Spinnorientering

Spinnorientering is a training drill within orienteering designed to improve reorientation and quick decision-making by introducing deliberate body spins during map reading. The practice focuses on reconnecting the map’s orientation to the terrain after a turn or displacement, which helps athletes recover bearings rapidly during competition.

The method is commonly used in Scandinavian clubs and in youth training, but it is not a formal competition format. It is described as a drill rather than a discipline, and variations exist among coaches and teams.

Procedure typically involves a controlled setting, such as a practice course or gym. Participants start at a known point with a map and compass. They perform a spin of 180–360 degrees around the point (or sometimes while moving along a short path), then re-establish the map’s orientation to north and plan the next leg. They must identify an anticipated bearing and distance to the next control and execute the move, often under time pressure. Coaches may call out bearings or use a sequence of points to increase difficulty. The aim is to reduce the time spent correcting misorientation and to improve efficiency under real race conditions.

Variations exist, including versions without a compass to train raw orientation or moving spins that simulate faster decision-making. Some drills incorporate partner feedback or sudden changes in terrain to increase realism and challenge.

Etymology and purpose: The name reflects the spinning action performed during the drill. Spinnorientering is used primarily as a training tool to build map literacy, spatial awareness, and resilience to errors, contributing to faster and more reliable route choices in standard orienteering tasks.