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.
Inside forward counters are not more difficult than outside forward
counters. They are started as for the bracket with the shoulder over the
balance foot leading. The shoulders are held square with the circle
until the turn. The turn is made on the forward part of the blade. After
the turn there should be strong bending of the skating knee and quick
straightening of it. The figure is finished as for the inside backward
circle.
For the inside backward counter a vigorous thrust is essential. Bend the
skating knee well from the start of the figure up to the moment of the
turn, when it should be slightly straightened, the balance foot brought
close to the skating foot and the shoulders held as for the inside
backward bracket. This counter is made on the heel of the blade.
[Illustration:
COUNTER. Left outside edge backward, counter, outside forward.
(LOBCOF)
]