Learning how to stop effectively is a fundamental skill in figure skating, essential for safety and control. The primary methods involve using the edges of your blades to create friction against the ice.
Common Figure Skating Stops
Two of the most common and effective stopping techniques for figure skaters are the Snowplow Stop and the T-Stop. More advanced skaters may also progress to a Hockey Stop.
Understanding the Basics Before You Stop
Before attempting any stop, ensure you have basic balance and forward gliding skills. Mastering stops requires control over your edges and applying pressure to the ice.
- Balance is Key: Keep your knees bent and your core engaged. Avoid stiff or "crazy arms" that can throw you off balance; instead, use them gently for stability.
- Edge Control: Figure skates have sharp inner and outer edges. Stopping involves digging these edges into the ice to slow down.
- Pressure Application: You need to press down on the ice firmly to create friction. A common mistake is not pressing down enough, which prevents the blades from gripping the ice effectively. Focus on pressing through the ball of your foot to control your edges without hitting the toepick.
- Toepick Awareness: A critical point for figure skaters: do not hit your toepick to stop. The toepick is designed for jumps and spins, and using it for stopping can cause you to trip and fall dangerously.
Step-by-Step Stopping Techniques
Let's break down the common stops:
1. The Snowplow Stop (Wedge Stop)
The snowplow stop is typically the first stop learned and is excellent for beginners. It involves pushing both feet out to create a wedge shape.
- Execution:
- Start Gliding: Begin by gliding forward at a slow, controlled speed.
- Bend Knees: Keep your knees deeply bent for stability.
- Wedge Shape: Slowly push both heels outwards, turning your toes inwards, forming a "V" shape with your skates. Your knees should remain bent and slightly knocked together.
- Apply Pressure: As you push your heels out, press down firmly on the inside edges of both skates into the ice. This action will create snow as your blades dig in and slow you down. Focus on pressing through the ball of your foot.
- Stop: Continue to push out and press down until you come to a complete stop.
2. The T-Stop
The T-stop is a more elegant and often preferred stop as you gain more control. It uses one foot to drag behind the other in a "T" shape.
- Execution:
- Gliding Leg: Glide forward on one foot (your gliding leg), keeping a slight bend in the knee.
- Stopping Leg: Bring your other foot (your stopping leg) behind the gliding foot, placing it perpendicular to the gliding foot, forming a "T" shape.
- Apply Pressure: With your stopping foot, gently place the inner edge of the blade onto the ice, pressing down firmly. Ensure you are pressing on the ball of your foot to avoid hitting the toepick.
- Drag and Stop: Allow the stopping blade to drag along the ice, creating friction and slowing you down. Control the amount of pressure to regulate your stop.
- Maintain Balance: Keep your weight primarily over your gliding leg, using your arms for gentle balance.
3. The Hockey Stop (Basic)
A two-foot parallel stop, often a precursor to a full hockey stop, involves turning both feet sideways simultaneously. This is an advanced technique requiring significant edge control.
- Execution:
- Gliding: Glide forward with good speed.
- Turn Sideways: In one fluid motion, turn your hips and shoulders perpendicular to your direction of travel, simultaneously bringing both feet parallel to each other and perpendicular to your original direction.
- Dig Edges: As you turn, strongly dig the inner edges of both skates into the ice, pressing down with the balls of your feet to shave snow and stop.
- Knees Bent: Keep your knees deeply bent and absorb the momentum.
Tips for Success and Common Mistakes
| What to Do | What to Avoid |
|---|---|
| Bend Knees for stability. | Stiff legs or "crazy arms." |
| Press Down firmly on the ice. | Not pressing down enough to create friction. |
| Focus on the ball of your foot. | Hitting your toepick – this is dangerous! |
| Use inner edges for stops. | Trying to stop with flat blades or outer edges. |
| Practice at slow speeds initially. | Attempting advanced stops before mastering the basics. |
| Use arms for gentle balance. | Wild arm movements that destabilize you. |
| Keep your core engaged. | Leaning too far forward or backward. |
Practice Makes Perfect
Learning to stop takes time and practice. Start on a less crowded part of the rink, focus on one technique at a time, and gradually increase your speed as you gain confidence. Remember to wear appropriate safety gear, especially if you are a beginner. For further guidance and visual demonstrations, many online resources, such as those from Ice Skating Institute or US Figure Skating, can provide valuable tips.
