If you're just starting out on rollerblade rollerblading, one of the important things that can be quite challenging is getting to know how to stop skating! First, learn braking and deceleration techniques for beginners. The next step is to master the intermediate and high level stop gliding techniques. Whatever technique you use, make sure you put safety first by wearing a helmet, knee pads, elbow protectors and practicing in a safe place.
Step
Method 1 of 4: Using the Heel Brake
Step 1. Use 1 leg to support, bend the other leg, then lower your body as if to sit down
The rollerblade brakes are at the heel, not in the front as on regular roller skates. If you want to stop sliding using the brakes, transfer your weight to one leg (such as your left foot), then bend your left knee slightly as if you were sitting down. Perform this movement while extending your right leg and straightening your right knee.
Tip: If you feel unsteady when you use one foot to support yourself, move your feet back and forth (like scissors) a few times to find out what it's like to transfer your weight while sliding.
Step 2. Press the brakes to the floor
If necessary, move your right foot further forward so that the brakes touch the floor evenly. Then, press the brake firmly if you want to stop immediately or let the brake rub against the floor if you want to stop slowly.
Make sure you slide slowly as you learn how to brake until you can do it well. You can practice while gliding a little faster if you have mastered the basic technique of braking
Step 3. Press the brakes into the floor until you stop sliding
If you press firmly on the brakes, you will stop sliding faster than if you drag the brakes on the floor. Press the brakes into the floor until you stop sliding.
When pressed against the floor, the brakes make a long creaking sound so that people around you quickly move away and don't get hit
Method 2 of 4: Applying Basic Techniques
Step 1. Slow down by sliding toward grass, sand, or gravel
If you're going really fast, but don't know how to brake or another technique to stop, look for grass, sand, or gravel and then slide onto it. The rough texture of the ground surface can reduce the speed little by little until the wheels stop turning.
- This technique is called "running out". Use this technique to reduce your speed, then return to practicing on a level area when your glide speed has decreased to your liking.
- If you lose your balance, there is less risk of injury if you fall on grass than on a concrete floor.
Step 2. Extend both arms forward while sliding toward the wall
Use your palms to absorb the impact, then push back slightly when you hit a wall. Turn your face to the side so you don't hit the wall. This technique is fine if you're not gliding too fast.
- If there are no walls, look for railings or stairs to help stop sliding.
- If you're training with a friend or family member, slide up to them so you can hold on to slow down, but remind them beforehand, for example by shouting, "I'm coming… Help me stop, yeah…"
Step 3. Use the plow stop or V stop technique to reduce the speed little by little
As you slide, spread your feet wider than your shoulders, then point your toes inward to stop the wheel from turning. When reducing your speed with this technique, keep your balance because you can fall down when you slow down. In addition, the soles of the feet can bump into each other.
This technique can be applied when sliding backwards, for example by bringing the heels together
Step 4. Learn how to fall safely in case you have trouble stopping your slide
Before rollerblading, make sure you know how to fall safely so you don't get injured. The important thing to remember in case you fall, use elbow or knee protectors to support, instead of using your palms because it can cause wrist fractures or blisters on the skin of the palms.
Tip: If possible, find a practice area near grass or a sandy area so you can slide there if you have trouble stopping. The risk of injury is greater if you fall on a concrete floor.
Method 3 of 4: Applying Intermediate Techniques
Step 1. Extend both arms out to the sides to reduce wind speed
This technique, known as windbreaking, is very effective at reducing speed when you're sliding too fast. When windbreaking, apply another technique to stop or keep sliding after the speed is reduced.
- This technique is more useful if you practice when the wind is strong enough while wearing clothes that are wide enough, such as a jacket, to fight the wind.
- Do not apply this technique if you need to stop sliding immediately.
Step 2. Spread your legs apart, then turn 180° to stop while practicing
As you glide, slide the soles of your feet out to the sides so that they are wider than your shoulders. Point your toes straight ahead. Then, twist your torso and hips to rotate 180° for you to turn around. This movement can reduce the speed so that you stop sliding.
First of all, learn this technique while gliding slowly. Increase the speed if you already know how to do it well
Tip: If you're going fast enough, lean forward slightly after turning so you don't fall backwards.
Step 3. Do a slalom to slow down and stop sliding while dancing
If you want to slow down so you can stop in a very short time, make sharp turns left and right.
This technique is very effective if you want to adjust the speed when going very fast
Method 4 of 4: Applying Advanced Techniques
Step 1. Use steps if you want to stop suddenly
Glide toward steps or sidewalks. Lift 1 foot so that the shoe is at the same level as the top of the pavement, then step on the corner with the center wheel so that you stop. Keep your balance when the wheel hits the pavement so you don't slip or fall forward.
Keep in mind that this method can damage the skates if done frequently. So, apply this technique only if you are forced to stop suddenly
Step 2. Apply the T stop technique to reduce the speed
Use 1 foot (eg right foot) to support, then step back left foot with the sole of the foot facing outward perpendicular to the sole of the right foot pointing straight ahead. Then, press the left shoe wheel into the floor to slow down until you stop sliding.
One variation of the T stop technique, namely toe drag, is done by pressing the side of the front wheel to the floor so that it is dragged on the floor until it stops
Warning: T stop and toe drag techniques can damage the wheels. So, don't do it too often.
Step 3. Apply the hockey stop technique to stop sliding while spinning
This technique is also known as power slide. As you slide forward, spin very quickly left or right, then slide sideways until you stop. Make sure you bend your knees slightly and lean your upper body in the opposite direction to the sliding direction. Lower the body as low as possible to maintain balance.
- The hockey stop is easier to apply when gliding on a smooth surface, but you'll still need practice to do it well.
- This technique is difficult to apply if you are sliding slowly because you will need to jump in order to spin.
Step 4. Step forward or backward to stop sliding
This technique is done by lifting 1 leg, then stepping in the desired direction without increasing speed. Lift 1 leg for a few seconds, then place it on the floor. Then, lift the other leg for a few seconds, then place it on the floor. Do this until the wheel stops turning.
This technique can be applied while sliding forward or backward
Step 5. Apply the Wile E technique
" Coyote" by leaning back to stop sliding using both brakes. This advanced technique is one of the ways to stop sliding suddenly which reminds us of cartoon characters. As you slide forward, lean back to press both brakes into the floor at the same time. Keep your balance while braking and be prepared to slide a few steps forward if the speed is still high enough.
Tips
- Always keep your knees slightly bent to control movement and maintain balance, whether sliding or stopping.
- Learn how to stop sliding on flat or slightly uphill areas as this can reduce speed.
- Before rollerblading, wear elbow protectors, knee protectors and a helmet.
- Find a free, spacious practice area before rollerblading in an area with lots of people or vehicles.
Warning
- You must prioritize safety when learning to skate. Make sure you wear elbow protectors, knee protectors, wrist braces, and the like most important helmet. Also, wear a corset to protect your hips and tailbone. You are safer if you wear more personal protective equipment.
- If you fall, don't panic and avoid supporting your body with your palms. Use knee pads for support and cover your face with both arms to prevent blisters.
