Inline Skating - Basic Techniques
Mastering the right techniques for inline skating involves establishing a steady position on the skates, learning to stop, making smooth turns, and understanding how to fall safely. This guide will cover all the basics you need to know as a novice at inline skating.
Inline skating is suitable for all ages and sizes. All you require is a pair of inline skates, some protective equipment, and a traffic-free, smooth surface to begin practicing. While the initial learning phase may seem steep, improvement is visible after just a few hours, so persevere!
Overview
Proper Positioning on Inline skates
Bending your knees is key to standing correctly on inline skates. A lower stance helps in maintaining balance and stability while skating.
Your feet should remain parallel and directed forwards, avoiding inward or outward positioning.
With knees bent, feet parallel, and a slight forward lean, your posture is set for a stable and balanced skating experience.
Watch our instructional video, How to Skate on Inline skates:
Stopping Methods on Inline skates
To halt on inline skates, you can either utilise the brake pad or the T-stop method.
Applying the Brake pad on Inline skates
To use the brake pad, push the skate with the brake forward and raise your toes to let the pad meet the ground, thus slowing you down. The brake pad allows you to adjust your speed comfortably, or come to a stop completely. It is advisable for novices to become familiar with the brake pad to maintain control.
T-Stop Method on Inline skates
The T-stop involves placing one foot behind and dragging the wheels along the ground perpendicular to the other foot, forming a T. Continue the drag to come to a complete stop. This technique requires maintaining balance on one foot while rolling.
The T-stop on inline skates enables you to brake with your wheels without needing a brake pad. Having the ability to brake without the brake pad is beneficial as sometimes the pad can obstruct. Learning the T-stop is also advantageous for beginners to gain better command over their inline skating.
Both techniques are covered in our video guide, How to Stop on Inline skates:
Turning Techniques on Inline skates
For turning, maintain a slight forward lean with knees bent. To turn left, move your left foot slightly ahead, and vice versa for turning right. Shift your weight in the direction of the turn and lean your upper body accordingly. It helps to look in the desired direction of the turn.
Focusing on your turning technique will help you avoid common novice mistakes and set a strong foundation for mastering the cross-over turning technique as you advance.
Safe Falling Strategies on Inline skates
Falling forward is always preferable as it allows control over the fall, avoiding impact on the back of the head or tailbone.
If you sense loss of balance on inline skates, consider the following:
- Crouch and lean forwards – staying low reduces impact from a fall, and may even help you regain control.
- Utilise protectors to absorb the fall – Knee pads, elbow pads, and wrist pads will take the hit instead. If moving quickly, attempt to slide on your protectors to prevent abrasions.
Implementing these techniques minimises injury risks that could hinder your progress on inline skates.
Choosing Ideal Inline skates for Learning
New and seasoned skaters alike should ensure their inline skates fit snugly and remain comfortable. Beginner skates should include a heel brake and provide strong ankle support. Wheels should be soft (76A - 84A) and not excessively large – ideally 84 mm or less for adults with larger feet, and under 70 mm for children.
Refer to our guides for more insights on purchasing inline skates: