From Rolling to Striding: Intermediate Techniques to Level Up Fast
So you’ve mastered the basics—you can roll forward, keep your balance, and stop without panicking. Congratulations! That’s no small feat. But if you want to move beyond beginner mode and start skating with more confidence, speed, and flow, it’s time to level up.
The transition from simply rolling to actually striding is what takes you from shaky first steps to smooth, powerful skating. Here are some key intermediate techniques that will help you advance quickly.
1. Perfecting the Push and Glide
Why It Matters: Beginners often shuffle instead of pushing properly. The push-and-glide is the foundation of efficient skating.
How to Do It:
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Push off to the side with one foot while keeping the other straight.
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Let yourself glide on the supporting leg for a beat before switching sides.
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Focus on long, smooth strokes instead of short, choppy ones.
Tip: Think of skating as a rhythm—push, glide, switch. Smoothness beats speed at this stage.
2. Adding Crossovers for Turns
Why It Matters: Crossovers let you turn with speed and stability instead of slowing down at every corner.
How to Do It:
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Approach the curve with knees bent and body leaning slightly inward.
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Step your outside skate over your inside skate in a controlled cross.
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Push off with your inside foot to maintain momentum.
Tip: Start with slow circles in one direction until it feels natural, then switch sides.
3. Mastering Backward Rolling
Why It Matters: Skating backwards builds balance and makes you more versatile at the rink.
How to Do It:
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Start in a “V” position with toes pointing toward each other.
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Push out and back with each foot in a gentle rocking motion.
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Keep your chest lifted and glance over your shoulder for awareness.
Tip: Begin near a wall or railing until you’re comfortable moving backward on your own.
4. Improving Stability With Edges
Why It Matters: Strong edge control (inside and outside wheels) is what gives skaters fluidity and power.
How to Do It:
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While gliding, gently shift your weight to the inside edge of one skate, then the outside edge.
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Practice carving “S” shapes across the floor using edge control.
Tip: Stay low and let your knees guide the motion—it’s more about lean than force.
5. Linking Moves Together
Why It Matters: Skating isn’t just about isolated skills; it’s about flow.
How to Do It:
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Combine push-and-glide with crossovers on turns.
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Transition smoothly between forward rolling, a stop, and backward rolling.
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Focus on keeping your movements connected and continuous.
Tip: Think of it as “skating choreography”—the more seamless, the better.
Final Word: Practice With Purpose
Intermediate skating is all about refinement. Instead of just rolling laps, dedicate time to specific drills: 10 minutes on crossovers, 10 minutes on backward skating, and so on. With consistency, you’ll go from cautious rolling to confident striding faster than you think.
The rink isn’t just a place to roll—it’s where you learn to flow. And with these techniques, you’re well on your way.
