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Skate skills: This week's tip:
Sometimes, such as at last year's Long Beach Inline Marathon, a racecourse can seem more like an obstacle course. By Alexander Bont Maneuverability is a critically underrated skill in inline racing. I see team after team skating lap after lap without giving any time to passing and agility training. But races hardly ever go according to script and if someone falls in front of you, pulls or knocks you, you need to be able to react and maneuver without slowing down or losing your position. Kids who grow up skating public sessions at their local rinks have a huge advantage because they learn to jump, swerve and get out of the tightest situations. So think about adding a public skating session once a week to your training regime. Also, practice specific drills that set you off balance and prepare you for the unexpected. Here's a few things to try:
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Alexander Bont is the son of the world-renowned boot maker Inze Bont. He started skating when he was two and went on to become a champion speed skater on both ice and inline skates. He spent seven years on the Australian national short track team and was a New South Wales state inline champion. Since retiring from racing, he has coached extensively and travels worldwide as the marketing manager for Bont Skates. Next week, he heads for Anyang, South Korea, for the World Speed Skating Championships. Related links: • Bont Skates web site.
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