3. Figure Skating

Figure skating is the sport of moving the body around a circle or a semicircle with a single stroke, and with apparent ease and grace, while balanced on a skate. It is a favorite sport with all ages. The physical requirements for figure skating are not so strenuous as to eliminate partici­pation of any group, from the youngest to the oldest. Though a firm taskmaster, figure skating is a relaxing and absorbing sport. As one devotee of the sport says, "There is nothing to compare with the thrill of the run of a sustained edge, leading to a turn and receding from it, with no apparent loss of speed." Figure skating is a glowing example of artistry in motion.

Numerous kinds of figures can be skated. This book describes the most elementary of the compulsory school figures set up for tests and competition and which are skated in strict accordance with prescribed rules.

The present-day school figures have developed from early-day star-type figures in ice skating. Early skating competitors actually cut geometric patterns in the ice with their skates, and judges awarded the prize for the best design. However, a constant undercurrent of difference of opinion always existed, and something had to be done to solidify opinion as to what constituted skill on skates. Thus evolved the running-edge type of figures which are skated today on both ice and rollers all over the world, known as the International Style of skating. The exact geometric patterns to be skated are rigidly defined, but the skater is free to use any method to perform them. You should always bear in mind this general rule, however: Anything violent, angular, or stiff is to be avoided,if you hope that the judges will look favorably upon your performance of the figures.

Since no two individuals are alike in weight distribution on the frame of the body, you will have to experiment as to the exact use and position of your arms and legs in skating the figures. This book has selected eleven school figures to describe and illustrate. Of the eleven, four are basic circle eights, one is a serpentine, three are basic-three turns, and the others include a double-three, a loop, and a bracket turn.

It is easy to read the letters in the group describing the figure to be skated. The first letter indicates which foot to begin on—R (right), L (left). The second letter tells on which side of the foot the majority of the weight is to be maintained—O (outside), I (inside). The third letter tells in which direction to travel—F (forward), B (backward).

BASIC SCHOOL FIGURES

A circle eight is a figure containing two circles of equal diameter and arranged so that they are tangent at one point. It also contains three imaginary reference points. The first is called the long axis,which is a longitudinal line passing through the centers of each circle and dividing the entire circle eight into four equal parts. The second reference point is called the short axis,which is a transverse line which crosses the long axis at a right angle and passes through the point of tangency of the circles. It divides the circle eight in equal halves. The final reference point is called the apex.An apex is positioned exactly where the long axis passes through the opposite ends of the circle eight (see Diag. 3).

On rollers, the ROF-LOF Circle Eightis the easiest figure to master. You should have little difficulty with balance because you skate this figure forward on the outside edge. This is the easiest edge to maintain because your weight center is on the stronger side of the foot. You skate your first circle on the right foot; your second, on the left foot.

DIAG. 3. Circle Eight.

The RIF-LIF Circle Eightis skated on the inside edge, forward on the right foot on the first circle; forward on the left foot on the second. The balance on this inside edge is harder to maintain than the balance on the outside edge, primarily because the inside of the foot, by its very construc­tion, is weaker than the outside. To compensate partially for this weakness, you will have to press the opposite shoulder forward; this serves to "unitize" the body and make it easier to control.

The first figure to try skating backward is the ROB-LOB Circle Eight.You should devote time to master this figure. It is skated on the outside edge, a key edge in dancing and free-style figures. You skate your first circle backward on the right foot; your second, backward on the left.

The RIB-LIB Circle Eightis the most difficult of the four basic edges. Try this after you have mastered the first three circle eights. It will take time to perform the figure smoothly. It is not only skated on the inside edge, and thus the weaker part of the foot, but also is skated backward. You skate the first circle backward on the right foot; the second, backward on the left.

A serpentine is a figure containing three circles of the same diameter, arranged so that the centers of the circles are in line and the two outside circles are tangent to the center circle. The serpentine contains three reference points. The first is called a long axis,a longitudinal line passing through the centers of each circle and dividing the entire serpentine into six equal parts. The second reference point is called a short axis,a trans­verse line which crosses the long axis at a right angle and passes through the point of tangency of the circles. There are two short axes on a serpentine. The final reference point is called the apex.An apex is located exactly where the long axis passes through the opposite ends of the serpentine (see Diag. 4).

To skate a serpentine, you push off from the starting position on one foot and trace a half-circle plus a full circle; then you push off onto the other foot and skate a circle and a half. The ROIF-LIOF Serpentinestarts with the right foot first. Your half-circle is skated on the outside edge, forward on the right foot; your full circle on the inside edge, forward on the right foot. Then you skate a half-circle on the inside edge, forward on the left foot, and complete the figure with a full circle on the outside edge, forward on the left foot. This serpentine can be learned after you have mastered the ROF-LOF and the RIF-LIF Circle Eights. You will find that you are familiar with the major part of the execution required, as this serpentine is actually a combination of the two circle eights, with additional power requirements and control of balance through a one foot change of lean.

DIAG. 4. Serpentine.

The three-turns are performed on the basic circle eights. In each figure the first three-turn is skated on one foot and the second three-turn on the other. The name "three-turn" is derived from the resultant tracing of the figure, which closely resembles the numeral 3. The three-marks on the circle are made by rotating the body on the skating foot to the inside at the halfway point in the circle, changing either from forward to backward or backward to forward edge on the same foot. A three-turn involves changing the edge from outer to inner or inner to outer on each foot, either forward to backward or backward to forward. Three-turns are called naturalturns because the primary or entering edge, the turning itself, and the secondary or receding edge are all in the same direction and on the same circle.

If you have learned the four basic edges, you will not have too much trouble with the three-turns. You will be well prepared to learn the principle of forced or pressured rotation which causes the body to turn on its own axis (the body createsa three-turn), and also the principle of check, a counteredgewise force which you have to apply immediately after a turn. The ability to skate a one-foot three-turn will be one of your skating high points.

All forward turns are done with the weight on the front axle of your skate, with just enough weight on the rear axle to maintain contact with the floor. All rear turns are performed with the weight on the rear axle, with sufficient weight on the front axle to maintain contact with the floor. If these conditions do not obtain, you will find that hops result.

The ROF-LOF Threeis created by skating a half-circle forward right, on the outside edge; executing a turn at the halfway mark on the right foot, changing the edge from outer forward to inner back; and skating the re­maining half of the circle backward right, on the inside edge. Then the school figure is completed by skating a half-circle forward left, on the outside edge; executing a turn at the halfway mark on the left foot, chang­ing the edge from outer forward to inner back; and skating the remaining half of the second circle backward left, on the inside edge.

The ROF-LIB Threestarts with a half-circle on the outside edge, forward right; a turn on the right foot; a half-circle on the inside edge, backward right. You skate the second circle on the left foot; one-half circle backward on the inside edge; turn on the left foot; and then skate one-half circle forward left on the outside edge.

The RIF-LOB Threeis an inner forward three skated on the right foot followed by an outer backward three skated on the left. You start with a half-circle on the inside edge, forward right; do a turn on the right foot; followed by a half-circle on the outside edge, backward right. You skate the second circle on the left foot; one-half circle backward on the outside edge; turn on the left foot; and then skate one half-circle forward on the inside edge.

A double-three is skated on the basic circle eight. It is executed in much the same manner as the basic threes except that there are two changes of edge in each circle on the same foot, the turns dividing the circle into thirds. The cusps of the three-marks should face the center of the circle. It is not wise to attempt to skate a double-three until you have good control of the basic three-turns. The length of time you have to execute the turn is shortened considerably in a double-three and requires a very fine balance.

In the ROF-LOF Double-Three,you start on the outside edge, right forward; change to the right inner back edge at the one-third mark; change back to the right outer forward edge at the two-thirds mark; and hold this position through the final third. In skating the second circle, start on an outside edge, left forward; change to the left inner back edge at the one-third mark; change back to the left outer forward edge at the two-thirds mark; and hold this position through the final third.

The loop is a figure in which an ellipse (loop) is inscribed within a base circle at the halfway mark in the circle, both ellipse and circle being traced on the same foot with no break between the two, first skated on the right foot and then on the left. The base circle is eight feet in diameter; the length of the loop is twenty-four inches and its width is sixteen inches. The inset from the base circle to the node measures eight inches. And the loop plus the inset from the base circle is thirty-two inches, or one-third of the base circle (see Diag. 17, page 50). The loop figure, a holdover from the star-type school figure, features an elliptical edge rather than a true arc. Skating the loop requires delicate balance. Most of your weight must be over one wheel during the actual loop, rotation of the body is much faster, and thus timing is different from what you have used heretofore. The loop is an excellent training figure for free-skating jumps and spins which employ similar movements. For the ROF-LOF Loopyou skate the circles and loops on the outside edge throughout, increasing the lean as you leave the base circle to trace the loop itself, and reducing it as you rejoin the base circle to complete the school figure.

Bracket figures are also skated on the basic circle eight. Whereas your body rotates withthe circle in the basic three and double-three turns, with the turn cusps or threes facing into the circle, in the bracket figure your body rotates againstthe circle to the outside, with the turn cusps or "brack­ets" facing away from the circle—in other words, on the outside (see Diag. 18, page 52). The outer forward bracket is the most difficult of all eleven of the basic running-edge figures. You must face the problem of maintain­ing balance while doing a turn in a direction opposite to the natural direc­tion of the primary edge, resulting in a forced turn.

The ROF-LIB Bracketis a fundamental bracket turn. Execution is directly opposite that for the ROF-LIB Three. This bracket is created by skating a half-circle, forward right on the outside edge; executing a counter-edgewise turn at the halfway mark on the right foot; changing the edge from outer forward to inner back; and skating the remaining half of the circle backward right on the inside edge. Then you skate a half-circle backward, left on the inside edge; execute a turn at the halfway mark on the left foot; change the edge from left inner back to left outer forward; and skate the remaining half of the second circle forward left on the outer edge.

Starts

It is very important to know how to start from rest into the proper movement for skating your figure. There are four basic starts from rest: to an outside forward edge, to an inside forward edge, to an outside backward edge, and to an inside backward edge. Each start involves a stationary position and a poised position; the latter is the one that immediately pre­cedes the push-off.

For the Outside Forward Start,place your right foot along the short axis, with the toe wheels of the right foot directly over the long axis. Place your left foot behind the right heel so that the left instep lightly touches the right heel. Divide the weight evenly over both feet. Extend the right arm to the front and the left arm to the rear of the body, with the middle fingers over the tracing of the circle to be skated. This is your stationary position. To assume the poised position, lift the right foot forward about four inches from the floor and draw it back so that the right instep is just about at the heel of the left foot (see Diag. 5a).

For the push-off, lower or flex the left knee and push the weight forward onto the right foot, being certain the right knee flexes or cradles the descending weight.

You use this Outside Forward Start for the following figures: ROF-LOF Circle Eight, ROIF-LIOF Serpentine, ROF-LOF Three, ROF-LIB Three, ROF-LOF Double-Three, and ROF-LIB Bracket.

The stationary and poised positions for the Inside Forward Startare the same as for the Outside Forward Start except that the left arm is extended forward and the right arm is extended to the rear (see Diag. 5a). Use this start for RIF-LIF Circle Eight and RIF-LOB Three.

For the Outside Backward (Rotary Push) Start,place your right foot along the short axis with the toe wheels of the right foot directly over the long axis. Place your left foot behind the right heel so that the left instep lightly touches the right heel. Extend the left arm forward, with the middle finger of the left hand directly over the long axis. Extend the right arm to the rear, with the middle finger of the right hand directly over the long axis. This is the stationary position shown for the Outside Backward Start in Diagram 5b.

Before you reach your poised position, you must execute the continuous rotary movement pictured in Diagram 6. To assist you in learning the coordination required to assume your poised position and subsequent push-off, practice as described here, using a mentally measured count of three. Check the diagram as you work on the movements. The arrows in the diagram illustrate the composite directional movements of the arms and right leg to be executed during the three counts. The two X's in the diagram show the left and right hands over the long axis.

On count one,raise the right foot about three inches off the floor. Now simul­taneously rotate the right foot inward to a pigeon-toe position as the arms and shoulders rotate to your left. Continue this counterclockwise rotation through a semicircle of 180 degrees so that your right hand is over the long axis in front of the body and the left hand is over the long axis in the rear.

For count two,continue moving the hands without any hesitation, but flatten the arc of the rotation so that the hands draw in toward the body; simultaneously lower the left knee well, to set up the power for the push-off. You will now find that you are coiled up, ready for a maximum thrust on your last count. This coiled-up position is the poised position shown for the Outside Back Start in Diagram 5b.

For the push-off on count three,push the weight into an outside backward edge, making certain the right knee flexes to cradle the descending weight. Use this start for the ROB-LOB Circle Eight.

DIAG. 6. Rotary Movement for Outside and Inside Backward Start.

The stationary and poised positions for the Inside Backward Startare the same as for the Outside Backward Start, with this difference: In rotating the right foot inward to the poised position, continue the rotation until the right heel is about one inch past the short axis (see Diag. 5b). This enables you to strike a clean inside edge at the push-off. Use this start for the RIB-LIB Circle Eight.

RATTAILS

To enable you to change feet smoothly as you go from circle to circle in skating figures, you will have to deviate from the true circle at the short axis approximately one and one-half skate lengths. This deviation is called a rattail.There are five basic types of rattails you must become familiar with. In general, when executing a transition from an inside edge circle to any other edge, the rattail curves into the new circle to be skated; and when executing a transition from an outside edge circle to any other edge, the rattail curves into the old circle just skated.

DIAG. 7. Rattail Executions.

Four types of rattails are illustrated in Diag. 7. Check the drawing for OF-OF (a). This shows the path the right foot will follow in deviating from one circle to permit the left foot to take its place on the short axis (ROF-LOF); and the path the left foot will follow in deviating from its circle so that the right foot can come into position on the short axis (LOF-ROF). The other paths are shown for RIF-LIF and LIF-RIF (b); ROB-LOB and LOB-ROB (c); RIB-LIB and LIB-RIB (d).

Diagrams and descriptions for the eleven school figures appear on the following pages. The proper start to use and the type of rattail you will encounter are shown, as well as details of the execution of the figure. The actions for the execution are numbered in the instructions, and these num­bers correspond to those on the diagram. Through checking number against number, you learn exactly where in the figure the change in move­ment should occur.

DIAG. 8. ROF-LOF Circle Eight.

ROF-LOF  CIRCLE EIGHT-School  Figure No. 1

Outside Forward Start

Stationary position.Place your right foot along the short axis, the toe wheels of the right foot directly over the long axis. Place your left foot behind the right heel so that the left instep lightly touches the right heel. Distribute your weight evenly over both feet. Extend your right arm to the front and left arm to the rear of the body, with the middle fingers over the tracing of the circle to be skated.

Poised position.Lift your right foot upward about four inches from the floor and draw it back so that the right instep is just about at the heel of the left foot.

Push-off and Execution

1. Lower or flex your left knee and push the weight onto the right, being certain your right knee flexes or cradles the descending weight. Carry your head upright over the right shoulder, with the right shoulder slightly lowered.

2. About one-quarter of the way around the circle, begin the rotation of your arms and free leg. (Rotation is a semicircular movement of the arms, leg, and body in preparation for a new stroke or turn.) Accompany the rotation with a very slight straightening of the knee of the skating foot, to counteract the tend­ency of the edge to cut inside the circle as the normal friction slows the rolling speed.

3. Keep your arms and free leg relatively close to the body as they rotate.

4. Continue the rotation until your middle fingers are directly over the trace. Then begin to let your left foot lower easily and gradually.

5. Assume the ankle-to-ankle, or "and," position in final preparation for the new stroke onto the left foot. Rattail.Allow your right foot to deviate inward from the major circle to per­mit the left foot to take its place on the short axis. This enables you to get into position to push off onto the left outer forward edge.

6-10. Progress around this circle is in a fashion like that explained above, except that this is a left-foot execution.

In general, keep in mind that your body position should remain upright. Your ear, skating shoulder, skating hip, and ankle must be in a relatively straight line, with your skating knee the only part of the body out of line. This knee should be bent slightly forward of the line in order to have a good skating bal­ance as well as a graceful appearance.

Common Errors

Lunging at the start, in an attempt to gain speed, results in a subcurve out­side the circle (a deviation from the true circle, denoting insufficient control).

Wobbling during the last quarter of the circle is due primarily to insufficient take-off speed and is contributed to by poor rotation control.

RIF-LIF  CIRCLE  EIGHT-School Figure No. 2

Inside Forward Start

Stationary position.Place your right foot along the short axis, with the toe wheels of the right foot directly over the long axis. Place your left foot behind the right heel so that the left instep lightly touches the right heel. Keep the weight evenly divided over both feet. Extend your left arm to the front and right arm to the rear, with the middle fingers over the tracing of the circle to be skated. In this start, you press the hips into a rotation in the same direction as the edge. By pressing the opposite shoulder forward, in effect against the edge, you tighten your body (consider the motion of the hands in wringing out a dish towel).

Poised position.Lift your right foot upward about four inches from the floor. Draw it back so that the right instep is just about at the heel of the left foot.

Push-off and Execution

1. Lower or flex your left knee and push the weight forward onto right foot. Bend or flex your right knee in order to cradle the descending weight. Maintain backward pressure on the right shoulder for about four or five feet until you are on a good edge.

2. Begin rotating arms and free leg simultaneously and begin a slight straight­ ening of your working knee to stay out on the circle and to allow for the close passing of your free foot.

3. Keep your hands and free leg close to your body and bend the knee of your free leg slightly to facilitate close passage of body.

4. Complete the rotation with full extension of arms and free leg, and with middle fingers of each hand directly over the tracing. Begin slowly to lower the free leg.

5. Prepare for the transition by bringing your feet to the "and" position. Rattail:Allow your right foot to deviate outward from the major circle to permit your left foot to take its place on the short axis. This enables you to get into position to push off onto the left inner forward edge. This transition is often called a V-type rattail because the feet execute a letter V.

6. Bend your knees well to facilitate a smoother weight transfer. As you slide your weight onto the left foot, press your left shoulder back to lock or "unitize" the body.

7-9. The movements for the balance of this left foot execution are similar to those described for the right foot.

Common Errors

Allowing the free leg to cross behind the skating leg at start and transition results in an ugly angular body position and poor weight balance.

Permitting the free foot to pass your skating foot too wide changes the angle of lean too soon.

Cutting V-type rattail transition too short results in a hopped or walked change of feet and loss of proper skating speed.

DIAG.  10. ROB-LOB Circle Eight.

ROB-LOB CIRCLE EIGHT-School Figure No. 3

Outside Backward (Rotary Push) Start

Figure Skating Roller Skating

Stationary position.Place your right foot along the short axis, toe wheels directly over the long axis. Place your left foot behind the right heel. Your left instep should touch the right heel. Extend your left arm forward, with middle finger over the long axis. Extend your right arm to the rear, with middle finger over the long axis.

Poised position.To arrive at poised position, rotate your body as previously described and illustrated by Diagram 6. Once you are coiled, you are prepared for the thrust on the push-off.

Push-off and Execution

1. Push your weight onto the forward part of the right foot, which bends strongly to cradle the transferred weight and power. Coordinately press your shoulders as a unit to the right (clockwise) to unitize your body for better bal­ance and control. Keep your head positioned over your right shoulder for sight­ing. Hold this position until one-quarter of the way around the circle.

2. Release the clockwise pressure of your shoulders and begin rotating coun­terclockwise (edgewise).  The key to the rotation is a blend of head, shoulders, arms, and free leg. Continue the rotation until your head is turned so that you can see the next third of the circle. Begin to straighten the skating knee ever so slightly.

3. Here, during the rotation, your arms and free leg must be very close to your body. This is important.

4. Complete the rotation, with a full extension of arms and with middle fingers over the trace. Now begin to lower your free leg.

5. Here your feet are in the "and" position, ready to strike off onto the left foot.

6. Allow your right foot to roll onto the rattail to permit your other foot to take its place on the trace and enable you to push off onto the left foot.

7-9. The execution of the left foot is similar to that of the right foot. (The rotary movements for ROB-LOB are the reverse of the movements you performed in ROF-LOF Circle Eight.)

Common Errors

Releasing the clockwise or counteredgewise pressure, which must be applied at the start, too soon allows the weight to proceed to the heel of the skate with a major loss of control and balance.

Sighting the tracing with the chin on the chest instead of holding it over the shoulder gives an angular, unnatural look to the body and warps your perspective.

RIB-LIB  CIRCLE EIGHT-School Figure No. 4

Inside Backward Start

The stationary and poised positions are the same as for the Outside Back­ward Start, with this difference: In rotating your right foot inward to the poised position, continue the rotation until your right heel is about one inch past the short axis. This will enable you to strike a clean inside edge at the push-off.

Push-off and Execution

1. Coordinately with the thrust, press your shoulders  to the right  (clock­ wise) to unitize your body and to help balance the weight on the forward part of the skate. Turn your head over the right shoulder for better guidance of the new edge and to assist in checking or balancing the thrust.

2. Begin the rotation by moving only your head and shoulders to the left (counterclockwise).

3. Here, draw your free  leg backward into  the  direction  of  travel and straighten your skating knee gradually as the skating speed diminishes.

4. Complete the rotation at the three-quarter mark of the circle with exten­sion of free leg and arms.

5. During the last quarter of the circle, prepare for the new edge on the left foot by closing the left foot slowly to a pigeon-toe or inverted Vposition and lowering the right knee about four or five inches.

6. To change position of your feet smoothly, allow your right foot to roll on a rattail of approximately one and one-half skate lengths into the new circle. As you push the weight onto the left foot, press your shoulders in a counterclock­wise direction.

7—9. The execution of the left inside backward edge is similar to that for the right.

Common Errors

Insufficiently turning the right heel inward at the start results in a major outward subcurve.

Failing to lock shoulders with a clockwise pressure at the moment of thrust onto the right foot results in the weight traveling to the heel and a consequent loss of control.

"Walking" onto left foot at transition instead of pushing results in a loss of power.

DIAG.  12. ROIF-LIOF Serpentine.

ROIF-LIOF SERPENTINE-School Figure No. 5

Outside Forward Start

This is the same as for ROF-LOF Circle Eight. To get sufficient power for a half-circle plus a full circle, be sure to lower or flex your left knee well.

Push-off and Execution

1. Push your weight forward onto your right foot, bending the right knee well to cradle the descending weight. Simultaneously press your shoulders to the left (counterclockwise) to be sure of a clean edge. Hold this position for the first quarter of the circle.

2. Begin rotation and preparation for the changedge which occurs at the apex of your first semicircle. Allow your free leg and arm to move forward and your right arm to move to the rear.

3. At the apex, your free leg is fully forward, so that at the crossing point of the long and short axis, your free leg can move to a full extension in the rear to aid in making a sharp change of edge and lean.

4. Now you are in a position identical with the start for RIF-LIF Circle Eight. Skate the balance of the circle exactly like the RIF-LIF Circle Eight.

5. Your rotation begins one-quarter of the way around the circle. Be sure your hands and free leg pass close to your body.

6. Lift your free leg slightly as it passes your skating foot.

7. Your rotation is completed. Your arms and free leg are fully extended, with left leg and right arm in front of your body and left arm in the rear.

8. Begin lowering your left foot in preparation for the rattail and transition. Allow your right foot to execute a rattail into the new circle as you push the weight onto the inside edge of the left foot with a strong thrust.

9. At one-quarter of the way around the new circle begin rotation and prepa­ration for the oncoming inside change of edge; gradually bring your right foot and left arm forward and right arm backward.

10. Complete the rotation.

11—12. As you cross the long axis and enter the final circle, smartly change your lean to the center of the new circle and aid the sharpness of the change by pressing your free leg to the rear of your body. You are now in the familiar pri­mary outside forward edge position. At the one-quarter mark of this final circle, begin rotating your right arm and leg forward, or edgewise, and your left arm to the rear.

13. Complete this rotation by the three-quarter point. During the last quar­ter, lower your right free leg to the "and" position in preparation for the next take-off.

Common Errors

Swinging your free leg too wide on the forward change will cause a bulge at the change. Neglecting to reduce your lean in the last semicircle to compensate for reduced speed will make transitions wide and weak.

ROF-LOF  THREE-School Figure No. 7

Outside Forward Start

This is the same as for ROF-LOF Circle Eight.

Push-off and Execution

1. Strike off on the right outside forward edge and hold a firm starting posi­tion until the first quarter-circle mark.

2. For the primary rotation, rotate only your shoulders and arms to the right (edgewise), and at the same time apply backward pressure to your free (left) leg. This produces a twist which unitizes your body. (The action is much the same as the action used in the wringing out of a dishcloth and is a prime requisite for a controlled turn.)

3. About one foot from the apex you should have completed your primary rotation and be in the following position: Free leg extended to rear fully, shoul­ders parallel to skating foot, left arm just inside the tracing, right arm just out­ side tracing, head upright, lean reduced almost to the perpendicular. Now apply the secondary rotation, which is a squeezing pressure always in the same direc­tion as the primary rotation. Its purpose is to actually turn the body and the skating foot, changing the edge from ROF to RIB.

4. To stop this turning at a point when the heel rotates to a leading posi­tion over the tracing, the reflexes must be as quick as a cat's. This principle is known as "check" and is accomplished by reversing the rotation of the shoulders and stopping the free hip directly over the trace. Be sure to hold your head upright and sight along the line to be traced. Hold this position to the three-quarter mark of the circle.

5. Now lower your free foot with the toe turned to the left, and gradually bring your left arm over the new trace and right arm over the old trace.

6. Lower the working knee in preparation for the thrust onto the left out­ side forward edge.

7. At the transition, from RIB to LOF, allow your right foot to rattail into the new circle, about one to one and a half skate lengths, as you drive the weight onto your left foot.

8-11. The left foot execution is similar to that for the right foot. At posi­tion 10, however, the change is from LOF to LIB.

Common Errors

Insufficient rotation pressure before the turn results in hops instead of turns.

Pressure of checking motion not balancing rotary force results in loss of con­trol of turn and secondary edge.

Stepping off working foot too soon causes jerky action and insufficient power transfer.

Riding rattail too far into new circle produces the same result plus major loss of balance.

DIAG.  14. ROF-LIB Three.

ROF-LIB  THREE-School Figure No. 8a

Outside Forward Start

This is the same as for ROF-LOF Circle Eight.

Push-off and Execution

1—4. This is the same as for ROF-LOF Three for the first three-quarters of the circle.

5. At the three-quarter mark, rotate your free (left) toe inward to a pigeon-toe position. Do not change position of your shoulders at all.

6-7. Allow your right foot to rattail into the new circle, and drive the weight onto your left foot. Coordinately with the thrust, press your shoulders as a unit in a counterclockwise direction. Hold this position until the first quarter of the circle.

8. Now gradually raise your free leg until it is just higher than the skating knee and allow your weight to move to the rear of the skate. Increase the coun­terclockwise pressure of your shoulders and gradually reduce your lean.

9—10. About one foot from the apex, apply secondary rotation pressure to actually turn your body. Don't allow your free leg to dip as it moves from a trailing to a leading position. Apply your check smartly by reversing your shoul­ders and putting extra pressure on your right shoulder, which acts as a rudder here. Hold this position until the three-quarter mark.

11. Gradually rotate your shoulders edgewise. Then lower your free foot to the "and" position in preparation for your next take-off.

Common Errors

Waiting too long to close your free foot position in preparation for the inside back transition results in a punched stroke and poor placement of the new edge.

Having insufficient weight on the rear axle at the turn results in falling for­ward after the turn.

DIAG.  15. RIF-LOB Three.

RIF-LOB  THREE-School Figure No. 9a

Inside Forward Start

This is the same as for RIF-LIF Circle Eight.

Push-off and Execution

1. Push off on your right foot from the center of the eight on an inside edge.

2. At the one-quarter mark, begin gradually rotating only your shoulders to the left (counterclockwise).

3. About three feet from the apex, begin rotating your free leg around and close to the skating ankle. About one foot from the apex, you should be in this position: Shoulders parallel to the short axis, right arm inside the circle, left arm just outside, the free foot just behind the right heel, the head upright, and lean reduced almost to the perpendicular. Now apply the secondary, or squeez­ing, rotation to actually turn your body and skating foot.

4. Quickly check the turn by reversing the rotation of your shoulders and stopping your free leg just outside the tracing. Hold your head over the right shoulder and sight along the line to be traced. Hold this position until the three-quarter mark of the circle.

5. Now rotate your shoulders and head edgewise approximately 180 degrees until your left arm is leading and right arm is trailing. Then lower your free foot to the "and" position in preparation for the left outside backward edge.

6. Begin the left outside back edge in the same manner as in ROB-LOB Cir­cle Eight, allowing your right foot to roll onto the rattail to permit your left foot to take its place on the trace and also to enable you to push off onto the left foot. Hold this position until the one-quarter mark.

7. Now rotate your head and shoulders edgewise until your right arm is lead­ing.

8-9. Gradually bring your free foot to the heel of your tracing foot. Apply the secondary, or squeezing, rotation to the turn itself, and then check by press­ing your shoulders counteredgewise, putting extra pressure on your left shoulder and extending your free foot to the rear. Hold this position until the three-quarter mark.

10. Rotate your shoulders edgewise, simultaneously bringing your free leg forward to a leading position.

Common Errors

Allowing the free leg to cross behind the tracing foot at the start creates an angular and unbalanced position.

Swinging the free leg too wide on the inner forward three causes backlash and loss of control of the secondary edge.

Holding the outer back starting position too long causes hurried rotation and inaccurate placement of the turn.

DIAG.  16. ROF-LOF Double Three.

ROF-LOF DOUBLE  THREE-School  Figure  No. 10

Outside Forward Start

This is the same as for ROF-LOF Circle Eight.

Push-off and Execution

1—4. Skate the first third of the circle just as you skated the first half of the circle for the ROF-LOF THREE. In this case, however, you have less time for the rotary preparation because the turn occurs at the one-third mark instead of the one-half mark.

5. Fully check the forward three. Then, to get into position to do the inside backward turn, rotate your head and shoulders edgewise until your right arm is in a full leading position and your free leg is brought forward and over the tracing.

6-7. Execute the inside backward three at the two-thirds mark by squeez­ing your shoulders clockwise. Be careful to control your free leg in its rotation to a leading position or you will have an unnecessary balance problem.

8. At the three-quarter mark, rotate your shoulders in preparation for the LOF take-off.

9—16. Move your left foot in a fashion similar to that described for the right foot.

Common Errors

Not fully checking the first turn causes loss of prime balance and execution of the second turn too soon.

Holding the check position of the first three-turn too long, thus swinging the free leg into the second turn, causes the weight to go to the forward part of the skate, with a major loss of control.

DIAG.  17. ROF-LOF Loop.

ROF-LOF  LOOP-School Figure No. 14

Starting Position

Take a position at the center of the loop figure, right foot along the short axis, toe wheels of the right foot directly over the long axis, right shoulder held backward, and left arm and shoulder forward. This position, different from the starting positions previously described, is necessary because of the smallness of the circle to be traced, making the usual primary and secondary rotations of the normal-running edge turns impractical.

Push-off and Execution

1. Push off fairly slowly on your right outside forward edge, with the weight just behind the center of your foot. Hold this position until you are ready to leave the base circle, to trace the entry shoulder of the loop itself.

2. Now increase your lean and allow your weight to move just forward of the center of your foot. This  action,  together with  an increase of edgewise rotation pressure, will begin the loop itself. Hold this attitude until position 3.

3. Begin checking out the remainder of the loop proper by rocking your weight backward over the outside heel wheel. Simultaneously bring your free leg forward, with toe and hip well turned out, and reverse your shoulders.

4-5. As you trace the exit shoulder of the loop, slightly reduce your lean and straighten your skating knee. Hold this position to the finish, as this will leave you in good position to strike off on your next edge.

Rattail.Allow your right foot to deviate inward from the major circle, to allow the left foot to take its place on the short axis and enable you to push onto your left foot.

6—10. The left foot movement is similar to that explained for the right foot.

Common Errors

Pushing off with too much speed makes edge control and precise weight shift impossible.

Failing to maintain open free foot and hip during loop causes exit shoulder to be too sharp.

Failing to execute a sharp rock-back at positions 3 and 8 causes you to trace a circle instead of an ellipse.

DIAG.  18. ROF-LIB Bracket.

ROF-LIB BRACKET-School Figure No.  18a

Outside Forward Start

This is the same as for ROF-LOF Circle Eight.

Push-off and Execution

1. Push off on the right outside edge, maintaining your starting position until you cover one-quarter of the circle.

2. Begin a slight squeezing primary rotation of your entire body in a counter-edgewise direction, and increase this pressure as you near the apex.

3—4. Lower your skating knee well and "feel" your weight balanced sharply on the forward part of the skate. Execute the turn by applying secondary rotation counteredgewise, and smartly check the turn by reversing your shoulder rotation. Hold your free leg so that it trails your body away from the turn, and sight the new trace over your skating shoulder. Maintain this position until the three-quarter mark.

5—6. Rotate your head and shoulders inward or counterclockwise and finally your free leg until it is in a leading position over the trace. Allow your right foot to rattail away from the major circle to permit the left foot to get into position for the LIB take-off.

7. Stroke onto the LIB edge exactly the same as in RIB-LIB Circle Eight, with your left shoulder leading and right foot trailing.

8. Begin rotating your head, shoulders, and free leg inward or counteredge­wise until your right arm and leg are extended over the tracing in a leading position.

9—10. Lower your right foot to a position directly behind the heel of the skating foot. Flex your skating knee well and apply secondary, or squeezing, rotation counteredgewise to execute the turn. Check the turn by smartly re­versing your shoulder rotation and pressing your free leg to the rear of your body. Hold this position until balance is secure.

11. Slowly rotate your free leg only to a leading position to complete the figure.

Common Errors

Releasing counteredgewise pressure just before turn causes the edge to flatten inside the trace and produces poor placement.

Applying check softly results in an outward bulge immediately after the turn.

Failing to have weight accurately placed over the proper axle causes "grabbing" of the running skate and a subsequent loss of balance.

Are You Ready To Move Onto The Next Lesson? Click Here...