So when you decide to put wheels on your feet, learning how to stop on roller skates is probably the hardest hurdle to face. Unfortunately, mastering stops on skates is considerably more difficult than forcing them to go (which can be dangerously quick sometimes!)
By implementing tried-and-true methods and techniques to conduct a successful training experience, Skating Classes in Dubai help to improve the quality of life in our city by empowering and inspiring the next generation of athletes with a great culture that resonates with our core and changing perspectives for both young and old.
In this article, we’ll go through the basic steps you should learn and practice.
Since the Victorians began roller skating in the middle the to late 1800s—by 1880, London had 70 roller rinks—quads have typically been worn indoors. Later, the popularity of skating was further boosted by the 1970s roller disco era through the 1990s and beyond.
Now that a new wave of quad skaters inspired by the pandemic is on the horizon, many or most of them skate outside to keep themselves active during lockdowns and because they need to get some good, old-fashioned aerobic exercise.
Toe Stop Drag
The simplest technique to stop on roller skates is to drag your toes. Using this technique, you can generate a “drag” that is both light enough to drag and hefty enough to slow you down.
More of your weight should be supported by your front leg (around 80%).
Allow the back skate’s toe stopper to scrape against the front skate, which will eventually cause you to slow down.
Additionally, you should bend your back knee and point the foot inside the sliding skate like a ballerina (try it; it works like magic).
Heel Brake Stop
For steeper downhill slopes and emergency stops, some quad skates incorporate an inline-skate-like heel brake at the back.
- Start by bending both knees while keeping both skates together.
- Put 70% of your weight on one skate,
- roll the other skate in front of you with the brake on the heel, and then brake when the front skate’s wheel is just past the back skate’s front wheel.
- Allow it to move down the ground while remaining in that position so the brake is close to the back skate’s front tire.
- Due to the fact that your weight is behind the brake, this will stop you more quickly and easily than the toe stop drag.
T-Stop
- This sliding stop places the majority of your body weight on the front skate, just as the toe stop drag described above.
- Keep your torso erect while bending your front knee and placing most of your weight on the front foot.
- Use either the two front wheels, the two inside wheels, or all four wheels flat to drag or glide the other skate behind you.
Plough Stops
The Plough Stop is a fantastic one to be familiar with when learning how to stop on roller skates. The Plough Stop on quads comes in two variations.
Sliding Plough Stop
- The A-frame balance position—knees bent, body erect, skates parallel, feet wider than shoulders—is required for this technique. Although it will take some time and, more crucially, won’t slow you down on a downhill slope, rolling in this manner till you stop is a possibility.
- Applying pressure through the heels by angling the toes slightly in and the heels out is the hard element of the Sliding Plough. While doing all of this, you must also fight against the skates’ natural joining.
- After applying heel pressure outward, you must continue to push your skates apart laterally. As you push out through the heels, the skates tend to roll closer together. Even if your heels didn’t truly slide, this should still stop you considerably more quickly
Sliding Plough Stop
Every time you switch feet, lift each skate in turn and set it at an inward angle (toes in, heel out).
Each skate will roll in toward the center, thus each step should be taken somewhat laterally and sideways, again to prevent tripping over your toes. Keep in mind that you must correctly stride with the skate pointing inwards for this to operate.
