The figure is skated easiest, as are all rockers, when skated fast and large and the turn made as quickly as possible. This requires some daring and pluck. The inside edge backward, upon which the figure is finished, is difficult to hold out to the true curve, but the general directions for the inside backward circles are all that are required for its mastery—with a generous amount of practise.
The complementary half of this figure is the inside backward rocker. Start as for the inside circle backward; soon bring the balance foot forward and slightly past the skating foot so that it is close to the skating foot at the moment of the turn. The body, as in the case of all rockers, should be directly over the turn at the moment it is made. As the turn is made the balance foot is brought back sharply to the skating foot; the twist of the shoulders in position for the forward inside edge with a quick turn of the skate on the ice executes this difficult, catchy movement. The turn should be made on the backward portion of the blade. This is the most peculiar of the rockers and is more of a knack which, once caught, is not readily forgotten. The figure is finished in the usual position of the forward inside circle and the balance foot is brought past the skating foot when about one-half of the final circle has been completed.
SPECIAL FIGURES.
CHAPTER 18.
Counters.
Counters are very similar in appearance to rockers but the turn is made away from the centre instead of toward it. A rocker is a form of three out of which one comes onto the same edge in a different direction. A counter somewhat resembles a bracket in appearance but the continuing stroke is on the same edge as that employed in the first half of the figure. As in the rockers, the direction is reversed at the turn; forward, counter, backward or backward, counter, forward. The change is always to the same edge. A change of edge is sometimes made in the execution of both brackets, rockers and counters but such a move is a violation of the correct performance of the figure. It must be scrupulously guarded against.
In many important respects counters are executed similarly to rockers. There is a careful swing of the balance foot just before, during and just after the turn. Simultaneous action of the skating leg, the balance leg, the shoulders and the head are of greater importance in this figure than in any other. Yet the counters are easier than other turns of a similar character which already have been studied even although they are what I have called unnatural turns, or turns in violation of the natural rotation.
The outside forward counter is started as for the outside forward circle. The shoulders should be held back, against the curve, not as in threes or rockers, with the curve. In all forward counters the balance foot is brought forward, past the skating foot, then, at the moment of the turn, back again, close to the skating foot. After the turn it is carried forward again in the correct position for the second portion of the figure which should be skated as if entirely independent of the first portion. In all counters, the body should be turned in readiness for the correct position of the second part of the figure before the first part has been finished. This implies flexibility of muscles and control of bodily poise which are difficult to acquire. Excellent practice for these intricate skating positions can be obtained on a floor, with skates off, by turning the body and the legs in the various correct positions and memorizing them.
The outside backward counter is skated with a strong outside edge at the start of the figure, a little more deliberate drawing up of the balance foot and special care that the balance foot is very close to the skating foot at the time of the turn. There should be strong backward balance of the body just before the turn is made; just after it a momentary strong bending of the skating knee. This turn is made on the forward part of the blade and is regarded by many good skaters as the most difficult of the counters.