Figure Skating Tricks For The Beginner

You must have figure skates on to attempt these moves. Figure skates are the most commonly rented skates at rinks and have toepicks at the front end of the blade. If you don't see toepicks (similar to a rake) at the front end of the blades on your skates, do not attempt any figure skating moves or jumps or you may hurt yourself and others around you. If you can already skate forwards, with practice you should be able to skate backwards. The technique is the same for both roller and ice figure skaters. If you are on traditional roller skates or artistic roller skates, you will substitute the toe stop for the toe pick which is used on ice.

This article is written with the assumption that you (or someone you know) can already skate forwards and wish to learn how to skate backwards or do a couple of beginner tricks. With this in mind, to skate backwards you will need to start off on a straightaway with your back facing the direction you wish to go. Make sure that you hold your arms up and out to your sides. Turn your head over your shoulder so that you will be able to see what is behind you. If you are skating backwards but moving towards your right side, turn your head over your right shoulder and vice versa. Move both of your legs apart at the same time to a width greater than that of your shoulders. Bring your legs back together and repeat. It takes effort and muscle. In fact this move in itself is a great way to tone your rear and thighs. Be sure to bend your knees. The more effort that you use to push and pull your legs while skating backward, the faster you will be skating backwards.

When you reach the ends of the rink, you will need to put forth a bit more coordination and effort to perform backwards crossovers but if you keep up the practice it will become as simple as walking. If you are not comfortable with lifting one foot off the ice, pulling and crossing it behind the other foot, build your skills and confidence before you attempt it. You can use the scissors method on the straightaway of the rink as well as the ends but backwards crossovers are a more efficient and advanced method.

For backwards crossovers only one foot will be kept on the ice. You will need to pull the other foot behind this leg and cross it behind your skating leg to gain more momentum. Think of doing this as one smooth, sweeping motion as opposed to disconnected parts. Once you've crossed behind you will need to pick your foot up again and repeat the motion to maintain or gain speed. Don't attempt to go too fast at first, simply get comfortable with the motion. When you get comfortable, you will be able to do crossovers on the straightaways as well. Backwards crossovers are a great way to build up the strength in your legs without adding bulk so your practice will be rewarded. I highly recommend backwards crossovers for adult skaters seeking to improve their rear view because over time your muscles will be lifted and slightly rounded.

A fun beginner's jump is the bunny hop. It is usually the first jump skaters learn to perform. Skate forwards at a slow to moderate speed with arms extended out to each side. Bend your left knee and hop up into the air. Keep your arms extended to each side. For your landing, put your right toepick into the ice and your left foot flat on the ice with your arms extended to each side. That is all to it! When you've completed the jump, continue skating forward. If you are on traditional roller skates, substitute the toepick with your toe stop. This jump can easily be practiced off the rink in your sneakers, on a lawn, or around the house.

Lunges are fun because you feel the effect of gliding combined with a good stretch. This is another weapon in the arsenal for adult skaters who want to improve the shape of their body and increase their strength. Just be sure that you're reasonably flexible before attempting a lunge. If you can do a lunge off the ice, you can do one on the ice as well. Skate forward with your arms extended to your sides for balance. Keep your head up, don't look down at the ice because your back and bottom may soon follow!

Lower yourself into the lunge position when you reach a speed that you are comfortable with. Going too fast or slow may cause you to fall unless you have a very good level of balance and control over the move. If you feel you're losing your balance, put your hands onto the ice and try to bring your legs closer together and land on your rear. To come out of the lunge stand up. Stronger, more advanced skaters stand up using only the strength in the leg that was used as the forward gliding leg as opposed to inching both legs together until they can stand up.

Another great move for beginners is a spiral. To do this move skate forward at a moderate pace and hold both arms to your sides. Slowly lean forward while lifting one leg up off the ice. Keep both arms out to your sides during this process and keep your head up. Do not look down at the ice because you may lose your balance and fall. Glide as long as you comfortably can and when you feel that you are beginning to move too slowly stand back up with both arms out to your sides.

Once you are comfortable with the spiral position you can begin working on lifting your leg higher and experimenting with different arm positions as well. Perhaps you will be able to do this position someday with great speed and grace just as you see in the photo above. Happy skating.