Braking Tips

There are a few different ways you can bring yourself to a stop while on the ice. Practice and master these techniques to get an edge on your game. View the tips and techniques below and get practicing.

A) Forward Stop (90 degrees)

• As you get ready to stop, turn your hips 90 degrees from the direction of travel, turning both skates simultaneously.
• The outside skate slides along the top of the ice on an inside edge, the inside skate trails the outside one sliding on top of the ice but on an outside edge.
• Keep both feet wide apart from each other.
• Transfer most of your body weight on the outside skate (if too much weight is on the inside foot, you will fall and loose your balance).
• Counterbalance the stop with your upper body, keeping shoulders parallel to the ice.

B) Backward Stop (Hips straight / V Position)

• As you get ready to stop, keep your hips facing in the direction of travel and begin your slide.
• Turn your knees outwards and bring heels in under shoulders.
• There should be snow coming from both inside edges as you begin the slide on the ice.
• As you begin to feel conformable with the slide, dig inside edges deeper into the ice.
• Your body weight should be centered evenly on both feet (do not lean to far forward or you might loose your balance).

C) Backward Stop (90 degree hip turn slide)

• As you get ready to stop, turn your hips 90 degrees from the direction of travel, with your back foot lifting slightly off the ice, then returning to the ice.
• Both the inside skate and outside skate slide on top of the ice, with the inside skate trailing the outside skate.
• Your trailing foot should be in front of your chin, while your back foot should be slightly behind the back of your helmet.
• Most of your body weight should be distributed to your back skate.

Tips (Forward and backward stops)

• As you get better at stopping, increase skating speed prior to stopping (the key is being able to stop quickly at any speed).
• A good knee bend is vital to making good stops.
• Always keep your eyes forward and your head up.
• Your back should be as straight as possible.
• Don't be discouraged if you fall, it's a sign that you are closer to stopping.
• Remember to shift most of your weight on the outside foot for balance.