In terms of learning how to rollerblade, taking off and stopping are two crucial steps. Beginner rollerblades typically have a braking mechanism, which is always located on the right skate. It is one thing to have a stopping mechanism, but it is quite another to make it operate properly and safely.
So, how do you stop on rollerblades? How do you prevent yourself from moving in a straight line indefinitely without being eventually stopped by a bad external force?
On your right skate, we’ll demonstrate how to release the heel brake, and we’ll also demonstrate how to stop your rollerblades without using brakes.
Table of Contents
How to Stop Rollerblading
Using the Brakes on Your Skates
Using the brakes on your inline skates will allow you to stop or slow down. To use the brakes, just press your foot firmly against the brake pads. Depending on your speed and how much resistance there is between the wheels and the ground, you will need to apply varying amounts of pressure.
It’s crucial to keep in mind that when you brake, your inline skates will tip forward, so you’ll need to lean back. Maintaining your balance while braking may take some time. As sudden braking can result in you losing control of your skates and falling, it would be best if you avoided it as well. Instead, gradually increase pressure to allow for a smooth slowdown.
You can use an emergency stopping technique (discussed below) if you need to stop quickly. However, using your skates’ brakes is a good choice if you need to gradually slow down.
Using An Emergency Stopping Technique
Using an emergency stopping technique is necessary if you need to stop quickly. To do this:
1. Set your skate toe to point in the direction you want to go by sticking out your leg.
2. Dig with your toe while supporting yourself with your other hand on the ground.
3. Stop abruptly enough for your skate to rest on the ground beneath you.
4. Apply even pressure with both feet up until you completely stop once your skate is resting beneath you.
T-Stop / Toe Stop Drag
For stopping on rollerblades, the T-stop is the most widely used technique. To stop or slow down, you do it by dragging your toe across the ground. To execute a T-stop:
1. Starting with the leg closest to the direction you want to go, shift your weight to the leading leg.
2. Lean a little forward and crouch down, knees bent.
3. With your toe pointing at a 45-degree angle, plant your back foot flat on the ground.
4. To brake and stop, apply pressure on your back foot.
Plow Stop
For experienced rollerbladers who are at ease moving quickly, the Plow stop is recommended. To execute a Plow stop:
1. First, extend your leading leg back and plant your heel on the floor.
2. By pushing off the ground and slowing yourself down, use your calf muscles.
3. As you do this, shift your weight to your back leg so that your front leg is parallel to your body and your back leg is perpendicular.
4. To stop, apply the brakes with your back foot.
Since it is simple to fall, this stopping method requires practice and should only be used when absolutely necessary. However, it can be useful if you have to stop quickly and don’t have time to apply your skates’ brakes.
Heel Brake
Utilizing your skate’s toe brake is a more sophisticated technique. Put pressure on the brake with your foot while elevating your toe to do this. Though it can be challenging to perfect, doing so will make you stop more quickly than putting your foot down.
Learn to Stop in a Spin
Finding a good practice area is the first thing you should do. A smooth, non-slippery area is required. Once you’ve located a good spot, you need to assume the correct starting position. Your feet should be shoulder-width apart, your knees should be slightly bent, and your toes should remain pointed forward. You should also make sure your head is up and your arms are at your sides.
You can start spinning now that you are in the right starting position. Push off with one foot, then the other, to gain momentum before you begin spinning. Lift your arms parallel to the floor as your momentum increases. The stopping procedure can start once you are spinning quickly enough.
You have to slow down your arms before you can stop spinning. Your entire body will start to slow down as soon as your arms do. When your arms are completely still, place your feet firmly on the ground and slightly stoop your knees to absorb the impact. It will get easier and more natural to stop in a spin with practice.
How to Slow Down on Rollerblades
Use the Toe Brake
Using the toe brake is one of the quickest and most efficient ways to slow down while rollerblading. The right skate’s toe brake is accessible at the front and is activated by lightly pressing down with the toe. The toe brake can help you slow down without letting you lose control of your skates if you use it properly. It’s crucial to keep in mind that the toe brake should only be applied briefly because continuing to apply it too long can cause the wheels to lock up and launch you forward.
Do the Hockey Stop
Another excellent technique to quickly slow down on rollerblades is the hockey stop. To do this maneuver:
1. Make a V-shape with your skates by pointing them outward.
2. Once you’re in position, plant your heels firmly on the ground and lean back a little. You’ll quickly slow down as a result of your skates digging into the ground.
3. Just be careful not to push yourself too far or too frequently as this can wear down your skates over time.
Use Caution When Going Downhill
When rolling downhill, people on rollerblades frequently need to slow down. Keep your weight over your skates and fight the urge to lean back when skating downhill. Leaning backward will increase your speed, making stopping more challenging (and potentially dangerous). Instead, concentrate on keeping your center of gravity over your skates and controlling your speed with small arm and leg strokes.
Summary: Keep Practicing
Just now, you learned six different rollerblade stops. It’s time to start honing your stopping skills by practicing your blades to the point where stopping comes naturally to you.
Using the T-stop and the heel brake are two relatively simple techniques. It can be challenging to master some inline skating stops, though. Examples of stops that take some getting used to include the drag-to-power stop and the powerslide stop.
On the other hand, nothing worthwhile is simple. It’s also difficult to stop yourself from moving forward after exerting a lot of pressure on your blades.
Comments are closed, but trackbacks and pingbacks are open.