Skating technique: edges - Basic Forward Edges Outside and Inside

Edges - part 2.

I plan to use the section "skating technique" as a journal. I'll start with what I know, but I will keep updating as I learn more. Disclaimer: this is my understanding of the technique, it may be or not the correct technique.

Read about the importance of Edges and Lobes in the previous blog.

Basic consecutive edges are a beginner skill and are part of the Pre-Preliminary MITF Test and Adult Pre-Bronze MITF Test. They are done on a short line of the rink. There are 4 edges: forward and backward, outside and inside so we'll have 4 lines. And the test pattern suggests 6 lobes, alternating the direction. You can start on either foot. Here is the diagram.
For forward edges, as for all the skating forward you should feel your weight on the back part of your foot arch. The speed is on a slower side.

Left Forward Outside LFO and  Right Forward Outside RFO Edges:
1. Start on a T-position covered here, with the left foot in front, perpendicular to the line that we use as an axis. I was thought to have the left hand (and shoulder) forward, right hand back, waist level, palms facing/ pressing down. So you are with your back at the circle (half in this instance) you'll skate. An easy way to remember was: start with the back at the circle, or same hand as skating foot.
2. First part of the lobe: Bend and push with the right foot on the left foot, keep the left shoulder slightly forward, so the back at the circle and look over your left shoulder into the circle. Hold the right foot at back of the left foot, over the tracing you are making so the right hip is slightly back and the right foot is turned out from the hip. All this will make you lean a little towards the inside of the circle. An alignment check is to have the top part of your zipper, so the middle of your chest over your skating hip and ankle.
3. Middle of the lobe: Coordinating the hand and feet, lover your hands near your sides and bring the right foot near your ankle, this will square your shoulders and hips.
4. Second part of the lobe: Rise your right hand forward and left hand back and bring the right foot forward over the imaginary lobe line. The right shoulder and hip will be slightly forward, the left hip slightly back. Don't turn out your free foot, but make an almost pigeon toe to hold it over the lobe.

To start the next lobe you hold your hands and shoulders in the same position and bring the free foot at the ankle, bend and push

Left Forward Inside LFI and  Right Forward Inside RFI Edges:
1. Start on a T-position covered here, with the left foot in front, perpendicular to the line that we use as an axis. We still have start with the back at the circle, but this time we have opposite hand from the skating foot in front, so right hand and left hand back. Hand at waist level, palms facing down. Right shoulder is a little forward and left hip a little forward.
2. First part of the lobe: Bend and push with the right foot on the left foot, maintain the shoulder and hip start position, right foot goes behind the left foot. Look towards the inside of the circle  over your right shoulder. The inside edge happens easier as the free side is towards the inside of the circle already.
3. Middle of the lobe: Coordinating the hand and feet, lover your hands near your sides and bring the right foot near your ankle, this will square your shoulders and hips.
4. Second part of the lobe: Rise your left hand forward and right hand back and bring the right foot forward over the imaginary lobe line. The left shoulder and right hip will be slightly forward, the left hip slightly back.

Update 11/6/2018 The body alignment for the forward inside edge is rib over same side hip.

 To start the next lobe you hold your hands and shoulders in the same position and bring the free foot at the ankle, bend and push.

To be continued with the backward edges later...