Stopping 101: T‑Stop, Plow Stop, and Heel Brake Explained

Speed is fun. Gliding feels amazing. But if you don’t know how to stop safely, none of that really matters. Learning how to stop is one of the most important skills every skater needs—especially when you’re skating outdoors or sharing space with others.

There are several ways to stop depending on your skill level and what kind of skates you’re using. Here’s a breakdown of the three most useful stopping techniques for beginner and intermediate skaters: the T-Stop, the Plow Stop, and the Heel Brake.

 

1. The T-Stop

Best for: Intermediate skaters using either inline or quad skates.
How It Works: One skate rolls forward while the other drags lightly behind you in a “T” shape, creating friction that slows you down.

How to Do It:

• Shift most of your weight to your lead skate.

• Turn your back foot out about 90 degrees and lightly drag the wheels behind you.

• Keep your back leg straight and your core engaged to stay balanced.

Tips:

• Practice on smooth, flat ground first.

• Don’t press down too hard with the back foot—friction, not force, does the work.

• This stop takes practice and might wear your wheels unevenly over time (rotate your wheels regularly!).

2. The Plow Stop

Best for: Quad skaters and beginners in derby or dance.
How It Works: You widen your stance and use both feet to apply outward pressure to slow down, kind of like stopping on skis.

How to Do It:

• Bend your knees and point your toes slightly inward.

• Push your feet apart while keeping your knees bent and core stable.

• The pressure from your wheels skidding outward slows your momentum.

Tips:

• Start slow—this stop uses strength from your thighs and glutes.

• Keep your knees soft and chest upright to maintain balance.

• Avoid doing it too quickly at high speed until you’re comfortable with the motion.

3. The Heel Brake

Best for: Inline skaters (especially beginners).
How It Works: Most inline skates come with a heel brake—usually attached to the right skate. You shift your weight back and apply pressure to the heel to create friction.

How to Do It:

• Skate with knees bent and arms forward for balance.

• Step your braking foot slightly forward.

• Press the heel brake down while gently leaning back.

• You should feel gradual resistance as the brake makes contact with the ground.

Tips:

• Practice on a slight incline to get the hang of applying even pressure.

• Don’t lean too far back—you only need a gentle shift of weight.

• If your heel brake is worn down, replace it to maintain effective stopping power.

Final Tip: Don’t Skip the Stops

Learning to stop confidently is what unlocks the rest of your skating journey. Whether you’re skating for fitness, fun, or just rolling around the block, safe stopping = confident skating.

Practice each technique until it feels second nature—and always choose the stop that best fits your skates, surface, and speed.

 

Ready to roll smarter, not just faster? Stick with us for more how-to guides, beginner tips, and gear advice for every level of skater.