The Morris County chronicle. [volume] (Morristown, N.J.) 1877-1915, 1899-12-15
SPEEDY SKATING.
See, Champion Boy skater, Advises How
to- acquire speed for Outdoor and Rink
WOrk--Don't Catch Cold

See, Champion Boy skater, Advises How
to Acquire speed for Outdoor and Rink
WOrk-Don't Catch Cold.
Lee Roy See, the champion boy
skater has written a seasonable article
on skating which we reproduce:
The methods of acquiring speed in
ce-skating differ somewhat in ac-
cordance with the taste of the indivi
dual. There are several styles of fast
skating and each has it's advocates,
all of whom insist that their methods
are the best. While / make no such
claim, think that my record will
show that have been able to put on
considerable speed at times, and those
who are anxious to become fast skat-
ers may be able to obtain some few
suggestions from my experience that
will aid them in realizing their am
bition.
There is certainly no more exhilarat-
ing sport than skating, and the
ability to show fair amount of speed
when the occasion requires at least
doubles the pleasure of the skater.
To one who desires to secure a place
in the speedy class I will say that
there is one thing that is more impor-
tant than all rules and that is general
development. Work in the gymnas-
ium, especially during the fall months.
and then when the ice comes you will
be ready for the work that you have
set out to do. Get all kinds of exer-
else and plenty of it. Put yourself
in prime condition and then seek out
the ice.
One of the first points to be re-
membered is the necessity of avoiding
ankle straps. If the ankles are
weak, training will strengthen them,
and if good fitting shoes are worn,
they should never give way. The use
of straps stops the circulation of the
blood and under such conditions no
man can do good work.
IN TRAINING.
Before attempting to go at any
great speed a skater should spend
several weeks in working at a moder-
ate pace. By skating two or three
miles daily the wind is improved
and before one knows it he is able to
move faster without losing his
breath for the instant. After that the
speed may be increased each day
until full racing form is attained.
All this is important as preliminary
work, but when it comes to the actual
race it is the stroke that counts.
There are almost as many strokes as
there are skaters, but the stroke that
/ have found to be the most advanta-
geous is the long, straight sweep that
was used so effectively and gracefully
by John Donoghue. This is direct
ly forward stroke, with the weight
of the body thrown upon the entire
foot.
1t leaves almost a straight line be-
hind which saves the distance that is
lost if side angular stroke is used.
In starting off do not swing the for
ward leg. Simply shove straight
ahead, pressing to the side with the
opposite foot. AS the skate shoots
forward the other skate is gradually
raised from the ice, the front point
being the last to leave. On the start
the stroke must necessarily be short,
but as momentum is acquired it's
length is easily increased. This is
best done by thrusting the foot ahead
powerfully and pressing with the ball
of the other foot against the ice.
One mistake that is often made is
to start a stroke with jerky hip
movement. This is not only far from
graceful but it also retards the speed.
The old time Swedish skater, Alex
Paulsen, assumed position that one
may well initiate. He joined hands
behind the back and kept the eyes
straight in front. This position re-
duces the wind resistance and is far
less exhausting than to swing the
arms.
r.irr ~ IL
Avoid every unnecessary muscular
exertion. When moving along raise
the idle leg just enough to clear the
ice but always have it ready for the
next stroke in case an unseen obstacle
should interfere with the present
stride. Always have the pressure of
the foot even when the stroke is at
speed. AS it dies out the heel is lifted
first, and as one plunges ahead for
the next sweep the toe assists in get
ting into full motion.
RINK WORK.
Of course these rules are chiefly
applicable to out of-door skating. In
rink work they must not be followed
too closely, as the skater must govecn
himself by the length OF the stretch.
In rink skating the constantly circl-
ing motion compelS one to keep both
arms outstretched in order to preserve
the balance, while the frequent turns
limit the extent of the straight, long
sweeps. | have known many men
first class outdoor skaters, who made
poor showing in the rink, and in near
ly every case the loss of ground was
due to the turns. They have not
known how to get around rapidly. In
my opinion, the most effective way
to make a turn is to use that short,
choppy stride that is popularity known
as grinding. In my case, skate
almost entirely on the inner edge of
my right skate and the outer edge of
my left skate. My body is inclined
inward and 1 give my skate but little
forward motion, relying on side
pressure. One foot crosses the other
every yard or So The legs must be
swung one in front of the other in
quick succession and all the while
you must not only be moving ahead,
but you must be swinging around the
sharp turns at good speed. This is a
knack that requires practice, but
when the trick is learned the skater
L.. L