Andy, it seems as if you are using a mixture of card terminology e.g.
Riffle = To run the edges of the cards from top to bottom or visa versa. Used in shuffles, forces, selections, etc.
Spring = To "spring" the cards means to bend them in such a way that the built up energy makes them jump out of your hand. Also used to describe the motion of such flourishes as the Le Paul Spread.
If you want to get into card magic I suggest you look into the following teachers:
Daryl
Michael Ammar
Jeff McBride
Oz Pearlman
To name but a few. Have a look at this thread:
http://www.talkmagic.co.uk/ftopic3453.php
If you have a specific teacher whom you are interested in just pop a question about them here and we'll do our best to answer it.
I hope this helps.
All the best,
Fish