How to Glide on One Ice Skate
Basic figure skating requires balance and strength. Gliding on one skate is even more challenging, and requires a basic comfort level with ice skating.
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Instructions
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Begin ice skating. Keep your hands out to the sides of your body, just below shoulder level. Gather moderate speed and glide on both feet.
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Shift your weight to one of your feet (right-handed people usually have an easier time balancing on their left foot, and vice versa). Center your weight on the ball of your foot. Don't lean too far to either side.
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Lift your free leg vertically. Don't lean too far forward or backwards. Keep your leg close (within 5 inches) to your standing foot. Contrary to popular belief, the foot (not the knee) should parallel the standing leg as it is raised.
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Use your abs to stay upright. Focus on a fixed point at eye level for balance. Slowly raise your foot until your toe reaches the standing leg's knee. Keep your foot pointed towards the ice.
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Hold the position until you lose momentum. Gently lower your foot until it is back on the ice. Resume skating, or move on to the next movement in your sequence.
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Tips & Warnings
Master gliding with both feet on the ice before attempting this trick. Make your movements slow and precise until you get the feel for it.
