How to Go Backwards on Heelys

Heelys are a wildly popular brand of shoes that contain a hidden wheel in the heel. This allows the wearer to essentially "skate" at will on the heels of their feet by gaining momentum and then standing on their heels. Since the Heelys introduction many have developed tricks and special maneuvers that they can perform while riding. One of the simplest maneuvers is skating backward on Heelys. Because the wheel is in the heel of Heelys shoes, moving backward on them can be a tricky ordeal, but with a little practice, anyone can learn how.

Things You'll Need

  • Heelys shoes
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Instructions

    • 1

      Stand stationary in your usual skating position, with one foot placed a length behind the other. Swing your front foot backward while allowing only the wheel of the shoe to touch the ground. Practice this initial motion a few times with each foot to get a feel for the movements needed to skate backward successfully.

    • 2

      Return to your stationary starting position when you are ready to attempt riding backward. Swing your front foot backward, allowing only the wheel of the shoe to touch the ground. When your front foot is behind your back foot, swing the foot that is now in front backward and stand firmly on the wheel of both shoes. You should now be rolling backward.

    • 3

      Practice rolling backward until you are comfortable with the movements. When you are ready, try propelling yourself backward while rolling by swinging your front foot behind your back foot. Repeating this foot-alternating motion smoothly will propel you backward at a faster pace.

    • 4

      Attempt switching to a backward riding position while moving forward to get the most speed. Start by riding forward as usual, with one foot in front of the other.

    • 5

      Spin around by turning your front foot in toward your back foot. Be sure to lean slightly in the direction of your spin to keep from falling over. When your front foot is at about a 90 degree angle to your back foot, swing your back foot backward and around behind you. You should now be riding backward at a good pace.