What are some skating techniques for children?

Nowadays, ice skating is a very popular sport, especially among children. If you want to skate, learning is a necessary process. Children should be more careful when learning. Children do not have such a clear sense of self-protection as adults, so they need more guidance and some skills. So, what are the techniques for children to skate? Let’s take a look at them below.

Children's skating skills

A. Wear ice skates

When beginners in ice skating put on ice skates, the laces of the first two or three button holes can be tied a little loosely, and the laces at the back should be tied tightly so that the ankles do not shake in the shoes and it is easier to lean to both sides and push off the ice.

B. Dress code

People who are new to skating should wear long-sleeved clothes and gloves to avoid scratching their skin when falling. Children can wear protective gear such as knee pads, elbow pads, and helmets. The thickness and tightness of clothing should not hinder movement.

C. Correct standing posture

Place your feet slightly apart, about shoulder-width apart, with your toes slightly turned outward to form a small "figure eight". Bend your legs slightly, lean your upper body slightly forward, and look forward. The body's center of gravity should be pressed steadily onto the blade through both feet, and the ankle joints should not fall inward or outward.

D. On the ice

After going on the ice, try to keep your body balanced, always skate in a counterclockwise direction, do not skate at high speed, do not chase or play, and do not wear professional running skates on the ice without permission.

If conditions permit, you can ask a coach for guidance. During each practice, you should rest for 2 to 3 minutes every 10 to 15 minutes; when you feel tired, you should take off your skates and relax your calf and foot muscles; it is normal to feel muscle tension and soreness in your legs after your first time on the ice, and this feeling will naturally disappear after a few practices.

Experts particularly emphasize that "when skating, you should lean forward, bend your legs, and keep your center of gravity forward. Even if you slip, you should fall forward so that you don't hit your tailbone. You must have a pair of ice gloves to avoid being scratched by the skates of the people behind you after you fall."

Note:

1. Before skating, check the surface to see if it is smooth and avoid any uneven areas. Check whether the connection between the ice skates and the shoes is firm, whether the shoelaces are strong, and whether the inner and outer blades of the ice skates are sharp. Generally, ice skates must be polished before use, and then check whether the fixing screws are tightened.

2. Wear warm clothes and don’t wear too many clothes to avoid affecting your flexibility. Ideal clothing should keep you warm and protect you from the cold while allowing sweat to evaporate normally. Therefore, multiple layers of lightweight clothing, such as thermal underwear, wool sweaters and down jackets, are more effective than one garment with thickness and volume alone. In addition, suitable hats and gloves are also essential. It keeps your head and hands warm and protects you to some extent.

3. Beginners should also pay attention to rest, because skating puts the most strain on the lower limbs and ankles. It is difficult to maintain balance when they are tired, and they are prone to falling and ankle injuries. You can take a break every 15 to 30 minutes, depending on your situation. When resting, you should unlace your shoelaces to allow blood to flow smoothly in your feet and quickly relieve fatigue.

4. On a standard skateboard, beginners should skate on the inner circle.

5. When you fall, do not struggle, just let nature take its course and try to land on one side of your buttocks.

Technique:

1. First of all, we must ensure the quality of balanced sliding. In simple terms, we must be able to stand firmly on the ice and slide in parallel. Therefore, when sliding in a straight line, the floating leg is quickly retracted to the supporting leg for balance. The supporting leg is deeply bent to lower the center of gravity. The nose, knee, and toes form a straight line to maintain balance while sliding in.

2. When skating on a curve, whether you can generate a higher speed depends on pushing the ice. Pushing the ice on a curve is different from pushing on a straight track. Both feet push the ice sideways. Pushing the ice with the right foot is similar to pushing on a straight track. The left foot crosses behind the right foot and pushes the ice with the outer edge. It takes longer than pushing the ice with the right foot. Note that beginners should avoid pushing too fast when learning this technique, otherwise they may get injured easily.

Therefore, when children are practicing skating, they must be taught the techniques in detail and be supervised by adults to prevent accidents. At the same time, you also need to let them practice on their own. Only with more practice can they skate better. And you must be patient and persistent. Only by persisting to the end will your efforts bear fruit.