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Rec/Fitness

Trish Alexander's guide to inline skating

Veteran skate teacher Trish Alexander shares her knowledge of skating in her Rec/Fitness column on the Inline Planet.

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Nov. 8, 2007

'Praying' for Power

Efficient skating should feel as smooth as creamy peanut butter. If, on the other hand, it feels crunchy, it might be time for some "praying." But don't worry. This won't involve any kneeling, although bending your knees helps.

For starters, try this:

Put your hands together in the prayer position.

Now point them away from your body and pretend each hand is a skate. Move your right hand out to the side. Then return it to the prayer position.

That is what the beginning and end of every stride should look like. In other words, feet together.

Why?

Because you can only build power if your feet are underneath you, rather than out to the side.

Need proof? ... Try this:

Take a few strides to get moving. Then, while gliding, position your skates shoulder width apart. (You are now in the "A-frame" position.) Once in this position bend your knees and push one skate to the side.

Not very effective, was it? The problem is the A-frame position. With your feet spread apart, you can't push with any power.

Now try this:

Take a few strides to get moving. Then, while gliding, bring your feet together so they are almost touching. This is the prayer position. Now push one of your skates about 12 inches to the side. After your push, return your skates to the prayer position and repeat on the other side.

Skating like this should put a lot more umph in your push.

Now get out there and practice. The prayer position is one of the keys to developing an efficient stroke. Learning it will bless your skating with power and grace. Perfecting it will give you the creamy feel of smooth skating.

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