Forward Movement
The Basic Stride
Push outward and backward off the inside edge of one skate's wheels while gliding on the other, alternating sides. This diagonal push is the fundamental propulsion motion of all skating.
Gliding & Momentum
Between strides, glide on both feet in a slightly bent stance to conserve energy and build a smooth, continuous rhythm rather than a series of jerky pushes.
Turning
The Lean Turn
Lean your body and shift weight toward the direction you want to turn while keeping skates roughly parallel — a gentle lean produces a wide, controlled curve at moderate speed.
The A-Frame Turn
Point the toes of both skates toward the direction of the turn, forming an 'A' shape with your legs, for tighter, slower-speed turns than the lean turn allows.
Stopping
The T-Stop
Drag one skate perpendicular behind the other, using the wheel-edge friction of the trailing skate to slow and stop — one of the most common and versatile stopping methods.
The Plow Stop
Turn both toes inward and skates into a wide V-shape (like a snowplow), pressing outward with both feet simultaneously — effective for quick stops at low-to-moderate speed.
The Skate-Turn-Stop Circuit
Skate forward in a straight line for 20 meters using the basic stride, execute a lean turn around a marked cone, continue for another 10 meters, then come to a complete stop using either the T-stop or plow stop.
Success criteria: The entire circuit is completed without falling or needing to grab a support. The stop brings the skater to a complete halt within 2 meters of initiating it.
Phase 2 Practice Exercises
12 exercises to build skill through direct application.
Basic Stride Isolation
Practice the push-and-glide stride motion on one side only, 15 pushes, focusing on the diagonal push angle.
- Stride mechanics
- Single-side isolation
- Push angle accuracy
Alternating Stride Drill
Alternate strides left-right-left-right for 20 meters, focusing on smooth transitions between pushes.
- Alternating coordination
- Smooth rhythm
- Continuous movement
Glide Balance Hold
After a push, hold the glide position on both feet for a full 3 seconds before the next push, building glide confidence.
- Glide stability
- Momentum conservation
- Balance extension
Lean Turn Wide Radius
Practice a wide, gentle lean turn around a large marked circle (5m radius), focusing on controlled weight shift.
- Turn initiation
- Weight-shift control
- Wide-radius turning
A-Frame Turn Tight Radius
Practice the A-frame turn around a tighter circle (2m radius) at slower speed, focusing on toe direction.
- Tight turning technique
- Toe-point accuracy
- Slow-speed control
T-Stop Isolation (Slow Speed)
Practice the T-stop at walking pace 10 times, focusing purely on correct foot positioning rather than stopping power.
- T-stop mechanics
- Slow-speed practice
- Foot position accuracy
T-Stop at Moderate Speed
Repeat the T-stop at a slightly faster comfortable speed, checking the stop still feels controlled and doesn't cause a stumble.
- T-stop speed application
- Controlled deceleration
- Confidence at speed
Plow Stop Isolation
Practice the plow stop from a standstill push-off, 10 times, focusing on symmetric outward pressure from both feet.
- Plow stop mechanics
- Symmetric technique
- Quick-stop foundation
Stride-to-Turn Transition
Skate a straight stride path, then transition smoothly into a lean turn without stopping or losing rhythm.
- Transition smoothness
- Combined skill application
- Flow maintenance
Turn-to-Stop Transition
Complete a lean turn, then immediately transition into a T-stop or plow stop, practicing the combination 5 times.
- Combined skill sequencing
- Transition control
- Multi-skill flow
Cone Circuit Slow Run
Set up a simple circuit (straight-turn-straight-stop) and run it slowly, focusing on completing every element correctly rather than fast.
- Circuit familiarity
- Slow-speed accuracy
- Sequential skill application
Milestone Circuit Dress Rehearsal
Run the full milestone circuit at a comfortable pace exactly as it will be assessed, timing your stop distance.
- Performance readiness
- Full circuit simulation
- Milestone preparation