The inside backward loops, as has been said of the inside edges in general, are easier to start and harder to get out of than any similar strokes. To make a clean inside edge loop backward and get out of it with a resulting curve of full size and true radius is an indication of real proficiency in figure skating. Many good skaters fail in this difficult figure. Yet it must be learned or other following and combination figures cannot be accomplished.
This loop requires more edge than any of the others. It is about the only loop which the experts of Europe agree upon as to the place on the blade of the skate with which it should be executed. This is the forward part of the blade.
LOOP. Right outside edge, backward, loop, outside backward. (ROBLOB)
The start is made like the start of the inside edge circle backward except that the head is turned over the employed shoulder instead of over the unemployed shoulder. That is the face is turned away from the centre of the circle of which the loop is to be a part instead of toward the start of the stroke. The position is similar to that for the execution of the three or the backward inside edge but there should be more twist to the shoulders. The balance foot should be carried well in front of the body, not too high, and over the print. The arm of the employed shoulder should be extended well out from the body compensating the weight of the balance leg which is on the other side of the centre of gravity, as shown in the diagram. There should be strong backward leaning of the body, as in all backward loops, up to the middle of the loop when the balance foot swings past making a small circle, almost a flip of the foot, and is carried well out, over the print. The curve is finished like the inside backward circle. There is less use of the shoulders, and more use of the balance foot in the execution of the inside backward loops than in any of the other loops.
LOOP. Right inside edge, backward, loop, inside backward. (LIBLIB)
MRS. JULIEN M. GERARD, MRS. CHARLES B. DILLINGHAM and MISS MADELINE COCHRANE at Hippodrome Skating Tea.