpanel-13">Tech Panel, p. 13</ref> Pair spin combinations must have at least eight revolutions; the minimum number of required revolutions "must be counted from the entry of the spin until its exit".<ref>S&P/ID 2024, p. 121</ref> If spins are done with less than two revolutions, pairs receive zero points; if they have less than three revolutions, they are considered a skating movement, not a spin. Pair teams cannot stop, except for a short step when changing directions, while performing a rotation.<ref name="techpanel-13" /> Spins must have at least two different basic positions, with two revolutions in each position performed by both partners anywhere within the spin; full value for pair spin combinations is awarded only when both partners perform all three basic positions.<ref>S&P/ID 2024, p. 124</ref> A spin executed in both clockwise and counterclockwise directions is considered one spin.<ref>Tech panel, p. 11</ref> When a team simultaneously performs spins in both directions that immediately follow each other, they earn more points, but they must execute a minimum of three revolutions in each direction without any changes in position.<ref name="techpanel-15">Tech Panel, p. 15</ref>  

Pair teams receive more points if the spin contains three difficult variations, two of which can be non-basic positions, although each partner must have at least one difficult variation.<ref name="techpanel-13" /> The pair team must each perform at least one change of foot, although not necessarily at the same time. The spin can also begin with a fly spin; they earn more points if one or both partners perform a difficult entrance or any fly entrance. They also earn more points if they perform a difficult exit.<ref name="techpanel-13" /> A difficult exit, in which the skaters exit the spin in a lift or spinning movement, is defined as "an innovative move that makes the exit significantly more difficult".<ref name="techpanel-15" /> They earn more points if their change in directions immediately follow each other, if the man lifts the woman while he is one foot for at least one revolution, and when they perform at least six revolutions "without any changes in position/variation and foot (camel, sit, difficult upright)".<ref name="techpanel-13" /> If one or both partners fall while entering a spin, they can execute a spin or a spinning movement to fill up the time lost during the fall.<ref name="techpanel-13" /> 

<gallery>
File:WC2008 FP SavchenkoSzolkowy GER 1.jpg|{{center|<small>[[Aliona Savchenko]] and [[Robin Szolkowy]]</small>}}
File:2011 TEB Free 297 Amanda Evora Mark Ladwig.jpg|{{center|Pair sit spin<br><small>[[Amanda Evora]] and [[Mark Ladwig]]</small>}}
File:Annika_Hocke_%26_Robert_Kunkel_2024_Worlds_Free_Skate_7.jpg|{{center|<small>[[Annika Hocke]] and [[Robert Kunkel]]</small>}}
</gallery>

=== Ice dance spins ===
The ISU defines a dance spin as "a spin skated by the Couple together in any hold".<ref name="S&P/ID2024-134">S&P/ID 2024, p. 134</ref> The ISU also states, "It should be performed on the spot around a common axis on one foot by each partner simultaneously".<ref name="S&P/ID2018-125">S&P/ID 2021, p. 125</ref> The solo spin, or pirouette, is allowed and defined as "a spinning movement performed on one foot",<ref name="S&P/ID2024-134" /> with or without the partner's assistance, performed by both partners at the same time but around separate centers. The ISU announces dance spin variations or combinations at the beginning of each season.<ref>S&P/ID 2024, p. 129</ref>

Dance spins have three positions.<ref>S&P/ID 2024, pp. 134—135</ref> The upright position is performed on one foot with the skating leg slightly bent or straight and with the upper body upright, bent to the side, or with an arched back.<ref name="S&P/ID2024-134" /> The sit position is done on one foot, with "the skating leg bent in a one-legged crouch position and with the free leg forward, either to the back or the side".<ref name="S&P/ID2024-135">S&P/ID 2024, p. 135</ref> The camel position is done on one foot, with "the skating leg straight or slightly bent forward, and with the free leg extended or bent forward horizontally or higher".<ref name="S&P/ID2024-135" />

<gallery>
File:Khokhlova & Novitski 2003 NHK Trophy.jpg|[[Jana Khokhlova]] & [[Sergei Novitski]], 2003
File:Nazarova, Nikitin - 2014 Junior Worlds - 3.jpg|[[Oleksandra Nazarova]] & [[Maksym Nikitin]], 2014
File:Charlene Guignard & Marco Fabbri 2024 Worlds Free Dance 4.jpg|[[Charlène Guignard|Charlene Guignard]] & [[Marco Fabbri]], 2024
File:2018 EC Natalia Kaliszek Maksym Spodyriev 2018-01-20 15-45-07 (5).jpg|[[Natalia Kaliszek]] & [[Maksym Spodyriev]], 2018
File:Sara Hurtado, Kirill Khaliavin - 2018 Olympics - 25.jpg|[[Sara Hurtado]] & [[Kirill Khaliavin]], 2018
File:2020 European Figure Skating Championships Yuka Orihara Juho Pirinen 2020 01 25 6619 (2).jpg| [[Yuka Orihara]] & [[Juho Pirinen]], 2020
</gallery>

{{commons category|Figure skating spins}}

== Footnotes ==
{{notelist}}

==References==
{{Reflist|3|refs=
}}

==Works cited==

* {{cite book |last1=Cabell|first1=Lee |last2=Bateman |first2=Erica |year=2018 |chapter=Biomechanics in Figure Skating |editor-last1=Vescovi |editor-first1=Jason D. |editor-last2=VanHeest |editor-first2=Jaci L. |title=The Science of Figure Skating |location=New York |publisher=Routledge |pages=13–34 |isbn=978-1-138-22986-0}}
* {{cite book |last=Hines |first=James R. |year=2006 |title= Figure Skating: A History |location=Urbana, Illinois |publisher=University of Illinois Press |isbn=978-0-252-07286-4}}

* {{cite book |last=Kestnbaum |first=Ellyn |year=2003 |title=Culture on Ice: Figure Skating and Cultural Meaning |location= Middletown, Connecticut |publisher= Wesleyan University Press |isbn=0819566411}} 

* {{cite book |last=Petkevich |first=John Misha |year=1988 |title=Sports Illustrated Figure Skating: Championship Techniques |edition=1st |location=New York |publisher=Sports Illustrated |isbn=978-1-4616-6440-6 |oclc=815289537}}
* [https://isu-d8g8b4b7ece7aphs.a03.azurefd.net/isudamcontainer/CMS/Corporate-Site/Sports-Rules/Figure-Skating-Rules/Constitution-and-Special-Regulations/2024SpecialRegulationSPandIceDanceandTechnicalRulesSPandIDFinalrev0853339001741256957-7689.pdf "Special Regulations & Technical Rules Single & Pair Skating and Ice Dance 2024"] (S&P/ID 2024). Lausanne, Switzerland: International Skating Union. Retrieved 5 August 2025.
* [https://isu-d8g8b4b7ece7aphs.a03.azurefd.net/isudamcontainer/CMS/Corporate-Site/Sports-Rules/Figure-Skating-Rules/Handbooks-Single-&-Pair-Skating/TP-Handbook-Pair-Skating-2025-26-25July-1754657063-3208.pdf "Technical Panel Handbook: Pair Skating 2025/2026"] (Tech Panel). International Skating Union. 25 July 2025. Retrieved 26 September 2025.
{{Figure skating}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Figure Skating Spins}}
[[Category:Figure skating elements|Spin Figure-skating]]