It's a strange sensation trying to walk with skating boots on for the first time - even before you get on the ice. Lace them tight to give you maximum support then off you go!

Basic Manoeuvres

Moving forward
When you are ready, push forward gently first with one foot then the other. Don't try to lift your foot up too high. Use your arms to help you balance. Look where you are going.

Stopping
Look at the place on the rink wall where you want to stop and as you get there, slow down (stop pushing) and bring your feet towards each other in a V-shape (toes together).

Gliding
Move forward as before but push a little harder so that you travel further on each foot.

To skate backwards simply reverse these moves, but don't try skating backwards until you are confident moving forwards.
(Have you noticed that skaters in competition, skate backwards more than forwards?)

Turning
The blades on the bottom of your boots have inside and outside edges that make it easy for you to turn. To make a simple a turn as you move around the rink, place your feet down in the direction of the turn as you move forward.

A cross-over turn is more difficult. If you are making a left-hand turn push forward with your left foot on the outside edge, cross your right foot over your left and push forward on your inside edge, then bring your left foot from behind your right and push forwards on your left. It takes practise but it makes turning smoother and sharper. Reverse this process to make a right-hand turn.

Jumps
A simple jump is a hop from one foot to the next. Your body is lifted slightly as you jump.

You can practise most of these simple manoeuvres during a fun session at any rink. If you want to develop some more advanced skills, then it is worthwhile considering a course of lessons.

Going further

Recreational Tests
If you only have a few hours a week to practise, NISA (The National Ice Skating Association) has introduced a new series of Recreational Skating Tests that you can take. They are currently available in Ice Dance and are to be introduced for Free Skating, Field Moves, Hockey and Speed.

Providing you reach the required standard you can take either type of test.

Specialising in one type of skating
All skaters have started by 'learning the basics' before specialising in their particular sport. Your skating teacher will advise you where to go if you want to specialise in any of the ice sport areas.

What do each of the sports demand of the skater?
Ice Hockey players concentrate on speed, manoeuvrability and quick turns. Their game requires a high degree of stamina, strength and fitness. It is one of the fastest moving team games.

Speed skaters work on speed, strength, fitness and technique. It's a very technical sport and at the top level a psychologically demanding sport as skaters race against the 'best time' rather than alongside other competitors.

Figure skating looks effortless as skaters gracefully move around the rink, yet it too demands high levels of fitness and stamina. It also requires a good deal of strength and agility to manage the difficult jumps, spins and lifts that are required elements of the skating programmes.

[See About Skating for brief descriptions of each of these ice-skating sports]

Safety

• Wear gloves to protect you hands if you fall
• Don't wear anything that trails on the ground, eg. scarves, skirts, loose trousers
• Tie your boots tight and tuck in any trailing laces
• Don't try to skate too quickly, especially if the rink is busy
• Don't deliberately weave in and out of other skaters
• Wear layers of clothes to keep you warm - you can always take off a layer as you get warm.
• Don't form long chains of people on the ice. If one person falls, it could bring everyone down and cause problems for those in the chain and other skaters
• Keep moving, one way round only
• Be aware of others on the ice and treat them with respect