Hand Stroke and Back Stroke

As the bell falls off the balance, gravity, plus the effort of the ringer puts into pulling the rope (handstroke), cause the bell to swing through a complete circle, returning to the mouth up position. At this point the wheel has 'reeled in' some of the rope, leaving the ringer holding the end. A further pull (backstroke) will cause the bell to swing back the other way in a reverse cycle. Each cycle is known as a 'stroke'.