Inline speed skaters use the double push technique to maximize their speed. The double push requires you to kick one skate back as you push the other skate forward. This technique requires extensive practice. You can develop the double push technique by practicing the skills used in the double push, but one step at a time. Eventually, you will find that you can skate much faster with this technique.
Step 1
Skate on the outside edges of your wheels rather than the inside edges. Your ankles should lean away from your body rather than inward.
Step 2
Move your right skate across the line of your forward motion while you keep the left skate moving in a straight line. Practice this motion until it becomes comfortable, then practice the same motion with your left skate in front.
Step 3
Alternate moving the left and right skates across the line of your forward motion. Practice this alternating crisscross pattern until it becomes comfortable.
Step 4
Move your right skate across the line of your forward motion while you keep the left skate behind your body and resting on the front wheel. Practice this motion until it becomes comfortable; practice the same motion with your left skate in front.
Step 5
Continue the same crossing motion, but this time kick your back foot up and to the side as you glide forward on your front skate. Alternate kicking the back foot up with kicking the left foot up as you glide forward on the opposite skate.
Step 6
Transfer your weight to the right skate as you kick back the left skate; transfer your weight to the left skate as you kick back the right skate. Swing your arms in the direction of your weight transfer to help you keep up the pattern.
Step 7
Push the front skate toward the inside of the imaginary line of your motion first and then toward the outside of that line. This alternating motion helps you move in a relatively straight line rather than in a zigzag.
Tips and Warnings
- Practice the double push in your shoes until you understand the movement and weight shifting. Try it in your skates on a smooth surface free of obstacles, people or vehicles. Always wear protective gear, including a helmet, kneepads, elbow pads and wrist protectors when skating.
- Even if you wear protective gear, falls and collisions on inline skates can cause serious injury. Skate at your own risk.
Things You'll Need
- Skates
- Protective gear
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