How to Do a Backward Wiggle on Ice Skates

One common beginner skill in figure skating is the backward wiggle. Although it is one of the more simple skills to perform, it does require proper form to execute it successfully. Master the beginner ice skating skill with practice and determination.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Ice skates

1. Stand with your body erect, shoulders back and square, and your head up. Avoid the urge to look down at your ice skates as you perform the skill. Keeping your head up prevents you from tipping your weight forward and putting yourself off balance. Find a target in your visual field and focus on it to help with your balance.

2. Hold your arms out in front of you and keep your feet together. Extend your arms forward and rest the palm of one hand on the back of the other hand. Keep your hands midway between your waist and your shoulders.

3. Add movement to the ice skating skill. Bend your knees slightly to get in proper position. Slowly rotate your hips side to side while you keep your ice skates pressed firmly together. This rotation is the "wiggle" and sets your ice skates in motion. Your ice skates need to move back and forth, from side to side, as you move backward across the ice.

4. Watch where you're going. Look over your shoulder from time to time as you "wiggle." Be aware of your position on the ice. Be especially mindful of other skaters who are on the ice while you skate.

Tips & Warnings

• The backward wiggle is considered a Level 1 Basic skill by the U.S.A. Figure Skating Organization. Learn the backward wiggle as an introduction to other backward moving skills.

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