How to Backward Skate at the Roller Rink

Rollerskating has been around for well over 100 years. It wasn't until the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s that the sport really gained popularity and roller rinks opened all around the world. While many people can do stunts on roller skates or in-line skates, one of the less difficult tricks is to skate backwards. After you learn how to do this, you'll look like a skating pro in no time.

Things You'll Need

  • Roller skates or in-line skates
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Instructions

    • 1

      Get a firm grasp on the ability to roller skate or in-line stake forwards. If you're new to skating or are not wholly comfortable with being on skates, skating backwards will be even more of a challenge. Practice skating forwards as much as you can. Get used to starting and stopping and making turns. Have a friend or family member that is an advanced skater offer you additional guidance, if possible.

    • 2

      Stand still in one spot in an empty roller rink, parking lot or anywhere else with a flat concrete or blacktop surface. Push off with your left foot in a backward motion and then push both of your feet outwards away from you and then bring them back together again in a "figure-right" type motion. Continue to push backwards and bring your feet out and then back in again. Repeat this several times until you've got the hang of it and can skate backward in a somewhat-straight line.

    • 3

      Use your left foot to push off in a backward motion and bring only your right foot outward. When you're bringing your right foot back inward, use your momentum to push your left foot outward and then back in. Repeat this over and over, alternating between feet, to continue to skate backwards. Once you get comfortable doing this you can then switch back and forth between skating frontward and backward whenever you like.