Author Topic: Backward sculling ... ? (Read 5558 times)

figureskater10 · « **on:** June 05, 2007, 04:29:13 pm »

I was just wondering what backward and forward sculling is?

And does anyone having any tips on skating forward and then turning to backwards, as I am struggling with that and its on level 4?

Nikki

sweeneytodd · « **Reply #1 on:** June 05, 2007, 04:38:39 pm »

Sculling is also known as lemons. You bend knees and push both feet out, then straighten them and pull them in again. Its not too bad but make sure you don't lean too far forward, as you will just stop.

When turning from backwards to forwards try putting the arm in front (the one in direction you are going). Left for anticlockwise right for clockwise. This Will stop you from dropping the inside shoulder (in theory). Also try to step your foot round with your shoulder, and the whole side of your body so you aren't twisted. Lots of people try turning there feet first or there shoulders and it puts them out of balance.

figureskater10 · « **Reply #2 on:** June 05, 2007, 04:43:32 pm »

Oh, I know what sculling is.

I thought it was when your going backwards, and you push with one foot and then chasse with the other. I am struggling on that - but my coach is making me conquer it before I try anything esle.

Thanks for the tips. Will try that next time.

What level are you on?

sweeneytodd · « **Reply #3 on:** June 05, 2007, 04:44:47 pm »

Oh rt, The backward chasse bit is on later level, Good luck with both.

Derek · « **Reply #4 on:** June 05, 2007, 05:29:16 pm »

As far as I am aware, there are three ways of sculling ...

Essentially, it is moving across the ice using both feet, without lifting them, using sideways movement off the edges to generate movement.

Lemons has already been mentioned, I know them as fish, they are also called swizzles I think. The tracing leaves an hourglass type shape on the ice ...

Another technique, I only know this as sculling, is to rock sideways onto each foot in turn, pushing outwards as the weight transfers to the other foot. This also leaves a wavy tracing, but the left and right tracings are staggered.

The third method is slalom, where both feet move from one side to the other as a pair, this technique is not practiced until the higher levels in Skate UK. The tracing is two lines that are parallel to each other.

They can all be done forwards or backwards ...

I like to practice sculling when I am feeling tired, as it seems less effort not to have to lift my feet ...

Derek

figureskater10 · « **Reply #5 on:** June 05, 2007, 05:37:07 pm »

Thanks a lot for your advice.

I now know what they are! I've tried slalom, which in my eyes, is getting better, as when it was first introduced to me, I could not move across the ice at all, and now I can go reasonably fast with my feet together.

Any tips for two-foot spins?

Nikki

Anon · « **Reply #6 on:** June 05, 2007, 07:54:37 pm »

not going on your toe pick and wen you r about to go into the spin bring your arms into your chest (with abit of force) as it helps you to spin faster and for longer...

Paul 2 · « **Reply #7 on:** June 07, 2007, 08:57:27 pm »

Hi,

Can I change this to forward sculling, lemons etc? I know you will say practice, but I'm not sure what to practice yet. I'll explain -

Standing still on the ice, heels together, toes pointing out at 45 degrees, knees slightly bent, slightly leaning forwards.

Try as I might, I can not get my feet to move outwards or forwards unless I am very lucky. If they do move, they move ever so slowly, just getting wider apart, I can't bring them in again, even though I am putting in a huge amount of effort . Needless to say, I don't move forwards. It is almost like the skates are glued to the ice. Should each skate be on the inside edge?

If I do a two foot glide (albeit slowly) I can move my feet apart and back again, I thought I was sculling, but I am not, because the skates are not angled out at 45 degrees, they remain parallel to each other, so of course after about 3 'ins and outs', I just stop.

Can anybody give me a step by step guide to forward sculling starting from a standstill? I will try and get on the ice at the weekend and experiment, but any help will be appreciated as usual!

dippytrout27 · « **Reply #8 on:** June 07, 2007, 09:47:56 pm »

Forward fishes (or sculling) is done entirely on an inside edge. It's easier to start from a 2 foot glide as you have a little speed to help you, but it can also be done from a standstill . Bend your knees whilst letting your feet move apart at an angle until they get to about hip distance. Then rise out of the knee bend and point your toes inward and squeeze them back together. The key to it (as with most skating I guess) is in the knee bend. Your knees will be bending and unbending (is that a word?) moving your body up and down.

I hope you get chance to practice Paul, let me know how you get on

Derek · « **Reply #9 on:** June 07, 2007, 09:50:01 pm »

I will have a go at explaining in more detail about lemons/fish.

A bit of physics first. Consider standing upright, feet splayed outwards as mentioned. You move your feet apart by muscle strength (on the onside edge to make it easier) and they get further and further apart. You should find your body descending, as your legs get wider apart. This is known as converting potential energy (from your raised centre of gravity) into kinetic energy (motion). Once you have started to move, it should be relatively simple to keep moving apart, as you are continually feeding energy into your movement by sinking. Lots of beginners do this inadvertently, and find their feet moving away on their own, following this very principle.

Once your feet are about two feet or so apart, you should angle your feet slightly inwards, and pull your legs together using your leg muscles. This will assist bringing your skates back together, and your posture should rise accordingly. You should find this far more difficult, as you are relying purely on muscle strength to overcome gravity and raise your posture.

Initially, your leg muscles are not used to this effort, and will be underdeveloped, and you will find this hard and exhausting, but with continued effort, it will get easier. In addition, as is the case with most skating elements, there will be a eureka moment, when you suddenly get the feel of the technique and it becomes a lot easier.

To summarise - feet angled out with heels together, on slight inside edges. Push outwards and you will glide gently forwards, then curving your feet back inward and PULLING in, always using your hip and upper leg muscles. Try and keep your momentum going, stopping and starting again is very hard. You may find practicing from an initial two foot glide is easier, but remember that when your legs move apart, your feet ARE angling outwards, even if only slightly.

I hope this is plenty for you to think on anyway ...
this free online video may assist ...

http://sports.expertvillage.com/videos/forward-swizzles-advanced-ice-skating.htm

Paul 2 · « **Reply #10 on:** June 07, 2007, 11:20:56 pm »

Derek, you are a star, thanks for the video link, and Dippy, thanks for your advice also. I will report back!

Thanks

Paul