So you want to learn how to ice skate backward? It’s not as hard as it seems! In fact, once you get the hang of it, you’ll probably be able to do it with ease before the end of this article. It just takes some time and practice to get there. We know that feeling when you take up a new sport or hobby and feel like every other person on earth knows how to do it except for you. We’ve all been there. Ice skating is no different; it can seem like everyone knows what they are doing and we’re the only ones who don’t have ice skating skills. But trust us, once you get the hang of it, you will have those skills too!
How To Ice Skate Backwards
Understand How To Skate Backwards
First, you need to understand how skating backwards works. When you skate forwards, your weight is distributed through your toes and the balls of your feet. When you skate backwards, you need to get your weight further back so that you’re not on the balls of your feet. Skate back with your weight more on your heels so that you’re not on your toes. This will help you to keep your balance when you’re skating backwards. The key thing to remember when you’re learning how to skate backwards is that you need to keep your knees slightly bent so that you’re not putting too much pressure on your ankles. When you bend your knees, it helps to keep your ankles from over-extending, which can cause you to fall.
Build Your Balance
When you’re first beginning to skate backwards, you should begin in an area with very little foot traffic so that you can build your balance and confidence. It’s also a good idea to start out with a partner so that you can hold onto their shoulders or waist to help keep your balance. Start out by getting your feet used to the backward skating position by putting them slightly back with your knees slightly bent. Once you feel comfortable with that, move on to taking small skating steps while keeping your balance. The key thing to remember while you’re learning how to skate backwards is that you’ll have one foot farther behind you than the other foot. This is normal and expected, don’t try to correct it. Focus instead on balancing both of your feet evenly so that you don’t fall.
Start Skating Slowly While Going Backwards
Once you feel comfortable with skating backwards with your partner, begin skating in a very small area while going backwards. The key thing to remember at this stage is that you should never skate backwards faster than you skate forwards. Continue to skate in a small area while going backwards until you feel comfortable and confident with the speed at which you’re skating backwards. You might find that it’s hard to turn and stop while skating backwards at first. It’s a good idea to practice stopping and turning around in the same spot so that you can get used to using your legs to slow yourself down. Once you get more comfortable with skating backwards, you’ll find it much easier to go forwards again.
Learn How To Stop While Skating Backwards
When you’re first learning how to skate backwards, you’ll need to practice stopping a few times until you get the hang of it. The key thing to remember is that you need to use your knees to slow yourself down while skating backwards. You won’t be able to use your toes like you would when you’re skating forwards since your weight will be more towards the back of your feet. Practice stopping while skating backwards in a very small area until you feel confident that you’re able to keep your balance while you do so. You might find that it’s easier to stop and turn around while skating backwards in a very small area.
Turn While Skating Backwards
While you’re still getting used to the skating backwards, it’s a good idea to practice turning in the same spot so that you can get the hang of using your legs to turn, it’s also easier to keep your balance while you turn. Once you feel comfortable turning while skating backwards, you can practice turning in a small area. The key thing to remember is that you’ll have one foot farther behind you than the other foot. When you turn while skating backwards, it’s important to keep your knees bent and your weight slightly toward the back of your feet so that you don’t fall. It’s also a good idea to keep your upper body facing forward so that you don’t turn too sharply when you turn.
Spin While Skating Backwards
Once you feel comfortable with turning while skating backwards, you can practice spinning in a small area. The key thing to remember when you spin while skating backwards is that you need to keep your knees bent and your weight slightly towards the back of your feet so that you don’t fall. Don’t try to spin too quickly when you’re first learning how to skate backwards. It’s important to feel comfortable while you’re spinning and to be able to control your spin. Once you feel comfortable with spinning while skating backwards, you can practice spinning in a small area.
Shifting Your Weight While Backwards Skating
It’s important to know how to shift your weight while skating backwards as you’ll need to do this when you’re turning and traveling in an open skating area. When you’re skating forwards, you’ll find that you shift your weight to the outside of your foot as you push off with each skid. When you’re skating backwards, you’ll need to shift your weight a bit to the inside of your foot and press off with your back foot. This will help you to propel yourself forward with each skate stroke. It can take some practice and getting used to, but once you understand how to shift your weight while skating backwards, you’ll find that it’s much easier to travel at a good speed and keep your balance.
Basics Of Ice Skating
1. Figure Out What Skates You Want
In order to figure out what skates you need, you must first decide which surface you want to skate on. If you’re going to be on the ice for a few hours at a time, it’s best to get a pair of skates with plastic or wooden blades that won’t break down as easily as metal blades. Metal blades are more expensive and harder to find, but they last longer and will give you a smoother ride. If you’re only going to skate for an hour or two, then it might be best to get the cheapest pair of skates that will work in your area.
2. Get Some Practice
The best way to learn how to skate is by going out for several practice sessions with your new skates. You can practice on the same surface that you’re going to use when you go out for real skating, or if that’s not possible, then try practicing on a smooth driveway so that you can get used to skating on a flat surface. You can also practice on a basketball or tennis court, or a rink if you have one. However, make sure that you don’t go out for real skating until your new skates are broken in and ready to go.
3. Get Some Skating Tips
You can get some great tips on how to skate from parents, coaches, and other skaters that have been out for real skating before. These people will be able to give you some valuable tips about how to make your first few minutes of skating enjoyable and fun for yourself. They may even be willing to help you by giving you some pointers about how the ice behaves when it is frozen over or if it is slippery in certain areas. They’ll also be able to tell you which surfaces are easier than others and what types of skates they like best when they’re skating out at night (or whatever time of day they go out).
Final Words
Ice skating is a great way to get your blood flowing and have fun during the cold winter months. It is also a great way to stay active and fit, as well as meet new people. If you’ve been wanting to learn how to ice skate, don’t let the fact that you have to skate backwards scare you! Once you get the hang of it, you’ll be flying around the rink backwards with ease.
