Roller skates or roller skates and rollerblades can be an exciting leisure activity, great exercise, competitive sport or as a means of transportation. Once you know how to stand correctly, how to slide and stop, you will be addicted to playing it. Read the steps below for more details on how to skate.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Learning the Basics
Step 1. Put on the equipment
The only equipment you must have for rollerblading is the skates themselves. You can buy them at a sports store or rent them from a roller skating rink. Roller skates are usually the same size as regular shoes. In addition, additional equipment needed include:
- Helmet. If it's your first time rollerblading, wearing a helmet will make you more comfortable. Everyone will fall a few times at first, and wearing a helmet will protect the head from injury.
- Wrist and knee pads. Your hands and feet will often hit the floor while playing. If you're worried about blisters, protect yourself by wearing wrist and knee pads.
Step 2. Adjust your body position
Spread your feet shoulder width apart, bend your knees slightly until you are in a squatting position. Lower your buttocks to the ground and lean forward slightly in a comfortable squat position. The key to rollerblading is balance, and this stance will prevent you from rolling over.
- The first time you are in the arena you will feel like you have no control over your shoes. You may lose your balance and fall several times before you feel comfortable standing in place. This is completely normal; keep practicing your posture until you get the hang of it.
- It is difficult to stand still while rollerblading. Once you get the hang of it, practice improving your posture by moving your shoes slightly to help you maintain balance. Think of it this way: if you are standing still without your skates and someone gives you a light push, you will move your feet back into balance. This is true when you're rollerblading, only the wheels on the shoes and the pressure from your own muscles are what give you the "push."
Step 3. Walk like a duck
Using your heels together and your toes pressing down, begin to walk slowly forward, first to the right, then to the left, then to the right, and so on. Stay in a squat position and keep your heels directly under your body so that it is easier for you to maintain balance.
- Keep practicing until you feel comfortable "walking" on roller skates. Don't give up if you fall. Remember to always focus your balance on your heels and stay in a squat position.
- Once you feel confident, start moving faster and take longer strides. Push harder on the wheel so you go further with each step.
Step 4. Learn how to slide
Extend each step you take by allowing yourself to go on for a while. Push off with one foot and slide with the other until you lose momentum, then change your gliding foot. While you're gliding on one foot, keep the other foot on the floor so it doesn't hinder your glide.
- Practice turning while sliding. If you want to turn right, tilt your body to the right, and vice versa when you want to turn left. Make sure the body remains in a squat position.
- Glide faster. Move your feet faster and gain momentum by putting pressure on the wheel and pushing yourself forward. Practice using your body weight to help you gain speed by leaning into your stride. Use your arms to help you maintain balance and gain speed by bending your elbows and moving them back and forth as you would when walking.
Step 5. Learn how to quit
The right roller skate has a brake at the heel. To stop, slide with your shoes parallel to each other. Stay in a squat position and lean forward slightly. Place the right skate slightly in front of the left shoe, lift the foot off the right skate, then press hard on the heel. The harder you press on your heels, the faster you'll stop.
- Make sure you press the brake firmly without hesitation, as you will lose your balance if you hesitate when pressing your heel.
- If you initially find it difficult to apply enough pressure, use your hands to press down on your right knee to help exert enough force to stop.
Method 2 of 3: Attempting Special Maneuvers
Step 1. Learn how to walk backwards
As you walk forward, your foot will be in a "v" position and apply pressure to the heel. If you want to walk backwards on roller skates, your feet should form an inverted "v," this time keeping your toes and heels apart. Stay in a squat position and apply pressure to the right leg with the other leg raised, then lower and apply pressure to the left leg with the right leg raised.
- Since you can't look back, you have to always turn your head and look back, and it may be more difficult to keep your balance when you're walking backwards. Start slowly and find a way to turn around to look behind you without falling. Avoid leaning back, as this is generally the cause of people falling.
- This takes practice, but eventually you will be able to slide backwards. Extend your glide with the shoe, and practice gliding for a while on one foot before lowering the other. Continue to apply pressure to your toes and make an inverted "v" shape with your foot.
Step 2. Perform the heel-toe trick
In this trick, you line up your shoes and walk with the heel of one foot and the toes of the other. Do a few glides to gain momentum, then lift the toe of the stronger foot so that you're skating only on the heel, and with the other foot trailing just behind. Lift the heel of the trailing shoe so that you walk with only the heel on one foot and the toes on the other.
Step 3. Make a sharp turn
Start off by gliding to gain some momentum. When you're ready to make a turn, do so by "crossing" one shoe over the other and using it to push in a new direction. For example, if you are turning left, cross your right shoe over your left shoe, turn your body to the left, then push with your right shoe towards the left. Rotate your shoulders in a new direction, and lean into the twist to help maintain your balance. Make sure to bend your knees slightly so that you are more stable.
Step 4. Perform a jump motion
Do a few skating, then bring the shoes together, bend down, and jump a short distance. When you feel you can, jump higher and further. You can also try jumping while turning, which is a cool way of turning.
Method 3 of 3: Improve Your Abilities
Step 1. Practice in a special arena
The best way to get good at rollerblading is to practice often. Find a roller skating rink in your area and go there at least once a week so you can practice regularly. Practice sliding, stopping, walking backwards, and walking as fast as you can. Keep practicing until you feel comfortable making turns and stops while maintaining your balance.
Step 2. Join a team or league
It's fun to skate on your own, but if you want more of a challenge, join a league. Roller derby has become a popular sport, and most cities have their own league. If there is no league in your city, gather some friends and create your own league.
- Roller hockey is a popular type of league-oriented roller skating sport. To be able to participate in this sport you need a pair of inline skates.
- Aggressive skate, this sport is like skateboarding, which requires special skills to perform the tricks.
Step 3. Buy roller skates that can improve your skills
There are many different types of roller skates currently available. Each type is used for appropriate purposes. As your skate skills get better, you need a skate that fits your needs and helps you reach your skill level. Pay attention to the following options:
- Indoor roller skates. These special roller skates are designed for indoor arena use only. You can buy it so you don't have to rent it every time you want to play.
- Outdoor roller skates. The wheels of these shoes are designed to withstand harsh road conditions. You can use it on asphalt or other types of roads.
- Racing skates. These skates are usually made to go faster, so choose them if you like "flying" in the arena or on the streets. You can buy inline racing skates that have rows of wheels, or squares with two wheels on either side.
Suggestion
- Make sure you tie your roller skates tightly, so they don't come loose while you're playing, causing you to lose your balance.
- Make sure your skates are the right size for your feet, because the wrong size will make it difficult for you to maintain balance.
- If you are training in a special arena, use the iron bars on the side of the arena to help you.
- Take time every week to go to the arena. Practice at least once a week to help your skills.
- Always play near a wall, so you can be guided and supported while playing.
- Check your skates frequently, looking for thread, rags, grease, rope, pipes or other hard or slippery materials on the floor. Have sufficient knowledge of rollerblading.
- If you have long hair, make sure it is tied so it doesn't cover your eyes.
