How to Speed Skate on In-Line Skates

Develop rhythm and timing on your push and glide to generate maximum speed and longevity on your in-line skates.

Things You'll Need

• In-line Skate Axles
• In-line Skate Spacers
• In-line Skate Wheels
• In-line Skates
• In-line Skating Gear
• In-line Skating Helmets
• In-line Skating Protective Gear Sets
• Wrist Guards

Instructions

1. Find a long, straight, smooth stretch of pavement to practice speed skating.

2. 

   Turn your right skate sideways (45 to 90 degrees) and push off the pavement with it. Push "behind" as much as you can, but you will end up pushing somewhat sideways too. That's okay.

3. 

   Glide on the left skate while bringing the right skate forward.

4. As the right skate comes down, shift your weight onto it.

5. 

   Turn the left skate sideways as your weight comes off of it and push off.

6. 

   Glide on your right skate while bringing the left skate forward.

7. Keep repeating this push-and-glide pattern.

8. 

   Bend forward from your waist and let your arms hang down in front of you.

9. 

   Begin incorporating your arms into the rhythm of your push and glide. Swing both arms back and to the side of each leg pushing off. Begin swinging your arms side to side with rhythm of your legs.

10. Incorporate the rhythm of your breathing into the entire motion, so that your whole body becomes part of the push and glide.

Tips & Warnings

• Speed is generated not by how fast you do the motion, but by how hard you push off and how well you time your glide. Glide as far as you can before the skate starts to lose any speed. Establishing a good rhythm is the most important factor.

• Skates with bigger wheels and skates with more wheels go faster and glide further. You can find five-wheel skates specially designed for distance and speed skating.

• For a fast racing start, turn both skates 45 degrees and run for a few quick steps before pushing off into a glide.

• Watch speed ice-skating on TV for a great example of proper rhythm.

• Always wear a helmet, wrist guards and kneepads when in-line skating.