How to Roller Skate

A real beginner's guide to getting moving.

Instructions

    • 1

      Place feet in "V" position, heels together, toes apart.

    • 2

      Keep your body upright and don't look down.

    • 3

      Bend your knees slightly. Arms out like an airplane's wings.

    • 4

      March, don't walk, using small baby steps. Lift your knees, keeping your feet in the "V" position.

    • 5

      Do not attempt to slide skates, roll will happen if your feet are properly placed.

    • 6

      Pushing, when you are ready for it, occurs by pushing your skate out to the side, not to the back as in walking.

    • 7

      Falling: To fall keep your hands out in front of you, bend your knees as much as possible and sit back on your backside and thighs. Do not touch the ground with your hands if possible.. Wrist and arm injuries are the most common injuries in skating.

    • 8

      Backwards skating is very similar to forward, except that you keep your toes together and heels apart in an inverse "V" position.