Thanks for the suggestion! You must have done figures to see such subtle differences.

Question... should the free foot tuck back in place immediately after the turn? And does this apply to troublesome (for me) forward outside edge brackets?

My coach doesn't offer much comment about how to do the brackets themselves, but is more concerned about the pattern and quality of edge.

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Bill Schneider

Hi Bill, yes I did do figures, didn't get very far, and it was many moons ago. I am really enjoying your videos - moves are my favorite part of skating by far.

Yes, on the FI turn, the free foot should "snap" back to trailing the skating foot, like a rudder. On the outside, I perform it with a quick swing in front, then bring the free foot toe to skating foot heel, turn and keep free foot in front.

Here's a video of me doing RFO/LBI brackets from the Intermediate moves test (at a competition). This was several months before I actually passed the test in 2001. The RFO edges are a little flat, though.
Video (10.5MB)

And no offense to your coach (who has indeed insured that your quality of edge is very good) but a pattern is made by the things you do with your body to control the skate. Correct patterns are only half the story.

I was watching gymnastics once and noticed a very interesting element that could make a nice very advanced spin: this is when a lady bends forward and grabs her ankle touching it with her forehead while her free leg is pointing straight up and she rotates on the ball of her foot.

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That's really nice and controlled! I've got a ways to go to be able to do them that well.

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Bill Schneider

You know I thought of that too. Gliding down the ice, I think its called a Charlotte. Lots of people spin with free leg held straight up, I wonder if this is possible to get into - still its very similar to the down position in an illusion.
Lyle

Bill, do you happen to know this skater personally? I'd love some insights on how the heck he gets all the way down like that on the inside hydroblade. I've been taking stabs at it recently, but not getting very far...

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Casey Allen Shobe | http://casey.shobe.info
"What matters is not experience per se but 'effortful study'."
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