This video depicts a sit spin variation known as the pancake spin; specifically, the ‘sit forward’, where the free leg is positioned in front of the skater. For more information about spin categories, visit the ISU handbook.
To begin, the skater pushes into the spin on a left outside edge, keeping her left arm steadily in front of her throughout the entrance until she reaches the base position: the sit spin. Maintaining pressure between her chest and her legs to prevent the error of standing up while switching positions, she pulls her right leg into the pancake position. Her skating leg (the left leg) is pressed against the outside of her right shin, as opposed to the outside of her right boot, which could slide out of place during arm variations.
With both of her hands she grasps her right toe pick; her right elbow is bent in front of her right knee, and her left arm is wrapped beneath her right blade. This prevents wide gaps between her arms and body, helping the skater press her body flat, hence the name of the spin: pancake.
This skater keeps her head facing downward, but other positions like looking to either side or pressing the chin down may also work.
She holds the pancake, or sit front position, for several rotations before standing up and pushing into an exit position on her right leg.
