Backward half-swizzle pumps

The same circle, the same pumping foot, travelling backwards.

Also called backward circle thrusts. Other names.

Not checked yet. The mechanics on this page are a first draft by a non-expert, and no coach has seen them yet. Read them as a starting point and check them with a coach. Corrections are very welcome.

Round a circle backwards, one foot glides and holds the curve while the outer foot makes half a swizzle, out and back, to keep the speed up. At Learn to Skate USA’s fourth level it is four to six, in either direction, one level before backward crossovers. The Australian programme wants six to eight each way round; New Zealand calls it backward pumping.

Australia teaches it in a straight line first, alternating feet with both knees bent in a semi-dip, and names the same fault as on the backward swizzle: slowing down and pressing the toe picks into the ice, answered with knee bend and posture. On the circle the gliding foot stays on the circle throughout. New Zealand asks for it round both outside and inside circles before its skaters move on to backward crossovers.

Build on

• Backward swizzleHalf a backward swizzle, made by one foot while the other glides round a circle.

Leads to

4 elements in the guide are built on this one.

• Left backward outside crossed step behind, Right backward outside crossed step behindThe same backward circle, with the free foot crossing behind the skating foot.
• Left backward outside crossover, Right backward outside crossoverLearn to Skate USA teaches backward crossovers one level after these pumps. Ice Skating Australia keeps the crossing foot on the ice and every push going outwards, away from the circle.

Appears in