Portal:Figure skating/Selected picture

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The Layback spin is a one-foot upright figure skating spin in which the head and shoulders are dropped backwards and the back arched downwards toward the ice. A common variation has the free leg is lifted toward the back, typically in an attitude position. Another common difficulty variation is the Biellmann spin.

The classic layback position is one in which the torso is bent backwards, the free leg lifted, and the arms extended above the torso, bent in an approximation of a circle. This creates a unique impression during the spin. This position has become iconic of figure skating, showing up in logos and banners promoting figure skating events, including the Olympic Games.

The spin was invented by Cecilia Colledge of Great Britain in the 1930s. It is possible to perform a back layback spin, but due to the difficulty it is rarely performed.

A layback spin can also be performed with the torso leaning more towards the side, in which case it is known as a side layback or sideways-leaning spin. This variation is sometimes used by skaters who lack back flexibility or who have difficulty balancing while arching back, but including both backwards and sideways-leaning positions in a layback spin is considered a feature that adds difficulty under the ISU Judging System. Some skaters add various hand and arm positions to create individuality and artistry in the spin, including skate grabs. Adding a Biellmann position to a layback spin is also considered a feature that adds difficulty.