What to do with your hands while skating


Short answer

Using your hands while skating improves balance, stability, speed, and technique—master these movements for better control and performance.


The role of your hands while skating

When skating, your hands play a crucial role in maintaining balance, enhancing stability, and achieving better performance. From basic movements to advanced transitions, knowing how to use your hands effectively can drastically improve your skating skills. Below, we’ll guide you through practical techniques to make the most of your hands while skating.

1. Using your hands for balance

As a beginner, you might find yourself instinctively using your hands to balance. While this is natural, it’s important to transition to relying on your lower body for control. To help with this, try the following:

  • Keep your hands centered: Place your hands in a prayer-like position in front of your chest. This helps stabilize your upper body and forces you to rely on your legs for balance.
  • Use weights: Hold a water bottle or a similar object in each hand. The extra weight makes it easier to feel the impact of your hand movements and helps you maintain steady control.

2. Stabilizing with the ski stance

When skating over uneven surfaces or navigating obstacles, stability is key. Adopting a ski stance can help:

  • Position your arms: Bend your elbows and keep them close to your sides, with your fists pointed forward.
  • Stay steady: This posture minimizes unnecessary arm movement, keeping you stable on challenging terrain. Practice this stance regularly to make it second nature.

3. Gaining speed with arm swings

If you’re aiming to skate faster, your hands can help generate momentum:

  • Swing naturally: Move your arms back and forth in sync with your strides. This coordinated motion not only propels you forward but also maintains your rhythm.
  • Avoid exaggeration: Keep your movements smooth and controlled to avoid throwing off your balance.

4. Transitioning with controlled hands while skating

Transitions, like 180s or 360s, require precise hand movements to maintain balance. Instead of swinging your arms wildly, try these tips:

  • Hold a steady position: Imagine holding an object behind you, such as a stick or water bottle, to keep your hands stable.
  • Keep your focus aligned: Your head and eyes should follow the direction of your hands, ensuring smooth transitions. This technique builds control and prevents over-rotation.

5. Practicing advanced techniques

For skaters working on advanced skills, hands play a vital role in tricks like grabs and turns:

  • The Buddha stance: Hold your hands in a meditative position to challenge your balance and improve core stability.
  • Using objects: Grab a bar or rail during tricks like 180s to learn proper hand placement and refine your transitions.

Mastering hand techniques for better skating

Your hands are more than just tools for balance—they’re integral to improving your overall skating performance. By mastering these techniques, you’ll develop better control, achieve smoother movements, and enhance your confidence on skates.

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