How to do a T-Brake


Short answer

The T-brake is one of the best inline skating braking techniques for adults. In this blog, we explain the steps to master it and improve your skating skills.



How to do a T-Brake

There are dozens of braking techniques to learn when starting inline skating, but the T-brake stands out as one of the best. It's a versatile skill that helps you slow down effectively and safely. In this blog, we break down the steps to learn it, so you can master the T-brake at your own pace.

Step 1: Learn to ride on one foot

To perform the T-brake, all your weight will rest on your rolling foot. This means you first need to learn how to balance on one foot.

Imagine balancing a broom

Think back to when you were a kid balancing a broom upside down on your hand. Your hand would move back and forth to keep the broom steady. Now imagine your body as the broom: your rolling foot acts as the base, constantly steering to correct any imbalance.

Start T-Brake excercise with lemons

Practice steering by drawing the shape of a lemon with your wheels on the ground. This helps you gain control of your rolling foot. While this is a great start, the real challenge lies in crossing your foot over to the other side.

Exercises to improve one-foot balance

  1. Flowing from left to right: Shift your weight smoothly to develop control.
  2. Double push movements: Place one foot on the opposite side of your center of balance, then alternate.
  3. Crossing leg slaloms: Practice crossing your legs while maintaining balance.

With consistent practice, you should be able to ride a few meters on one foot. This skill will make your T-brake much smoother and more effective.

Step 2: Start with the end

Good skating instructions always begin with the end of the technique. For the T-brake, this means standing still in a T position.

  1. Get into the T position, with your back foot perpendicular to your rolling foot.
  2. Roll gently back and forth in this position until it feels natural.
  3. Push off slightly and slide your back foot about 10 cm, keeping all your weight on your front foot.

The more weight you lean onto your rolling foot, the more control you’ll have. Practice transitioning from standing still to sliding and back to a standstill again.

Step 3: Try to T-Brake with speed

Once you're comfortable with the basics, it’s time to practice the T-brake while rolling:

  1. Start skating in a straight line at a comfortable speed.
  2. Place your back foot into the T position immediately.
  3. Hold the position until you come to a stop.

If you lose balance and lift your back foot, slow down your speed on the next attempt. Gradually increase your speed as you gain confidence.

Tip: Avoid flat spots to T-Brake

To prevent flat spots on your wheels, angle your dragging foot slightly while braking.

Braking vs. stopping

The T-brake is a braking technique, ideal for slowing down at high speeds. However, it’s not designed for precise stops. For coming to a complete standstill, techniques like the pizza stop or soul stop are more effective.

Combining T-Brake and other techniques

Advanced skaters often combine braking and stopping methods. For example, use a T-brake to slow down, then finish with a stopping technique at a traffic light.

At This Is Soul Academy, we like to pair the T-brake with a unique "peanut butter" technique. It’s named after the motion you use to grab peanut butter off a high shelf. We’ll cover this in more detail in a future blog!

Learn skating from a professional

At This Is Soul Academy, we offer private and group skatelessons for adults and kids. Whether you're a beginner or looking to refine your skills, we’ll help you master essential techniques like the T-brake.

Visit us at Overtoom 327 in Amsterdam or book a lesson anywhere in the Netherlands.

Learn more here:
Thisissoul.com/collections/lessons/

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