There are two main ways to stop ice skating. The "Snowplow stop" is a beginner's technique that will make you stop, although it's not always pleasing to the eye. A more difficult technique is the "hockey stop" which requires balance and flexibility, but is quicker and smoother than a snowplow stop if done well. Read this article to find out how to stop ice skating!
Step
Method 1 of 4: Performing a “Stop T”
Step 1. Try using the "Stop T" technique first
This technique is the easiest way for beginners to learn to stop while skating. Start by skating forward slowly, in a straight line, with no obstacles or turns in front of you.
Step 2. Slide one foot back
When sliding, rotate one leg at a 45-degree angle. Let this foot stay behind the other foot to create friction.
Step 3. Pull the back leg forward
Bring the dragged leg towards the inside of the guide leg. Make sure you keep the dragging foot in contact with the ice while doing this. You may need to put some pressure on your feet.
Step 4. Transfer your weight to the dragging leg
Lean back slightly, and shift your weight in the direction you came from. Keep your shoulders straight and pointing forward. Let your arms hang at either side of your body. Keep your weight on the back leg, creating friction until you slowly come to a stop.
Method 2 of 4: Performing a “Snowplow Stop”
Step 1. Try pointing your toes to a stop
This beginner's technique is called the "snowplow stop" because it relies more on angle and stability than flexibility. This technique doesn't seem as elegant as a "hockey stop," but it's useful if you're in a pinch.
Step 2. Start at a low speed
Glide forward in a straight line, with no turns ahead. Allow yourself to glide at a pace you feel comfortable with, and don't stop until you've slowed down. As your skills improve, you can practice stopping faster and at a higher pace.
If you feel like you can't control your slide, don't panic, and don't try to stop right away. Work on restoring your balance. Wait for your speed to slow down before trying to stop
Step 3. Position your feet like a pigeon's
When you're ready to stop, point your toes toward the center. Your feet form an upside-down "V".
Step 4. Swipe the ice to stop
Keep your feet angled as you slow down. The friction between the blades of your skates and the ice will eventually stop your progress. Don't push your feet toward each other so you don't twist your ankles.
Method 3 of 4: Performing a Hockey Stop
Step 1. Proficient in your hockey stop technique
As your skills and confidence increase, you can learn to stop sliding faster at higher speeds. This technique is used by hockey players and other professional ice skaters. At some point, this technique will be needed because you need to quit quickly and efficiently in order to stay competitive. However, if you're a beginner, you don't need to master this technique right away.
Step 2. Skate forward at a moderate or slow pace
You can skate faster than during the "snowplow stop" practice, but you should still be able to control the speed of your slide. In situations that require high performance, such as an intense game of hockey or complex figure-skating moves, you may need to stop or change direction as quickly as possible. In general, avoid sudden stops while cruising at maximum speed.
Step 3. Bend both knees
When gliding, adjust your body into a half-squat position, as if you were going to sit down. Make sure both knees are kept shoulder-width apart. This position will release your body weight. Then, turn your leg out to the side but not 90 degrees from where you came before.
Step 4. Shift your weight back
While bending both knees, tilt your body away from the intended direction. Focus your weight on the side of your foot opposite the direction of your movement.
Step 5. Create a swipe
Slowly but surely, plant the edge of the blade of your shoe into the ice. Hold fast, and plant as hard as you can while slowing down. Follow this swipe until you come to a stop. The only part of the shoe blade touches the ice, which minimizes friction and, ultimately, allows you to stop as quickly as possible.
Method 4 of 4: Practice
Step 1. Try stopping in a straight line
Look for a long, open surface of ice to practice on. Ideally, choose a time when there aren't many people around so you don't have to worry about a crash. Make sure there are no turns, potholes, or other obstacles in front of you. Choose a location where you can focus on stopping sliding.
Step 2. Wear joint guards and helmet
If you are going to a sudden stop at high speed, safety is the top priority. This is especially important if the stopping technique will be applied in the middle of a high-intensity activity, such as a race or hockey match. You can use a hockey protective device or other protective gear– anyway, your body is protected from the ice! At the very least, protect your head, hands, elbows, and knees.
Step 3. Watch the video
Look for video tutorials on the internet about how to stop ice skating on the internet. Watch a hockey match, ice skating race, or figure-skating competition on television to understand the moves better. There are other tricks and styles to stop skating depending on the type of ice skating you're doing.
Tips
- To get used to the sensation, you can stand while holding and facing the board, and push sideways and switch sides. You should be able to slide sideways. Otherwise, you are pushing too hard.
- Try not to apply too much pressure when embedding the shoe blade into the ice so that it doesn't get caught. The goal is to move from straight forward to sideways gliding. This is easier to learn in skates that are not freshly sharpened.
- Keep practicing. This technique cannot be learned in just one try. Ask a friend or someone skilled to show you or even teach you how to stop while skating.
- Don't look down too much. Head should not be lowered while skating!
- Keep your arms straight at the start, like the wings of an airplane. This attitude will help your balance.
- Make sure your legs don't sway. You need to keep the blade of the shoe firmly on the ice.
- There's a nice advanced step in trying a snowplowing stop once you understand the slides. Glide forward (not too slowly), point your toes at a 45-degree angle, and slide carefully, and don't let the blades of your shoes sink into the ice. Once you can do the snowplow stop, do it again but emphasize on one leg. After that, you can try a snowplow stop with one foot while the other is pointing forward. This is called a half stop. Eventually, if you learn how to stop on one leg easily, the technique on the other foot will come naturally.
Warning
- Make sure your skates are tight enough to support your ankles. This will keep your ankle from spraining.
- Tie your skates to the very top!
- You may fall and be in pain when you try the stopping technique for the first time.
