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GETTIN ROLLIN
We love to get people rolling, but sometimes skating is harder then it looks. Here are some helpful tips that can help skaters of all levels get more comfortable. There are many styles and types of roller skating. It would be nearly impossible to go into all of them, but there are some things that are important for any skater to think about.
what type of skating do you want to do?
During the 1970's when roller skating was at its peak of popularity cities around the country started to develop their own styles of skating. Some styles stuck out and were more distinctive than others. There are so many that it would be impossible to talk in depth about them all, but here are some of the more popular styles.
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Shuffle/Jive - rhythm based skating set at a fast pace
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Jam - mix of break dancing, hip hop, and gymnastics on skates
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Rhythm - soul-based skating
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Figure/Dance - single, pair, or group choreographed skating
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Speed - competitive race skating
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Derby - team skating with the goal of gaining points by passing opposite team members around the rink
No matter what type of skating one of the first things anyone must learn is balance. It's a given that your going to fall a couple of times when your first starting out. Just keep getting back up and trying again! One trick is to try not to spread your feet too much further than the alignment of your shoulders. You should also keep your knees slightly bent.
Proper Roller Skate Stance
Balancing on One Foot
The next thing you should try for working on your balance is practicing holding up one foot. You can start easy by doing this while standing still. Just lift one foot at a time until it feels more comfortable. When you're ready you can try doing it while moving and seeing how long you can keep one foot in the air.
Once your comfortable with your balance and going forward you can try skating backwards. An easy first thing to try are backwards scissors by making small "V-Shapes" with your feet. Start with your feet angled outward and your heels spread apart. Then push out to the side, pull your heels together, and switch so your toes are now spread out. Continue switching the angle of your feet while being careful not to make your stride too wide. Keep doing this until you are comfortable moving backwards.
Backwards Scissors
Backwards Skate
After you get comfortable doing backwards scissors you can try lifting you feet up. It's going to feel a little strange at first but it will get easier. Keep trying!
Once your comfortable with your balance and moving around on your skates it's important to learn how to stop. You're going to slightly lift and angle your skate so it is dragging a bit on the floor. You will gradually slow down, depending on how much pressure you use, until you come to a stop.
How to Stop
Come back if you want to learn more!
There will more tips coming soon!
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