: 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:
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.
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:
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.
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.
