Wednesday, January 18, 2012

How to Develop Roller Hockey Skating Skills?


Skating technique is one of the most difficult aspects of roller hockey to master. The idea of learning to skate at a competitive level can be rather intimidating initially. Following a few simple tips can help make your goals more achievable. However, these tips will only be effective in conjunction with extensive practice time and effort.
Buy High-Quality Skates
Before you begin a serious attempt to improve your skating ability, you should find a pair of high-quality skates. In fact, if you find yourself struggling to skate as effectively as your teammates or competition, the quality of your skates could be a significant potential cause of your difficulty. Borrowing a friend's skates or buying an inexpensive or used pair is not nearly as good as finding a pair that fit your feet, legs and gait style perfectly, according to the Hockey Player website. The staff at a quality gear shop will be able to compare different pairs for you to ensure that you find the optimal pair for you.
Slow Down
Since the faster skater often has the edge in roller hockey, it can be tempting to try to push yourself to skate as fast as possible when you practice. This can actually be counterproductive, especially if you accidentally injure yourself. Instead, at least part of the time, relax, slow down and move smoothly through each stride. Incorporating slower, isolated skating practice into your regimen can develop your body's muscle memory and help you skate better.
Adjust Your Posture
In order to skate well, ensure that your posture is correct. Not only will this help you skate faster and more accurately, but it will also help minimize your energy expenditure. Be sure to avoid looking down or rounding your back while you skate; keep your head up, your knees bent and your back straight, staying focused on your surroundings. This will allow you to use your hips more fully, especially while turning. Hunching forward and trying to change direction primarily by turning your feet or ankles will feel awkward, stiff and forced, and could lead to a fall.
Drive Through Each Stride
To skate as quickly and efficiently as possible, you must take full advantage of the effort you use to take a stride. Taking more strides than necessary wastes energy and slows you down. Stay rooted to the floor, drive hard off the ground and follow through on each stride, whether you are moving forward or backward.

 
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