Ice Skating Turns Advanced: Forward Outside Counter (Amy Brolsma)

Amy Brolsma introduces counters with a general discussion and then information on the forward outside counter.  As Amy explains, a counter changes circles, unlike three turns and brackets which remain on the same circle.  A counter goes in like a bracket and out like a three turn.  If the counter enters on an outside/inside edge, it also exits on an outside/inside edge.

If you’ve watched other videos by Amy you’ll know that she always starts with the basics and counters are no exception.  She starts by making sure the skater has a solid entry edge.  For the forward outside counter, this means a solid forward outside edge with the free foot forward, the bellybutton facing outside the circle, and the skating arm in front.  Then she discusses rotation by pressing the free arm down and back.  When introducing the forward outside counter, Amy initially leaves the skater’s free foot in front in order to focus on rotation.

The turn happens by pressing on the heel on the entrance edge, pressing back on the trailing shoulder, releasing the pressure up to the ball of the foot (pinky toe), and controlling the exit on the ball of the foot and with strong opposite shoulder rotation and a deep knee bend.  Amy shows the pressure and knee bend required for the turn.

One of the most common errors is switching edges before the turn.  As Amy points out, this is often the result of swinging the free leg when a skater is first learning the counter.  This often takes the skater’s focus and awareness away from the proper edges.  By keeping the free foot in front for the whole turn until the skater gets used to turning the turn properly and then introducing the swinging motion of the free leg (which assists the turn), this error can be greatly minimized.  Amy then explains options for free leg movement.  She often uses different options for different skaters.

Another common error is that many skaters anticipate the new circle.  Amy addresses this error by having her skaters sit on the entrance edge until it looks correct and then telling them to turn.  Amy says, “You teach their bodies that they’re going to turn when they want to turn, not because it’s the axis or because they have to turn.”

Amy offers a number of other tips and observations, including hip placement, body lean, and blade placement as well as introducing the turn on 2 feet.

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