If unable to change the edge by this method, the skater may assist
himself by slightly and gently swinging the arm and leg outward, so as
to incline the person to a rotatory motion. This swing, however, must
be corrected as soon as the object is attained; and it must generally
be observed that the change from edge to edge is to be effected merely
by the inclination of the body, not by swinging.
When the skater is able to join the ends of the 3, so as to form
one side of a circle, then, by striking off in the same manner, and
completing another 3, with the left leg, the combination of the two
3’s will form an 8. In the first attempts, the 3 should not be made
above two feet long, which he will acquire the power of doing almost
imperceptibly. He may then gradually extend the size as he advances in
the art.
Though, in this section, backward skating is spoken of, the term refers
to the skate only, which in such case moves heel foremost, but the
person of the skater moves sidewise, the face being always turned in
the direction in which he is proceeding.