Compass (*heel)

Performing the Compass Heel Skill

The compass heel is a graceful and challenging maneuver in figure skating that involves executing a series of deep edges.

To successfully perform this skill, proper technique and body positioning are crucial.

Key Considerations:
* Pivot Leg Position:
* The position of your pivot leg is paramount.
* Outer Lean: Maintaining an outer lean with your pivot leg is essential. This outward lean helps maintain the circular momentum and allows for smooth transitions between edges.
* Inner Lean: If your pivot leg leans inward, it disrupts the circular motion, making it difficult to control the flow of the skill and increase the risk of falling.

* Body Posture:
* Upright Posture: Maintain an upright and balanced posture throughout the execution. Avoid leaning excessively forward or backward, as this can throw off your balance and hinder smooth transitions.
* Core Engagement: Engage your core muscles to provide stability and control. A strong core will help you maintain balance and execute the precise movements required for the compass heel.

* Edge Control:
* Deep Edges: The compass heel relies on deep edges to achieve its characteristic arc. Focus on digging deep into the ice with each edge change to maintain control and create a strong, defined path.
* Smooth Transitions: Practice smooth and seamless transitions between edges. Avoid abrupt changes in direction or jerky movements, as this can disrupt the flow and rhythm of the skill.

* Momentum and Flow:
* Maintain Momentum: Generate and maintain consistent forward momentum throughout the skill. This momentum will help you navigate the curves and maintain control.
* Flowing Motion: Focus on creating a flowing and continuous motion, avoiding any pauses or hesitations that can disrupt the rhythm and grace of the skill.

* Practice and Refinement:
Consistent practice and refinement are key to mastering the compass heel. Start with basic drills and gradually increase the complexity of the skill. Focus on proper technique and strive for smooth, controlled movements.

By understanding and applying these key principles, skaters can develop the skills and confidence needed to execute the compass heel with grace and precision.

🥳Celebrating a Year of Skating Success! 🥳

Dear Members and Families,

As we approach the end of another year, we at 'Roller Cookie Club' want to express our deepest gratitude for your continued support and the incredible dedication shown by our skaters.

This year has been a remarkable journey, filled with exciting achievements:

* Skater Development: We've witnessed impressive progress every weekend at West Coast Park, with many members mastering new skills and exceeding their personal goals; 6 times of the evaluation.

* Community Growth: Our club has flourished into a vibrant and supportive community, fostering lasting friendships and creating unforgettable memories both on and off the West Coast Park.

* Family Involvement: We sincerely appreciate the unwavering support from our families during the Year-end skaring festival.

Your encouragement and dedication are invaluable to the success of our skaters and the club as a whole.

We are incredibly proud of each and every member, and we are excited to see what the new year will bring.

We look forward to continued growth, new challenges, and many more opportunities to celebrate the joy of inlineskating together.

Wishing you and your families a joyous holiday season filled with laughter, love, and perhaps a few exhilarating skating sessions!

Happy Holidays and a Prosperous New Year!

Regards,

Coach Moon, Head of coaches.

24 December 2024

2024_Holidays Season Up

Why ‘Eagle’?

Can you skate forward and backward, right? Great job!
Now, you may like to ask what's next? I strongly recommend to learn 'Eagle'.

What is ‘Eagle’?
Spread out legs like giant wings and swing it like wave. ‘Eagle’ is difficult to achieve but it should be your killer skating skills. I remembered it took around 1 year to master Eagle because I was lack in hip's flexibility. I tried many kinds of stretching like yoga.

Eagle stance; dray-land training without skates

▶️ Video clips: Eagle Glide, Eagle Turn inside, Eagle turn outside

To enhance your Eagle skill, you have to build a plié position first.

A plié is a fundamental ballet position that involves bending the knees while keeping the legs turned out and the knees open over the toes. * The French term plié means "creased" or "folded".

Tips: Start by bending your knees just slightly, keeping your upper body straight with your shoulders down. Keep your heels planted. Stop bending your knees when they extend just over your toes. (wikihow)

✅ Eagle variation: Eagle glide-> Eagle Turn-> Eagle Snake->Eagle Cross /*reverse eagle(swan)

▶️ plié position exercise; Watch this video

▶️ Another exercise with the bar, watch it

https://pbt.org

Extra tips!

This ankle exercise routine is designed to strengthen and improve control of the muscles surrounding your ankle joint.

https://youtu.be/RIRXb_HJIZw?si=c9BxPmAjSDviCqLU

Some say that pliés are one of the first things a ballet dancer learns, but they are the last thing they master.

Storytelling for kids [ Parallel Turn and Fish]

Lily loved skating! She watched Parallel Turn glide like a rainbow on wheels, but she wanted to be speedy like a fish!

"Can I be a wiggly fish too?" she asked her teacher.

The teacher smiled. "Of course! Fish keeps his heels down and wiggles side to side, like dodging seaweed!"

Lily giggled. She wobbled at first, but soon she was zooming between cones, a happy fish in the big blue rink!

So next time you skate, remember: Parallel Turn makes big circles, Fish wiggles fast! Both make you a super skater!

coach Moon, RCC

• ’Rainbow fish’ is one of popular children books

you may like to know this full story below?

Once upon a time, in a land filled with smooth skating rinks, lived two skating moves: Parallel Turn and Fish.

Parallel Turn was a graceful giant. He loved gliding in big, smooth circles, like a rainbow on wheels. He'd bend his knees and lean a bit in, just like you do when you go around a corner on your scooter.

Fish, on the other hand, was a tiny speedster! He zipped around cones in quick, short turns, like a playful fish dodging seaweed in the ocean. He kept his heels down and wiggled his feet from side to side, making a fun little wiggle dance.

They were both fun to do, but very different! Parallel Turn was all about smooth curves, while Fish was all about quick zigzags.

One sunny day, a little skater named Lily came to the rink. She loved watching Parallel Turn glide gracefully, but she also wanted to be as fast as Fish!

"Can I learn Fish too?" she asked her skating teacher.

"Of course!" smiled the teacher. "Just remember, Fish likes to keep his heels down and wiggle his feet side to side. Imagine you're a little fish dodging seaweed!"

Lily practiced for a while, giggling as she wobbled and wiggled. Soon, she was zooming between cones, feeling like a happy little fish in the big blue rink!

So next time you're at the rink, remember: Parallel Turn is for smooth, graceful circles, while Fish is for quick, fun wiggles! They both help you become a super skater!

coach Moon, RCC

Fish vs Parallel turn

Fish: Mastering Slalom Maneuvers

This article dives into the world of slalom skating, exploring the technique of the "Fish" and how it compares to the "parallel turn," a fundamental skill for general skating. While the Fish is all about agility in slalom, the parallel turn provides a smooth turning technique for recreational skating or navigating obstacles. No doubt both involve turning, they serve distinct purposes on the skating rink or at West Coast Park.

1. Parallel Turn: A Versatile Turning Technique

The parallel turn is a foundational turning skill in skating, not specific to slalom. It allows for smooth, controlled turns, making it ideal for general skating or maneuvering around obstacles. Imagine a pair of scissors – that's the basic stance. Your feet tilt slightly inwards or outwards depending on the turn. Your edges correspond to the turning direction, and your body leans inwards or outwards for stability. Most of your weight (around 70%) rests on the front leg, guiding the turn.

2. The Fish: Zigzagging with Finesse

The Fish, on the other hand, belongs to the realm of slalom skills. It's a series of quick, short turns designed to navigate between closely spaced cones. Unlike the parallel turn, the Fish involves a zigzag motion between cones placed upright. Here's what sets it apart:

- Stance and Edge: The Fish employs a "number 11" stance. Imagine your feet like train tracks! While a parallel turn uses more corresponding edges; angled outwards & inwards, Fish uses your center edge for maneuverability, lesser corresponding edge..
- Footwork: The key to the Fish lies in heel pivoting. Imagine your feet as hinges, with the movement originating from your heels.
- Weight Distribution: Unlike the parallel turn, the Fish requires you to keep your weight on your heels throughout the maneuver.

2-1 Mastering the Fish: Key Techniques
Conquering the Fish requires mastering three key elements:

- Toe Up: Shift your weight to your heels, then lift your toes.
- Toe Up to the Side: Maintain your heel pivot and gently swing your foot sideways, creating the zigzag motion. Focus on keeping your ankles low and initiating the movement from your heels.
- Wiper: Keep your toes down. To refine the movement, perform a subtle ankle wiggle from side to side. Imagine you're trying to squeeze through a narrow gap while keeping your feet pointed forward.


3. Key Difference:
The main difference lies in the edge used:

Parallel Turn: Uses corresponding edges (inner/outer) for carving smooth turns.
Fish: Utilizes the center edge for quick changes in direction during slalom.

So, the next time you hit the rink, remember:

Parallel Turn: Master those smooth, graceful curves.
Fish: Become a speedy dodger and navigate cones like a champ!

Once you feel comfortable with these techniques, set up some cones and put your Fish skills to the test! With dedication and practice, you'll be navigating those cones like a pro. Keep rolling!

Happy Skating!

Watch the video_Fish drills 👈🏼 📽️

coach Moon, RCC

Spin Stop

: A Smooth Stop for Rollerbladers

What is your favorite stop skills without heel-brake?

The Spin Stop is a stylish and efficient way to stop in rollerblading without relying on the heel brake. It adds a touch of flair to your skating and allows for quicker transitions when maneuvering.

Here's how to break down the Spin Stop, including drills to help you master it:

Preparation:

1. A-frame Stance with Inside Edge: Begin in a comfortable A-frame stance with your knees slightly bent. *Point the toes of your dominant leg (the leg you prefer to push with) inwards, creating an inside edge on this foot. This will be your outside leg during the spin and will provide the grip for stopping.

(*Point the toes ➡️ Some skaters like to initiate T-stop and then proceed to Spin stop)

Drills for Spin Movement:

1. Pivot on Toe (Inside Skate): Before attempting the full spin, practice pivoting on your toes with your inside foot (the foot with the inside edge).

   • Refer to video clips [insert link to video clips on toe pivoting] for proper form. This drill helps develop balance and control for the spin.

2. Drill for Spin Movement - A-frame and Body Rotation:

   • Maintain an A-frame stance and bend down for a deeper inside edge on your dominant leg.

   • Keep your core engaged and rotate your upper body in the direction you want to spin (typically towards the outside leg). Keep your shoulders facing the direction you're turning.

   • Practice this drill without actually completing the full spin yet. This helps isolate the upper body movement needed for the spin.

Executing the Spin Stop:

1. Upper Body Rotary Motion: Once comfortable with the drills, initiate the full spin by initiating a rotary motion with your upper body in the desired spin direction.

2. Apply Pressure on Outside Skate to Stop: As you rotate, apply light pressure on the balls of both feet. The inside edge of your dominant leg will provide the stopping power, while the other foot helps maintain balance. Gradually increase pressure on the outside skate (the one with the inside edge) to slow down and come to a complete stop.

Additional Tips:

• Look where you want to go: This will help maintain your balance and guide your spin.

• Don't force the spin: Let the rotation flow naturally with your body movement.

• Practice pivoting: As mentioned earlier, practicing pivoting on your toes with both feet is highly beneficial for improving balance and control.

Watch the Spin Stop’s video 👈🏼 📽️

How to support your students?

Watch the video 👈🏼 📽️

Lunge Stop

▶️Lunge stop

: People used to call it hockey stop or power stop. In fact, it is one of stop skills at full speed. Look like in between Spin stop and forward powerslide, right? We like to reform it to be suitable for our students. Here we go.

*Lunge turn (tuck in and weight on your inside leg)

*Lunge Turn to A-frame turn

*Sharp turn like Snail (use shoulders to turn upper body)

*Weight Shift

*Keep upper body up to maintain balance

Watch the video_Lunge stop 👈🏼 📽️

Lunge Stop ( more drills) 👈🏼 📽️

Another video? :) 👈🏼 📽️

Mohawk turn

The Mohawk turn is a fundamental skill most hockey or figure skaters learn early on in their journey. It's like a magic key that unlocks smooth transitions from forwards to backwards skating without sacrificing speed. But the benefits of the Mohawk turn go far beyond maintaining momentum.

Imagine skating forwards, then with a little twist, you're zooming backwards – all while staying nice and balanced!

The Mohawk turn is like a bridge between going forwards and backwards, so it helps you practice keeping your balance on one foot while you switch from skating forwards to skating backwards (and vice versa!). The more you practice Mohawk turns, the smoother you'll become on the road! Keep rolling :)

▶️ Mohawk turn(switch) _keys

: Set the pivot leg(keep on the axis) and action leg(crossing leg)

: 45 degree first, then gradually try 90`, 130` and then 180`finally.

: Look into any difference? ; figure skating vs hockey/recreational skating

▶️ Enhancing the Benefits:

• The Mohawk turn not only helps with maintaining momentum during direction changes, but it also improves,

  • Balance: maintaining an edge during the Mohawk turn strengthens ankle and core muscles, leading to better balance.

  • Body weight transfer: Mohawk turns help skaters learn to shift their weight from one foot to another effectively, which is crucial for jumps and spins.

  • Edge control: mastering Mohawk turns improves a skater's ability to control their edges, leading to cleaner footwork and sharper turns.

▶️ Refer to the video clips below

Watch the video_Mohawk turn 👈🏼 📽️

Mohawk turn_zigzag drills 👈🏼 📽️

Mohawk turn _ 90` 👈🏼 📽️

Mohawk turn_180` 👈🏼 📽️

Parallel Turn; Conquer Turns Like a Pro

Mastering the Parallel turn

Many skaters find the parallel turn tricky at first. It's true, it requires more agility than the A-frame turn, but don't let that scare you away! Think of it like riding a bike – you need to lean into the turn to make it smoothly.

Here's the good news: mastering the parallel turn gives you amazing benefits, especially at higher speeds. You'll have better control and feel less stressed on steeper slopes.

Learning Curve Made Easy

If you're already comfortable with the stem turn, you can smoothly transition to the parallel turn by starting slow and gradually increasing your speed. There are also drills you can practice to improve your technique.

▶️ The Secret Sauce: 3 Key Elements

There are three key components to mastering the parallel turn:

1. Scissors Stance: When turning right, place your right leg in front (opposite for left turns). This creates a scissor-like position.

2. Edge Work: Lean your body slightly inward, towards the center of the turn, to engage your edges for better grip.

3. Upper Body Rotation: Rotate your upper body in the direction of the turn, adding control and stability.

Need a Different Perspective?

If the right-leg-forward stance feels awkward, try the opposite! Some skaters find a left-leg-forward stance more comfortable for right turns.

Watch the video_ 👉🏻 📽️ Opposite Scissor stance

Another Video 👉🏻 📽️

Practice Makes Perfect

Remember, practice makes perfect! Start on a gentle slope and gradually increase the difficulty as you get comfortable. Refer to the provided tips to enhance your performance and become a confident parallel turn pro!.

Keep Rolling,

coach Moon

Stem Turn

Originally, Stem turn is one of skiing terms

* Turn skills in our curriculum: Step turn -> Stem Turn -> Parallel turn -> Lunge turn / *Backward turning.

Stem turn is the bridge skill in between A frame turn and parallel turn

▶️ 3Key drills

1. A-frame turn

2. Inside leg goes to outside leg (crosses over the axis)

3. 11 or scissors rolling

Video clips 👉🏻📽️ Watch it

• Refer to the skiing video also : 👉🏻📽️ Watch it

Master the Grass Stop

Your Downhill Emergency Brake

The Grass Stop is a crucial skill for skaters, especially when tackling downhill slopes. If you find yourself going too fast or encounter a steeper incline than anticipated, the Grass Stop can be your emergency braking technique.

This maneuver requires good control over your upper body posture and weight transfer. Be prepared for a surge of inertia as you enter the grass due to the increased friction.

Why Beginners Should Learn It:

Before hitting those park connectors, mastering the Grass Stop is essential. It equips you with the confidence and ability to handle unexpected situations when cruising downhill.

Grass Stop_Key drills

#Wider(longer) scissors stance

#Upper body lean backward

#Weight on following(rear) leg

Video clips

Watch the Grass stop 👉🏻 📽️ Video 1

Do you know how much our students love it? 👉🏻 📽️ Look at this video

*Refer to below the videos, how another skaters use it

👉🏻 📽️ Grass stop video 2

👉🏻 📽️Grass stop video 3

Keep Rolling,

Coach Moon

Story for the little shredders :)

Whoa Nelly! Grass Stop to the Rescue!

Going downhill on your scooter is super fun, but what if you get a little too speedy? Don't worry, the Grass Stop is your secret weapon!

Imagine your scooter is like a zooming rocket, but sometimes the hills get steeper than expected. The Grass Stop is like a special trick to slow down safely when things get a bit fast.

Here's how it works: keep your body nice and tall, just like a superhero! Then, gently lean your weight back a little and steer your scooter towards a grassy patch. The grass acts like a big, soft friend that will help you slow down nice and easy. Remember, the grass will feel different than the smooth ground, so hold on tight!

Why is the Grass Stop so cool? It lets you be a safe scooter adventurer! Before you zoom around the park, practicing your Grass Stop on a small grassy hill is a great idea. That way, you'll be ready for anything!