By Dan Beard
Fig. 408.
Cutting a Circle
This is one of the first figures learned by beginners, and although it
requires a small amount of outer-edge skating, it is learned before any serious
attempts are made at mastering the latter art. To begin you strike out on the
left foot with the body leaning toward the left, the center of the proposed
circle. When the weight of the body is on the outside edge the line described by
the skate runner will be a curve directed outward (Fig. 408). As soon as you
find that you can continue on that stroke no longer bring the right foot quickly
forward and down. This last must be a short stroke of only sufficient duration
to give you time for another outer-edge stroke with your left foot.
At first you will make a very large circle, but gradually as you catch the knack of the thing you will be able to contract the ring to smaller dimensions. When you have mastered the left-foot circle, try it on the right foot and practice it until you are able to go either way with equal speed and grace. It is great fun to have a crowd of seven or eight boys on one circle, each trying to go faster than his fellows.
The Backward Circle.
This, when learned, is easier than the forward ring. for the push stoke is made with the toe. When going backward great force can be given to the toe-push stroke by slightly lifting the heel.
To cut the circle backward you must simply reverse your forward movement.
No boy can learn to skate by reading these suggestions; he can only obtain hints that will help him when he attempts the different figures described. They only way to do anything is to DO IT.
Put on your skates and try, and while trying sooner of later the feat will be performed. The best assistance is obtained in watching fellow-skaters further advanced that yourself in art.
After you have perfected yourself in cutting the circle forward and backward, to the left and to the right. the other, more difficult motions will suddenly lose their awe-inspiring qualities, because in acquiring the simpler figures you have unconsciously gained control of your muscles.
The muscles were all there before, but as they had never been called upon to perform the work they were designed for, when you gave your first command it and you thought yourself awkward. Awkward you were, but an awkward boy is a boy who has not trained his muscles, and a graceful lad is one whose muscles have been disciplined to act as he directs.
Now stand up on your skates and assert your authority over your rebellious muscles. tell them that you intend to be a skater, and to begin with you expect them to help you.
To Skate Backwards
Work or skull yourself along any way, until you are able to detect the proper moment and proper manner of giving the strokes. This accomplished, you may call yourself a good plain skater.
