May 2003

Basic Skating Skills Part I 
Forward and Backward Skating

What is Precision Skating?
This column is entitled Precision Skating Skills.  Precision skating is a term that came into use in the 1970’s on the East coast by what was then called “Roller Rockers,” who became proficient at the craft of skating, (now called Skating Skills).  It is such an accurate term that I do not want to see it go out of use, so I employ it here as a reference to the exact body position necessary to perform a skating move.

Good intermediate and advanced skating starts with basic skating skills.  Before we get to basic skills, for the sake of clarity, lets define a little vocabulary.  The Edge:  The natural curve that happens when you roll in one direction on your skates.  (More on this next issue.)

Other terms refer to body position.  These terms are not standard but we will use them to fine tune body positions.  One term is: The Standing Leg  which is simply the leg you are standing on.  It has, of course a corresponding Standing Knee.

The Free Leg with its corresponding Free Knee is the leg you are not standing on.  It is defined by its position,  Forward Position, Side Position, or Back Position.  The free leg can be held close to the body in Close Position, or extended away from the body in Extended Position.  The foot and hip positions can be Open Position with toes extended outward, or Closed Position with toes pointed inward.
 

What’s Up For Today?
Today we are going to look at forward and backward skating.  Next article, there will be  an exercise for you to try that will develop your flexibility.  New skaters have difficulty turning from forward to backward and visa versa because they are less comfortable in one of these positions, usually the backward position.  Proficiency in both forward and backward skating is very important in precision skating.  Lets start by looking at the forward skating position which will serve as a model for the backward position.

General Dynamics of Forward Skating
An essential dynamic of skating in the forward position is posture, which should be generally erect with your head, shoulders, hips and feet vertically aligned. In other words, you should feel your feet under your head as you roll forward. You are able to roll forward because you have slightly more weight in front of your body then you have in back.  Your wheels compensate by rolling forward.
 

General Dynamics of Backward Skating
The general dynamics of the backward position is remarkably similar.  There is a general principle that states your weight should always be biased in the direction of travel. In other words, if you want to go backward, you should lean backward. In this case you should have the sense of “sitting back” in the direction of travel.  (Imagine trying to sit in a chair behind you).

Avoid Bad Habits
One habit new skaters have is the habit of looking at their feet while skating.  Instead, look behind you in your direction of travel.  Your posture should be generally erect with your head, shoulders, hips and feet vertically aligned.  You should feel your feet under your head as you roll backward. Generally, you are able to roll backward because you have slightly more weight in back of your body then you have in front.  Your wheels compensate by rolling backward while your knees are bent and relaxed.

Be Encouraged
If you are still having trouble standing on your skates, fear not.  Just as no one was born with a silver spoon in his/her mouth, none of us was born wearing skates.  We all had to learn and we all learn at a different rate, so don't make the mistake of comparing yourself with someone else.

Remember:  The key is in not “locking” your knees.  Rather, you should relax and let them “float” over the skates.  If you can relax your knees, you can shift your weight to maintain balance.  You should practice skating both forward and backward.  Try forward first and  “memorize” the feeling of balance while rolling forward.  When you skate backward, the feeling should be very similar, except that now you are rolling backward.  As mentioned above your weight should always be in the direction of travel.

Next issue we will look at some exercises designed to help you develop the control necessary to be a precision skater.

Until then, have fun and help someone you see struggling on the skate floor this week.

Geo