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SKATING TECHNIQUE

In the long run, it is SKATING TECHNIQUE that makes the biggest difference in speed. Through this route to faster skating one learns how to increase skating efficiency -and consequently to do less work to maintain a given speed. The skating stride is a very complex movement. Proper skating technique involves (but is certainly not limited to) the following:

• perfecting the weight transfer (so that the pushing leg has the full weight of the body behind it and so that there is a distinct resting phase within each cycle.

• skating with bent knees (skating lower) in order to extend the push phase.

• minimizing non-productive movements such as up and down body motion and arm swinging.

• Pushing off with the back wheels of the skate (pushing with the heel) rather that the front wheel (as most skaters tend to do).

As well, drafting other skaters is a legitimate way to go faster.

For most people, it takes years to develop decent skating technique –especially if they do not start speed skating at an early age. I have been working at improving my technique for 8 years and even though I have read “the book”, joined a speedskating club and done some clinics I still have a long way go before anyone (who knows much about speed skating) would say that my technique is good.

“The book” on inline speedskating was written by Canadian Barry Publow and is titled "Speed on Skates". But reading the book is not enough. In the end, it is necessary to get proper coaching. This can be done in several ways:

• Joining a skating club like the Toronto Inline Skating Club (TISC) is a good way to get coaching a very low cost. More information about TISC is available at http://www.torontoinlinespeed.com/

• Speedskating clinics are sometimes available from individuals like Barry Publow and Eddie Matsger.

• Private lessons from knowledgeable speedskaters like Peter Doucet or Stephen Fisher. There are links to both of their websites on my links page.

• Training with a short track (or long track) ice speed skating club in the winter. Most skills learned on the ice can be applied to inline.

THE DOUBLE PUSH

This is an advanced inline skating technique which for some skaters can add significantly to speed or power. What it boils down to is making a significant push inwards (using the outside edge of the wheels) before making the traditional outward push with the inside edge. This technique comes easily to some skaters and not at all to others.

Here is a link to a video in which Chad Hedrick is doing a double push:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mPkMaCzwKoI

Here is another fascinating video demonstration of this technique: http://www.rollertv.com/roller/accueil.php?NUM=109&&ACTION=VIDEOS&&TRACE=Videos Watch the video of the male skater. He does the double push much better than the girl. Barry Bublow's book describes this technique quite well.