July/August 2003

Basic Skating Skills Part IV 

Skating Exercise #2-The Forward & Backward Stride

In the last issue, we looked at an exercise designed to develop flexibility in both forward and backward skating:  The Snow plow.  Through the snow plow, we develop a sense of balance in both wide and close position.  Today, we will look at a more advanced skill:  The Stride.

Exercise #2:  The Basic Stride
A stride, just like in walking, is simply the manner in which you travel on skates.  The stride can vary from skater to skater depending on skating style.  If you can do the basic stride, you can adapt it to any style you prefer.  The stride consists of three elements: a basic weight distribution, a weight shift and a change of foot.

Mental Image
A mental image is very important.  If you have a mental image in your head, you are more likely to succeed at anything you do.  It is important to remain relaxed and flexible throughout the exercise.  This mental image helps me.

Think of bending your knees to keep your body at a certain fixed height.  As you take a step, do not stand up.  Think of skating under a low ceiling in such a manner that you manage to keep your back straight but do not bump your head.  It is also a good idea to practice these moves without skates.  You are more relaxed and will not fall.  You can really get a feel for the coordination.

The most basic stride involves the outside forward edge.  We will pay particular attention to the forward edge because there are fundamentals that must be applied to backward skating as well.  Recall from the snowplow exercise that we begin by placing our weight slightly forward.  Remember that in all of your skating, your weight is always biased in the direction of travel.  That means, if you are skating forward, you should be biased, or leaning slightly forward.

The Forward Stride

The First Step
While standing in a natural position with 60 percent of your weight on your left leg, step forward, gently pushing off onto your Right Outside Forward Edge.  Your skate should begin to curve to the right. The right knee should be bent and flexible, and you should feel the right skate aligned with your head, and right hip.  Twist your torso slightly to the right.  Let the free skate (the left leg), trail naturally behind in close position without touching the floor.  Feel the alignment of the right skate directly under your head.  You should feel that your center of gravity is low and you are perfectly balanced.

The Transition
Without straightening the right leg, bring your free leg (the left one) under your body and next to your right skate without it touching the floor.  Shift your weight slightly to the left.  Place the left skate on the floor, directly under your center of gravity.

This is an important part of precision skating.  When you can master weight transitions at your center of gravity, all of your movements will be smooth and effortless.

Next Step
Bend the left knee and allow your weight to shift to the left as you push off onto that skate resulting in a Left Outside Forward Edge.  (Think of matching the bend of your left knee with that of your right knee).  Your left skate should now curve to the Left Outside Forward edge.  The right leg now trails behind in a natural position.  Twist your torso slightly to the left.

Repeat the right foot and left foot, this time adding a little bounce from the standing knee, (to the music, yea!), as you take each step.  Have fun with it.

The Backward Stride

The backward stride is very similar to the forward stride.  We will perform a basic stride that allows us to move from the center of gravity in much the same manner as the forward stride, while remaining in full control

Starting Position
The backward stride is usually more difficult.  Many new skaters begin by pushing off something and leaning forward (against the direction of travel).  By pushing off you have already committed your weight in the wrong direction.  Instead, begin by standing upright as explained in our basic snowplow exercise, this time with 60 percent of your weight on the left skate.  Face backward in the direction of travel.

Push-Off
Begin by “sitting” back to the right and gently push off onto your Right Outside Backward Edge.  Relax the right knee and hip.  You should feel as if you are “sitting” to the right skate.  Your free leg, (the left leg), should extend slightly forward in a natural position.

Transition
Bring your left skate next to the right skate under your center of gravity.  Slightly shift your weight to the left.    Place the left skate on the floor.

Next Step
Sit slightly to your left shifting your weight to the left, while pushing off onto your Left Outside Backward edge.  Relax the left knee and hip.  You should feel as if you are “sitting” to the left.  Your free leg, (the right leg), should now extend slightly forward in a natural position.

Shift again to the left, then to the right.  Get a feel for it.  Try skating forward again and compare the positions, they should feel similar.  Repeat, this time adding a bounce for fun - (don’t ya just love it!!!)

Remember that you can practice these exercises in your living room without skates in your spare time.  It is a good way to fine-tune your weight distribution.  When you do get your skates on, work on smooth transitions. Smooth, effortless movements mark the true Precision Skater.
 

I cannot over emphasize the importance of a good backward position in precision skating.  With practice, you will soon find backward skating to be easier than forward skating.
 

Next time we will look at some of the basics of turning on skates.  Until then, have fun and remember to help someone you see struggling on the floor this week.

Geo