Physics on Ice presents Advanced Stroking, Footwork & Hydroblade Principles, Vol. 1 DVD Review:
One of the things I'd like to stress is the importance of proper technique. Without it, everything is that much harder, if not impossible to master. A new DVD by U.S. Olympian Charles Butler, Physics on Ice can offer just this kind of "technical support". This DVD is unique from many of the other teaching videos I've reviewed in that there is less talk and much more action. Butler speaks while doing, ( which is difficult enough), but also has a working understanding of the intricate dynamics which make the technique work or fail. This DVD is broken down into the following instructional components:
1. Edgework 2. Pushing 3. Backward Crossovers 4. Forward Crossovers 5. Acceleration vs. Top-Speed 6. Footwork 7. Hydroblades
Charles Butler was a national silver medalist in ice dancing but his skills go quite beyond those of most Olympian ice dancers.
Edgework: Butler starts off with edgework which is often covered later on most instructional videos. However in teaching students how to set the edge first, he eliminates a lot of mistakes which would naturally occur when moving on to more advanced techniques. Sinking in the knee, upper body control and controlling the free leg are some of the elements Butler uses to correctly set an edge.
Butler demonstrates proper contra body checking action which keeps the skater in control especially when transitioning from one edge to another such as in cross rolls. Also one must remember the important part school figures once played in teaching edge control. As figures have been removed from competition since 1972, students have to hone these skills on their own. Skaters who haven't put in the time to master edgework pay for it later so Butler starts this training DVD off right by putting this technique in the forefront.
Pushing: This is the most often heard challenge to nearly every skater from his or her coach. "Push!" Diving into the edges is not the proper technique. The longer the leg is on the ice, according to Butler, the stronger the stroke or push. He recommends bending the knee then roll the foot over, turn out the foot and don't use toe pushes. Only point the toe as the foot is leaving the ice.
Backward Crossovers: 85% of the power generated in the backward crossover is the plyometric or explosive push which comes first. The second is in the underpush and the third part of the crossover is the undercut. Handling this power means pulling your bellybutton into the spine. Butler likewise stresses a solid upper body. Back arm is higher than the front arm but hips should be level and stay parallel to the ice. Forward crossovers: According to Butler, these need to be fully stretched and not allow the free hip to drop. Butler shows slow and fast crossover technique. Slow crossovers utilize a bend and push technique. Faster crossovers utilize horizontal leaping for more power but with a knee cycle.
