OneMind Dogs instructor Lee Elgie shares her thoughts on one of the most versatile handling techniques in agility called the Reverse Spin. If you’ve ever struggled with tight turns, trap obstacles, or a dog with sky-high obstacle focus, this move might be the missing piece in your handling toolkit.
The reverse spin starts out looking a lot like a front cross, but with one big difference. There’s no side change. Instead, you use your motion to commit your dog to the obstacle, then turn away to set a new line. This makes it a powerful option when you need to tighten your dog’s turn or redirect them quickly without losing flow.
Why use a reverse spin?
The reverse spin isn’t just about changing direction. It’s about giving your dog clearer, earlier information. Some of the biggest benefits include:
- Changing your dog’s line: You can use the reverse spin in many different ways depending on your direction of motion after the turn.
- Avoiding traps: It’s especially helpful when off-course obstacles are tempting your dog.
- Tighter turns for obstacle-focused dogs: By shortening your dog’s correction stride, you set them up for a sharper, more controlled turn.
- Flexible positioning: You can perform it close to the obstacle or from further away, making it adaptable to many course situations.
Key elements of the reverse spin
Here are some of the most important pieces to focus on when learning or refining the move:
- Commitment comes first. Step toward take-off with your dog-side leg to lock in obstacle commitment.
- Spin away with purpose. Once commitment is clear, turn away and drive immediately in the new direction you want your dog to follow.
- Stay light on your feet. Working from the balls of your feet and taking clear steps helps you avoid getting “stuck” mid-spin.
- Use your eyes. Keep your side profile toward your dog to watch commitment, then reconnect after the spin by turning your face toward the line you want.
- Chest and arm cues. Your chest supports take-off, but never turns toward the jump itself during the spin. Keep your arm low on the dog’s side to reinforce the line.
- Fine-tune with timing. Delaying your head turn until just before your dog’s landing gives you an even tighter turn.
- Smooth it out. OneMind Dogs coaches often teach handlers to connect chin to shoulder during the spin. This small detail makes the whole move flow better.
Verbals can also be layered in as collection or deceleration cues, especially if your dog responds strongly to them.
Learning from the experts
The reverse spin can feel complex when you’re first putting the pieces together, but with practice it becomes second nature. The good news is, you don’t have to figure it out on your own.
In our Reverse Spin webinar, OneMind Dogs coaches break down the move step by step, with demonstrations of how and when to use it on course. You’ll see how small details (like your footwork, timing, and body rotation) make all the difference in your dog’s response.
Takeaway
The reverse spin is more than just a flashy move. It’s a way to:
- Keep your dog on the correct line,
- Prevent off-course errors, and
- Shape tighter, faster turns that save time in competition.
Whether you’re handling a young dog who needs clear direction or a seasoned competitor with unstoppable obstacle drive, the reverse spin can give you a new level of control and connection.
Ready to see it in action? Watch the full Reverse Spin webinar or dive straight into our Reverse Spin online mini course and start adding this technique to your handling toolbox today.
