How To Stop On Ice Skates

When gliding across the ice, the sensation of freedom and effortless movement is unparalleled. However, the exhilaration of skating can quickly turn into a moment of panic when you need to stop. Unlike rollerblading or skateboarding, ice skating doesn’t offer the luxury of friction against the ground to slow down. Instead, you must rely on a combination of techniques to bring yourself to a graceful and controlled halt. Mastering the art of stopping on ice skates is not as daunting as it may seem; with a bit of practice and the right guidance, you can seamlessly glide to a halt, adding another layer of finesse to your skating repertoire.

The most fundamental method of stopping on ice skates is the snowplow stop. This technique involves pushing the edges of your skates outwards in a V-shape, creating a wedge that acts against the ice. As you apply pressure to the outer edges, the resistance generated by the ice will slow you down until you come to a complete stop. The key to executing a successful snowplow stop lies in maintaining a balanced position and distributing your weight evenly between both skates. Additionally, keeping your knees slightly bent and your core engaged will enhance your stability and control.

For a more advanced stopping technique, you can try the T-stop. This maneuver involves crossing one skate perpendicularly in front of the other, forming a T-shape. The blade of the perpendicular skate should be firmly planted against the ice, creating friction that acts as a brake. While the T-stop offers more control and a quicker stop, it requires a higher level of skill and balance to execute properly. Start by practicing the T-stop at a slow speed and gradually increase your momentum as you gain confidence. With consistent practice and patience, you’ll master this technique and expand your repertoire of skating maneuvers.

Braking Basics: Mastering the Art of Slowing Down

Braking on ice skates is a crucial skill for any skater, whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro. Executing effective stops ensures safety and control on the ice.

The Wedge Stop

The wedge stop is one of the most fundamental and versatile braking techniques. To perform a wedge stop:

Turn your skates slightly inward, creating a “V” shape with the blades.
Apply pressure to the inside edges of your skates, while keeping your knees slightly bent.
Gradually increase the pressure on the edges to slow down and control the slide.

The wedge stop can be adjusted to vary the braking force. By applying more pressure or holding the edges for a longer duration, you can increase the stopping power.

Technique	Steps	Difficulty
Wedge Stop	Turn skates inward, pressure on inside edges, and slide	Beginner

The Plow Stop: A Beginner’s Guide to Stopping on Ice

The Plow Stop is a foundational technique for ice skaters of all skill levels. It’s a simple yet effective way to slow down and come to a controlled stop on the ice.

How to Perform the Plow Stop

1. Start with Your Weight on Your Outside Edge

Begin by gliding forward on your outside edge, with your weight balanced over the outside blade of your skate. Keep your knees slightly bent and your body centered over your feet.

2. Sweep Your Inside Leg Across and Forward

Once you have your weight on your outside edge, sweep your inside leg across and slightly forward. As you do this, push off with your outside leg to create resistance. The blade of your inside skate should form a wide “V” shape on the ice, with the back of the blade acting as a brake.

Here are some additional tips for performing the Plow Stop:

Tip	Description
Keep your feet shoulder-width apart	This will provide stability and improve your balance.
Lean slightly forward	This will help you maintain your momentum and keep your feet planted on the ice.
Extend your arms for balance	This will help you control your body and prevent you from falling.

3. Continue Pushing and Sweeping Until You Stop

Continue pushing off with your outside leg and sweeping with your inside leg until you come to a controlled stop. Keep your body centered and balanced throughout the process.

The Hockey Stop: For Quick and Controlled Deceleration

The hockey stop is a technique used by hockey players to decelerate quickly and control their movement on the ice. This stop is particularly useful in situations where a player needs to make a quick stop to avoid an opponent or to receive a pass.

To perform the hockey stop, the player first slides their feet apart at a shoulder-width distance. They then bend their knees and lean forward, keeping their back straight. The player then brings their heels together and slides their feet out to the sides, creating a “V” shape. As they slide out, the player extends their arms outward for balance and control.

The hockey stop is a versatile technique that can be used in a variety of situations. It is a quick and controlled stop that allows the player to maintain their balance and control of the puck. The following table provides a more detailed breakdown of the steps involved in performing the hockey stop:

Step	Description
1	Slide your feet apart at a shoulder-width distance.
2	Bend your knees and lean forward, keeping your back straight.
3	Bring your heels together and slide your feet out to the sides, creating a “V” shape. As you slide out, extend your arms outward for balance and control.
4	Continue sliding until you come to a stop.

The Scissor Stop: A Fast and Fluid Stopping Method

The scissor stop is a versatile stopping technique that allows skaters to decelerate quickly and controllably. Here’s a detailed breakdown of how to execute the scissor stop:

Position your feet: Start with your feet shoulder-width apart, slightly bent at the knees.
Bend forward: Lower your body by bending at the waist, keeping your back straight.
Cross your skates: Cross your left skate over your right skate, then quickly bring your right skate behind your left skate.
Dig into the ice: As you cross your skates, dig the blades into the ice to create friction.
Extend your legs: As you reach the end of your cross-over, extend your legs to create more pressure on the blades.

Step	Action	Description
1	Position your feet	Start with feet shoulder-width apart, slightly bent at the knees.
2	Bend forward	Lower body by bending at the waist, keeping back straight.
3	Cross your skates	Cross left skate over right, then bring right skate behind left.
4	Dig into the ice	As you cross skates, dig blades into the ice to create friction.
5	Extend your legs	Extend legs at the end of crossover to create pressure on blades.

Practice the scissor stop regularly to improve your control and confidence on ice skates.

The Parallel Stop: For Smooth and Stable Braking

The parallel stop is an effective technique for beginners and experienced skaters alike to slow down or come to a complete stop. It’s a controlled and stable method that doesn’t require any fancy footwork or advanced maneuvers.

Step 1: Position Your Skates

Start with your feet shoulder-width apart, parallel to each other, and facing slightly outward. This position provides a stable base and allows you to distribute your weight evenly on both edges.

Step 2: Bend Your Knees and Hips

As you begin to brake, bend your knees and hips, lowering your center of gravity. This position helps you maintain control and balance while slowing down.

Step 3: Apply Pressure to the Blades

Slowly start applying pressure to the outside edges of both skates by pushing outward with your toes and ankles. This creates friction on the ice and initiates the braking process.

Step 4: Glide Forward

Continue gliding forward while applying pressure to the blades. As you lose momentum, the friction will slow you down gradually.

Step 5: Drag Your Toes

As you come to a stop, gently drag your toes on the ice to create additional friction. This helps you control your speed and prevents you from slipping.

Step 6: Advanced Tips for a Smooth Parallel Stop

To perfect the parallel stop, consider these additional techniques:

Tip	Description
Toe Pressure Consistency	Ensure equal pressure on both toe edges throughout the braking process.
Keep Your Weight Forward	Avoid leaning back, as it can destabilize your balance.
Bend Your Ankles	Flex your ankles outward to create a deeper edge and increase friction.
Practice Regularly	Repetition is key to mastering the parallel stop smoothly and effectively.

Advanced Braking Techniques: For Skaters with Experience

The Hockey Stop

This is a highly effective braking technique commonly used by hockey players. To execute the hockey stop, follow these steps:

Bend your knees and lower your center of gravity.
Push off with one foot and simultaneously use the other foot to scoop the ice inward.
As your scooping foot reaches the point of contact, apply pressure downwards to create friction.
Slide your scooping foot across the ice in an arc motion, gradually increasing the pressure and angle of your blade.
Keep your weight centered over your scooping foot and maintain balance.

Practice the hockey stop with increasing speed to refine your technique and build muscle memory.

The T-Stop

The T-stop is another popular braking method for advanced skaters. Here’s how to do it:

Position your feet in a T-shape, with one foot perpendicular to the other.
Apply pressure to the T-shaped foot and push outward in the direction opposite to your direction of travel.
Keep your weight centered over your T-shaped foot and maintain stability.
As you push outward, engage your core and use your arms to counterbalance the force.

Experiment with different angles and pressure to find what works best for you.

The Plow Stop

The plow stop is a simple but effective brake for beginners and intermediate skaters. Here’s how to execute it:

Bring your feet together, with your blades parallel to each other.
Push forward with both feet simultaneously, forming a V-shape with your blades.
Apply pressure to both blades to create friction and slow down.
Keep your weight centered and maintain balance.

The plow stop is a reliable braking technique, especially when you need to stop quickly.

Common Braking Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

1. Braking Too Hard

This is the most common mistake that can cause you to fall. When you brake too hard, your skates will stop suddenly, which can throw you off balance.

2. Leaning Back Too Far

When you lean back too far, your weight will be distributed over your heels, which will make it difficult to control your skates.

3. Not Using Edges

Your skates have edges that are designed to help you stop. If you don’t use your edges, you will need to apply more pressure to stop.

4. Crossing Your Skates

Crossing your skates can cause you to trip and fall. Always keep your skates parallel to each other.

5. Not Bending Your Knees

Bending your knees will help you absorb the shock of stopping. If you don’t bend your knees, you may be more likely to fall.

6. Not Looking Ahead

Always be aware of what’s ahead of you so you can anticipate any obstacles or hazards.

7. Not Practicing

The best way to improve your braking skills is to practice. Find a safe place to practice where you can focus on stopping without worrying about other people or obstacles.

8. Using the Wrong Type of Skates

Make sure you are using skates that are designed for recreational skating. Hockey skates and figure skates are not designed for stopping on ice.

9. Not Knowing How to Stop Safely on Different Types of Ice

The type of ice can affect how well you can stop. Here are some tips for stopping on different types of ice:

Ice Type	Tips
Smooth ice	Use gradual pressure to stop and avoid crossing your skates.
Rough ice	Use more pressure to stop and be prepared for your skates to skid.
Slushy ice	Use extreme caution when stopping on slushy ice. It can be difficult to control your skates.

Practice and Patience: The Key to Mastering Ice Skating Stops

10. Digging In

This technique involves digging the toe picks of your skates into the ice as if you’re scratching the surface. It provides more stability and control, particularly on softer ice. Digging in is effective for slow, controlled stops, but it’s not recommended for sudden or high-speed maneuvers.

To dig in, bend your knees slightly and push forward with your skates. Apply downward pressure on the toe picks while keeping the blades parallel to the ice. As you feel the picks bite into the ice, gradually reduce your speed and maintain a stable position.

Tips for Effective Digging In:

Step	Description
1	Bend your knees slightly and push forward
2	Apply downward pressure on the toe picks
3	Keep the blades parallel to the ice
4	Gradually reduce your speed
5	Maintain a stable position

Knowing how to stop on ice skates is an important skill for any skater, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced pro. There are a few different ways to stop, but the most common and effective method is the snowplow stop.

To perform the snowplow stop, start by bringing your feet together and pointing your toes outward. Then, push your heels together and turn your toes out even further. As you do this, bend your knees and lower your body into a squat position. Keep your arms extended out in front of you for balance.

Once you’re in the snowplow position, push your outside edges into the ice and drag your feet backward. This will create friction and slow you down. As you slow down, gradually straighten your legs and raise your body out of the squat position. Continue pushing your outside edges into the ice until you come to a complete stop.