How to Roll Skating

X

wikiHow is a “wiki” site, which means that many of the articles here are written by multiple authors. To create this article, 70 people, some of whom are anonymous, have edited and improved the article over time.

This post has been viewed 24,240 times.

Roller skating is a fun recreational activity, a great form of exercise, a competitive sport or simply a way to get around. Once you learn how to stand, how to slide, and how to stop, you’ll be able to glide around the roller skating rink. Read on for the basics of inline skating on 1 or 2 rows of shoes and tips for developing skating skills.

Table of Contents

Learn basic techniques

Wear roller skating equipment. The only equipment you need to use to skate is a well-fitting pair of roller skates. You can buy a pair at a sporting goods store or rent one at the roller skating rink. Rollerblade sizes are usually the same as standard shoe sizes. In addition to roller skates, you should probably purchase the following items:

Helmet. Since you are just starting out, wearing a helmet can help you feel more comfortable. Everyone will fall a few times at first, so helmets will protect your head from injury. ^{[1] X Research Source}
Knee pads and wrist guards. Your hands and knees will often hit the floor a few times as you learn to slide. If you’re worried about scratches, use knee pads and wrist guards.

Slide in the right position. Feet shoulder width apart, knees bent and squat. Lower your butt to the floor and lean forward slightly in a comfortable squat. When inline skating, balance is key, and this posture will keep you from rolling somersaults. ^{[2] X Research Source}

The first time you fall on the court, you will feel like you can’t control the roller skates, you may lose your balance and fall several times before you learn to stand still. This is completely normal, keep practicing the standing position until you get used to it.
Standing completely still on roller skates is quite difficult. Once you learn to stand still, practice correcting your posture by moving your shoes slightly to keep your balance. Think of it like this: if you’re standing still without your roller skates and someone pushes you lightly, you’ll shift your feet to regain your balance. You would apply the same idea while wearing roller skates, except that the wheels and the pressure of your own body will be the cause of the “push”.

Walk like a duck. With the heels closed and the tops of the feet open, start walking slowly forward, first with the right foot, then the left foot, then the right foot again etc. ^{[3] X Source} Continue Squat and keep your heels just below your body so you can balance more easily.

Practice until you can “walk” comfortably on roller skates and still keep your balance. You’ll probably fall a few times; Stand up and remember to keep your body balanced on your heels while maintaining a squatting position.
As you gain confidence, start moving faster and take longer steps. Push hard on the wheels so you slide further with each step.

Learn to slide. ^{[4] X Source of Research} Extend each step by letting the body slide for an extra distance. Push with one foot and slide with the other until the inertia is over, then switch to the slide. While sliding on one foot, raise the other foot off the ground so that it does not interfere.

Practice turning right and left while sliding. When you turn right, lean slightly to the right. When you turn left, lean slightly to the left and maintain a squat position at all times.
Slide faster. Move your legs faster and gain momentum by pressing on the wheels and pushing your body forward. Practice using your body weight to gain speed by leaning into each step. Use your arms for balance and speed by bending your elbows and moving your elbows back and forth as if you were jogging.

Practice stops. The right roller skate will usually have a brake on the toe of the shoe. To stop, slide with your feet parallel. Hold a squat position and lean forward slightly. Place the right shoe slightly higher than the left shoe, raise the right toe and press the toe down firmly. The harder you press, the faster the stopping speed. ^{[5] X Research Sources}

It is important that you press the toe of the shoe confidently to stop, instead of hesitantly hitting the brake on the ground. If you don’t depress the brake hard enough, you could lose your balance and fall.
If you find it difficult to press the brake hard enough, try pressing your right knee down with your hand to apply enough stopping force.

Special slide moves

Learn to slide backwards. As you slide forward, you push your body by placing your feet in a “v” shape and applying pressure to your heels. To slide backwards, place your feet in an inverted “v” shape, this time you need to keep the ends of the feet together and the heels open. Maintain a squat and press over the top of the right foot while lifting the other leg, then lower the left foot and press the top of the left foot while raising the right leg. ^{[6] X Research Sources}

Since you can’t see behind, you’re forced to turn around to look from time to time, making it harder for you to keep your balance when you skate backwards. Start slowly and think about how you will turn around to look back so you don’t fall. Avoid leaning back as that is a common reason people fall.
It takes a lot of practice but in the end you will succeed. Extend the distance each push and practice sliding on one leg for a moment before putting the other foot down. Practice putting pressure on the top of your feet and create an inverted “v” shape with your feet.

Improve skills

Practice at the roller skating rink. The best way to get better at rollerblading is to practice regularly. Find a roller skating rink in the area and go there at least once a week so you can develop your skills. Practice sliding forward, stopping, sliding back and sliding as fast as you can. Practice until you can turn and stop easily while keeping your balance.

Join a rollerblading team or league. Roller skating alone is fun, but if you want a challenge then join a roller skating team. Rollerblading has become a popular sport, and most cities have roller skating leagues. If your city doesn’t have one, invite your friends to join and form a team yourself.

Hockey inline skating is another popular form of roller skating. To play this sport, you need a pair of roller skates.
Adventure roller skating, like skateboarding, is a sport that focuses on performing risky movements. You must use protective equipment if you want to play this sport.

Choose roller skates designed to aid in skating. There are different types of roller skates, and once you’re good at skating it’s a good idea to invest in a shoe that meets your specific needs, and helps you reach your desired skill level. ^{[8] X Research Sources} Consider the following options:

Indoor roller skates. If you like to play on the roller skating rink, it’s a good idea to buy a pair of shoes so you don’t have to rent each time you come.
Outdoor roller skates. These shoes have wheels designed to be durable enough to withstand more rough terrain conditions. You can use them to slide on asphalt and other road materials.
Speed roller skates. These shoes are designed to run faster than regular shoes, so you should consider if you like to glide quickly on the court or on the road. You can buy 1-row speed roller skates (only 1 row of wheels), or 2-row shoes (each row has 2 wheels).

Advice

Be sure to tie your shoelaces securely to avoid slipping as you could lose your balance by slipping on the laces.
Use well-fitting roller skates. If you wear shoes that are the wrong size, you will have trouble keeping your balance.
If you’re at the roller skating rink, use handrails around the rink for support if needed.
Try to spend as much time a week going to the roller skating rink. Practicing at least once a week will help you improve your skills.
Try to rollerblade near the wall so you have a place to hold and guide.
Regularly check the wheels of the shoe to avoid slipping on threads, fabrics, lubricants, ropes, pipes or hard, slippery materials on the court. In addition, you need to have knowledge of wheels.
If you have long hair, remember to tie your hair back so as not to block your view.
Careful! Don’t follow your friend’s challenge. You can always refuse.
You should slide slowly at first. Remember, slowly but surely succeed!
Don’t slide faster than you can. If you slide too fast, you can fall, get injured, and even break a bone.

Warning

Anxiety or tremors increase the risk of falling. Be confident!

Things you need

Roller skates
Helmet
Knee pads
Wrist Protector
Appropriate roller skating place (walkway, wooden floor etc.)

Steps