Inline skates feature three to four wheels centered along the bottom of the skate boot in a single line. This design closely resembles the style of an ice skating blade, allowing figure skaters to perform spins and jumps at roller rinks or even outdoors. Inline skates designed for figure skating often have a toe stop at the front of the boot, which can be used for many of the same functions as the toe-pick on an ice skate. Spinning on inline skates requires a slightly different technique than spinning on ice, and even experienced skaters will need to work on this skill with caution.
Step 1
Protect yourself from injury. Wear a helmet, along with knee and elbow pads when you skate. Reduce scrapes and "road rash" by wearing pants and long sleeves.
Step 2
Practice skating on the edges of your inline skates. Both ice and inline skates have two edges each. The sides of the skate closest to your pinkie toes are the outside edges, while the sides near your big toes are the inside edges. All spins and many other moves are performed on edges, not on the flat bottom of the skate. Glide on one foot and shift your weight to one side to make your skate travel on an edge, forming a curved or circular trail. Practice this skill until you can securely travel on both inside and outside edges of both feet.
Step 3
Try a two-foot spin. Stand with your feet slightly apart and bend your knees. Pull your arms all the way to your right hand side for momentum. In a single motion, pull your feet towards one another and launch both arms around to the left to start the spin. Once you start spinning, immediately position your feet so your weight is on the toe on your left foot and the heel of the right. As you get better at this spin, focus on keeping the left foot on a slight inside edge and the right foot on a slight outside edge to increase your speed.
Step 4
Perform a two-foot spin, then lift your right foot to try a one-foot spin. Wait until your spin feels controlled and centered, then lift the right foot slightly off the ice. Keep your weight centered over the inside edge of the left foot. Your skate will actually form very small circles, staying on the inside edge throughout the majority of the spin. Depending on the design of your skate, you'll likely stay balanced over the front one or two wheels as well as the toe stop.
Step 5
Attempt a back spin. During your two-foot spin, wait until you feel balanced and centered, then slowly lift your left foot off the ice. Keep your weight centered over the outside edge of your right skate so that your skate forms small circles on the ground. On a back spin, your weight sits farther back along the length of the "blade," generally over between the first and third wheels.
Step 6
Enter the spin from a left forward outside edge. Stand in one spot, then push off with your right foot so you're traveling on a left forward outside edge. Your left knee should be deeply bent. As your start to spin on the left foot, swing the right leg around very rapidly and hold it out in front of your body, a few inches off the floor. Practice this technique until you can spin at your desired speed.
Tips and Warnings
- The majority of skaters spin to the left, or counterclockwise. If this feels unnatural to you, reverse the instructions in this article so you are spinning to the right. Many skaters use special inline skates designed for performing jumps and spins. Try skates that mimic the feel of traditional ice skating blades. Most recreational inline skates don't offer the support or frame design needed for spinning.
Things You'll Need
- Inline skates with toe stop
- Helmet
- Knee and elbow pads
Member Comments