1. Make a Snowplow
The snowplow is a beginner's technique. Use it as you are learning to control your speed and becoming comfortable with your balance. It is an effective tool as you experiment with edge control on your skates.
Start in a forward glide. With both feet on the ground and your balance evenly distributed, bring your feet parallel to each other and shoulder-width apart. Without leaning back, apply slight outward pressure over the backs of both feet. This will bring you onto the inside edge of each skate. At the same time your heels will separate until they point away from each other while your toes rotate to point towards each other. Your skates will look like a pizza wedge as the inside edges create friction against the ice to slow you. When first learning this maneuver, hold your arms straight out to the sides to keep your balance.
2. Glide to a T-Stop
As you get more comfortable with using your edges for balance on the ice, move away from the snowplow stops. They do not allow a skater to stop quickly or to stop after traveling at high speeds. The T-Stop is a more versatile maneuver.
Before performing a T-Stop, you must be comfortable balancing your weight over one foot. Pick which leg you feel more secure on and use this as your standing leg. It may correspond to your dominant hand. Center your body weight over your standing leg. Bend your knee to secure your balance. Lift your other foot slightly off the ground and bring it perpendicular to and directly behind your standing foot. Your feet will form a "T." Bring your back foot into contact with the ice and apply pressure to the inside edge of your back skate. This will create friction to slow you down. When first learning this maneuver, hold your arms straight out to the sides to keep your balance.
3. Perfect a Hockey Stop
The hockey stop is used in both hockey skating and figure skating. It allows the skater to stop suddenly, even after traveling at high speeds.
Start in a forward glide with your feet parallel and shoulder-width apart. While keeping your shoulders and hips squared forward, quickly pivot both legs 90 degrees out to the same side. Balance on the inside edge of your front foot and the outside edge of your back foot. Bend your knees to apply pressure to your edges and activate your "brakes." When first learning this maneuver, hold your arms straight out to the sides for balance. Additionally, you may want to practice the pivot in a standing position before attempting it while moving.
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