by Penny Nama

Created on: March 04, 2009

Pumping on a circle is a great beginning move for aspiring figure skaters, hockey players, or speed skaters. This movement allows you to build up speed while you go around a corner, but gives you the stability of keeping both feet on the ice at all times. This movement is what you learn before you learn how to do crossovers.

An important aspect of pumping on a circle is being comfortable with your edges. Each skate has an outside and an inside edge and you are going to use these edges as you pump. To begin, decide which way you are going to go around your circle. I like counter-clock-wise best, and most ice rinks have their public skaters go in a counter-clock-wise direction. If you are learning to play ice hockey or figure skate being able to go both directions will be important, but for right now, let's focus on going counter-clock-wise.

Begin by facing forward. Keep your feet about hip width apart, pointing forward, and parallel to each other. While keeping your feet pointing ahead, slightly turn your shoulders towards the center of your circle, or about a quarter turn to the left. Keep your arms out for balance and as you rotate your shoulders, allow your left hand to point behind you, while your right hand points forward.

Next bend your knees. You will want them to be bent at least 150 degrees. Slowly shift your weight and lean into the circle so that your left foot weight is on the outside edge of your blade and your right foot weight is on the inside edge of your blade.

Finally, use your right foot to make little backwards "c"'s with your skate. Point your right toe out a little. As you bend your knee more deeply, slide your right foot out from the heel. Continue to slide your foot back in towards your toe using your inside edge. As you do, straighten your knee.

As you repeat this movement, you will begin to move forward in a circle. Keep your head up so you can see where you are going and if anyone is in your way. It is easy to build up a lot of speed using this move, so be considerate of others and always remain in control.

Remember the more you bend your knees, the easier this movement is to master. Also be sure to keep most of your weight on your left foot, you should be able to lift up your right foot. In fact, that is what you will do when you begin doing crossovers.

You can also use this move to go backwards on a circle. Just reverse the movements and soon you will be literally skating circles around everyone!

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