How to Skate Backwards

Skating backward is a lot like skating forward. You must have your body weight centered over your skates, keep a deep bend in the knees, look straight ahead and give all you can with each push of the skates. The difference is that you make a C-cut in the ice rather than a straight push at a 45-degree angle from your body.

Things You'll Need

  • Hockey or figure skates
  • Hockey pads (optional)
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Instructions

    • 1

      Get used to the backward movement by holding onto the boards and gently pushing yourself backward. Allow your feet to glide along the ice and find your center of balance. Make sure your body weight is centered over your skates and your knees are bent. The lower you are to the ice, the more stable you will be, regardless of if you are skating forward or backward.

    • 2

      Shift your weight to your left foot. Turn your right foot so its heel is off the ice and the toe is near the toe of your left foot. Your feet should be making an upside-down "L" when you look down at them.

    • 3

      Push from the front part of the right skate against the ice, and make a large, backward "C" shape in the ice with your right foot. Use as much force as you can through the ball of your right foot to give you the maximum energy to propel yourself backward.

    • 4

      Recover your right foot after finishing the "C" shape and place it on the ice, parallel to your left foot. Allow your body to glide a moment before positioning your left foot in the same manner and pushing out to the left.

    • 5

      Turn your left foot inward and place the majority of your weight on your right foot. Your left toe should now be near your right toe, again making an upside-down "L." Press your weight through the ball of your left foot into the ice and make a "C" shape in the ice with your left foot.

    • 6

      Recover your left foot and allow your body to glide backward. Repeat using your right foot, then alternating to your left foot. Keep doing this until you are able to spend less time gliding and more time striding with alternating feet.