Info & Tips

Figure skating jumps are an important part of the sport, whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro.

For the beginner, nailing the first jump is the ultimate experience that you’ll be happy to repeat over and over again until it becomes second nature.

For the seasoned pro, jump combinations must be mastered to beat out the competition and advance to the podium.

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Ace Every Jump With Your Own Home Practice Rink By PolyGlide Ice !

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Every skating element (or skill), from takeoff to landing and body position, needs to be studied and practiced in painstaking detail both on and off the ice.

Jumps form an essential element of competitive figure skating that requires great height and distance (along with other jump elements) to "nail it!".

Figure skating jumps for both male and female skaters all look the same to the untrained eye but as you'll soon see, each have different variations.

In fact, there are multiple jumps that competitive figure skaters must master to become elite skaters like Alexandra Trusova and  Yuzuru Hanyu.

From individual jumps to quintuple jumps it all starts with learning the basics to ensure a clean program and maximizing your athletic prowess.

These jump combinations are then incorporated into the skater’s routine, with revolutions (turns in the air) added to increase their difficulty all the way to quadruple jumps.

To get yourself to that level, start by mastering the following figure skating jumps.

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First, Figure Skating Jumps Explained

While ice skating by itself may seem simple, jumping in ice skates is a whole different story.

To become "standouts", figure skaters push the boundaries of skating by incorporating basic jumps that can take quite some time to learn before performing a jump in competition.

These intricate jumps and routines you now see on TV during the Olympics are actually less than 80 years old but are what make the sport so fun to watch.

Here's the breakdown on jumps:

• The setup (your body, feet, and arm positions)
• The takeoff
• The jump (the actual time in the air)
• The spin
• and the landing.

Before executing a jump, you’ll have to learn the basics after becoming skilled at skating.

Beginners first learn a bunny hop, a non-rotational jump that gets them accustomed to leaping off the ice in their skates from one leg and landing on the opposite one.

Next comes the Waltz jump, which involves a half-rotation and will help lead you into all the other jumps once you master it.

From there, there are six recognized jumps in figure skating you'll need to achieve after mastering the Waltz jump:

• The Salchow
• The Loop
• The Flip
• The Lutz
• The Axel

Jumps in figure skating are named after the skaters who originally invented or pioneered them since their inception.

These types of jumps are now expected in competitions. shows and events throughout the world.

After mastering these techniques, the skater increases the difficulty by adding revolutions in the jump phase ( for instance, a double, triple, or the rare and sometimes controversial quadruple jump! ).

Along with spins, twists, and jump combinations, jumps help create a routine that a panel of judges will score based on technique, difficulty, and creativity.

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Edge vs. Toe Jumps

There are two different categories of common jumps figure skaters will learn.

1. Edge Jumps

Every ice skating blade has two edges on each side of a tiny "radius of hollow."

The jumps generate power from the outside or inside takeoff edge of the skate to lift the skater off the ice to perform a rotation.

2. Toe Jumps

The skater uses the toe pick (the serrated tip of the figure skate blade) to help them launch (jump) into a rotation.

The skater still uses an edge to take off, but by tapping the toe pick into the ice just before the jump, the skater creates a lever to propel the body, which helps gain elevation in the jump.

Except for an Axel, figure skaters start from a backward position using an inside or outside edge.

Factors like which foot (left or right) or edge (inside or outside) the skater lands on determine the type of jump.

How Long Does it Take to Learn Figure Skating Jumps?

It’s important to note that jumping is not for beginners.

If done incorrectly, ice skating jumps could result in an injury and be prepared to do a lot of falling.

It can take several years of consistent skating and training before you move on to jumps.

Most Olympic skaters start training at a very young age and before long move on to more difficult jumps like loops, flips, and axels.

When starting out, understand that jumps can take at least 6-12 months of consistent work so it's important to be patient.

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It's important to learn a jump until you feel completely comfortable BEFORE adding any rotations.

Then, as the rotations increase... so does the difficulty!

The "learning timeline" depends on several factors, including the skater’s age (older skaters tend to take longer to learn a jump), training regimen, natural ability, coaching, and willingness to fail until it stick!.

The Toe Loop

Origin: The toe loop is one of the easier jumps to learn, created in the early 1920s by Bruce Mapes.

As the name implies, this is a toe jump, where you’ll use the toe pick to help you leap off the ice.

Typically, skaters will try to learn this jump along with the Salchow after the Waltz jump has been perfected and they feel comfortable.

Note: You’ll start and land on the same back outside edge.

The ease of this move makes it perfect to combine with other advanced jumps when entering a competition so let's get started!

How Do You Perform a Toe Loop?

First off, It helps to build momentum going into the jump by "setting up" with an inside three-turn, outside three-turn, or mohawk.

You can also perform this jump in a clockwise or counterclockwise position.

To perform the toe loop:

• Ge into your checked position, traveling backward on the right foot. The left foot is bent slightly but extended behind the left leg in a coss position (similar to Salchow).
• You should be on your right back outside edge with the left toe pick pointed downward, ready to drive into the ice.
• The left arm should be in front and the right arm behind in an ‘L’ position (this position will flip if you’re skating on the left foot).
• The right foot then draws toward the back foot, which then crosses over (to the left side of the left foot) to create the energy necessary for the jump.
• Take the hips, upper body, and arms with the draw to build that momentum. The back arm should draw to meet the other arm. As the body rotates, the arms should also be tucked into the torso.
• Next, bend the skating knee and take off from the right toe pick using that momentum you’ve generated, making a full rotation.
• Finally, land on the right foot on a back outside edge and checkout with the arms extended to maintain your balance.

Mastering the Jump

Make sure to practice working on your back outside edge so you’re comfortable with taking off and landing on your edges.

Practice maintaining a strong core and moving your torso while training both on and off the ice.

(Other terms for the toe loop jump: double toe loop, triple toe loop, quadruple toe loop)

The Salchow

Origin: The first men’s figure skating champion, Ulrich Salchow, invented this jump around 1909.

It’s an edge jump that can be done clockwise or counterclockwise.

The Salchow takes off from the back inside edge of one foot and lands on the back outside edge of the other.

Note: It’s a ¾ rotation jump since ¼ of the rotation starts before lift-off.

US and Olympic champion Nathan Chen once pulled off a quadruple Salchow, Lutz, flip jump, and toe jump in the same routine at the age of 17.

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How Do You Do a Salchow?

You have to enter the Salchow from a three-turn, mohawk, or even a backward crossover.

A forward outside edge three-turn is one of the best setups, with long turns and a strong, tall torso.

Another option to consider is a forward inside-edge mohawk.

Let's get started:

• At the end of the turn in the checked position, swing the extended free leg around to the front, then away from the body. The arms should be extended to form a ‘T’ (left arm over the left knee and right arm extended away over the right leg.
• It’s important that you lead with the heel and not the toe to help generate momentum. Leading with the heel also differentiates the Salchow from a Waltz.
• Hooking that leg and bringing the arm over completes ¼ of the rotation on the ice.
• Take off from the standing leg on the inside edge, rotate, then land on the outside edge of the opposite foot. You want to make sure to propel yourself forward, or you will land in the wrong direction.
• Remember, the Salchow is an edge jump so try not to touch the ice.
• Don’t forget to ‘checkout’ on the outside edge of the opposite foot.

Mastering the Jump

The Salchow demands good control and enough speed to get high enough to perform a rotation.

To master the jump, practice your arm placement and speed of your three-turns.

From there, focus on landing without that back foot touching the ice unless you’re trying double or triple Salchow.

Like all jumps, the goal is to master the mechanics of the jump, so not to be confused with another.

(Common Salchow jump terms: double salchow, triple salchow)

The Loop

Origin: Another edge jump, the loop, is also called the Rittberger, named after its inventor, Werner Rittberger.

The toe loop consists of using the toe pick of the opposite leg to help you take off.

Note: With the Loop, there’s no toe assist.

However, like the toe loop, you’ll take off and land with the same foot using the back outside edge of the skate.

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How Do You Perform a Loop?

You can set up the loop as you do most other jumps, with an inside three-turn or a mohawk with a left-back-inside edge.

This sets you up to perform a loop from a backward outside edge.

From there, you’ll do the following:

• If you’re rotating clockwise, use your left-outside edge. For counterclockwise, use your right outside edge.
• Build your momentum to set up the jump using either a three-turn or a mohawk.
• After the three-turn, adopt a slight lean on the right outside edge. Cross the left foot in front of the right, which should still be on the ice (counterclockwise setup).
• Since you don’t have the toe pick assist, adopt a slightly deeper knee bend to generate more energy in the jump. With the body leaning slightly, along with the knee bent, it almost looks like a seated position.
• With the knee bent, lift the left leg while taking off from the right. Generate as much power from the right leg as possible. The right leg makes a sharp, sweeping motion of about 90 degrees to help with takeoff.
• The right shoulders and arms should swing in the direction of the jump. Draw the arms in to help with the rotation.
• In the air, the legs are crossed, which can help with the number of rotations (double or triple loop, for instance).
• Land on the same back outside edge and check out with the arms spread and the left leg extended.

Mastering the Loop

Practice performing the sweeping motion with the leg, shoulders, and arms. That’s synonymous with the loop.

This is especially important if you’re aiming for double or triple toe loops.

More importantly, practice the sweeping motion of the standing leg between 90-120 degrees.

Being that you don’t have the toe pick assist, this motion generates the power necessary for the jump as your arms and shoulders won't be enough.

Understand that Toe loop jumps require great knee and hip strength, so focus on strength and plyometric exercises that target these areas.

(Other terms for the loop jump: loop jump, double loop, triple loop, quadruple loop) 

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The Flip

Origin: The flip has been around for decades, but its actual origin has been hard to pinpoint.

However, it’s a versatile jump with moderate difficulty that you can add to your "jumping arsenal".

Note: Flips take off from a backward inside edge and land on the outside edge of the opposite foot.

It’s also assisted by the toe pick and can sometimes be confused with the Salchow so be sure to polish the fine elements of the jump.

How do you do a flip?

You can try the flip once you have a handle on the single Loop and Salchow.

Like almost all other turns, the flip requires momentum and happens from a backward position, so you can build up to the flip using an outside three-turn or a mohawk.

Advanced skaters sometimes do a backward three-turn into a mohawk before going into the flip.

Here are some steps to perform the move:

• As you’re moving backward, extend your dominant leg behind you. This is your toe pick assist leg. (for instance, your right leg), and leave your skating leg slightly bent. The goal is to make as straight a line as possible and not cross the legs as in other jumps. Bend your back forward slightly.
• Your dominant arm should be in front of you and the other arm behind you, almost in an ‘L’ position.
• Reaching your extended leg as far back as possible, gently drive the toe pick into the ice. Keep your back bent forward slightly to not transfer all the energy to your back foot.
• Glide the standing foot around using an inside edge, then flick it up.
• Take off with that foot with the knee bent.
• Pull your arms down, and as you’re turning. When you’re jumping, the arms switch positions in one fluid movement. At full speed, the change in arms provides the initial momentum. While you’re in the air, tuck in your arms during the full rotation.
• Land on the opposite foot in the checkout position with your arms and trailing leg extended.

How to Master the Flip

Note: It helps to practice the leg movements holding onto the rink walls.

Make sure you have the front and back legs in the right position, and practice gliding that standing leg around and flicking it up, using the toe-pick to help you off the ice.

You can also try the flip by landing on two feet before you move on to one foot.

(Other terms for the flip jump: double flip, triple flip, quadruple flip)

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The Lutz

Origin: Austrian figure skater Alois Lutz first performed the Lutz in a competition in 1913.

This jump is a toe pick-assisted jump similar to the flip, which we will get to later.

Note: Use the outside edge from a backward position, landing on the outside edge of the opposite foot.

The Lutz is considered the second most difficult jump to perform, requiring constant practice.

As you master the single Lutz, you can add rotations which will increase the score in the competition.

American Brandon Mroz performed the first recorded quadruple Lutz in 2011.

How Do You Do the Lutz?

It’s crucial that you master taking off and landing on the correct edge.

While the untrained eye cannot tell the difference, in competition, it will be considered an edge change, or you may be heavily penalized.

You’ll need to build some momentum heading backward with your hands spread wide with palms facing inside.

Some skaters use crossovers, but a glide may work as well.

Now it’s time for the jump:

• To get into position, drop your hands, then switch to form a ‘T’ with the body. The left arm should be in front of you with the right hand behind you.
• Tuck your right leg behind you with the toe pick into the ice, knee slightly bent while looking over your shoulder.
• Lean the left skate to the outside edge. Do so by keeping a strong core and an upright, tall posture. Try to avoid leaning too far forward or backward. Lean slightly to the outside edge
• Now stretch the right leg back to form a cross with the left leg. Tap that right toe pick to give the body leverage, then take off from the outside edge of the left leg while rotating the upper half of the body.
• The upper body and arms play a crucial role in the jump. Lifting the upper torso and head in an upward diagonal position provides more energy and control. The left arm is quickly tucked into the chest while the right arm is thrust forward and into the body to generate the rotation.
• When you make the rotation, you land and ‘checkout’ on the outside edge of the right foot.

Mastering the Jump

Note that some skaters prefer to do this jump from their dominant left foot.

The instructions are the same, but the legs and positioning are reversed.

The goal is to master achieving a proper outside edge first.

Elite coaches will spend time practicing the outside edge before learning the Lutz.

Additionally, extend your leg as far back as possible before tapping the toe to prevent dispersing the energy into the ice.

The Axel

Origin: This jump dates as far back as 1882, when first performed by  Norwegian figure skater Axel Paulsen.

The Axel jump is arguably the most popular jump because of its high level of difficulty as it uses a forward takeoff - the only jump to do so.

Note: Mastering the axel and adding multiple rotations unlocks the peak of a skater’s powers.

A quadruple axel was avoided in competition until recently achieved by 17-year-old Ilia Manilin.

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How Do You Do an Axel?

You’ll need to jump forward and rotate about 1 ½ times (between the ground and air), which can be scary for some.

As a requirement, you should already have a grasp of the other five jumps mentioned here.

The axel is an edge jump, so you must have your forward outside and back outside edge mastered.

Here are some of the steps for your axel:

• If you’re taking off clockwise, the axel starts from the left outside edge and lands on the right outside edge and a backward position. Do the opposite for a counterclockwise jump.
• Build your momentum by skating forward to get into position. Approach the jump with your right outside edge. Bend your knee and extend your trailing leg back as far as possible.
• Extend your arms as far back as possible, then swing the trailing leg, arms and shoulders forward as you explode off the skating leg.
• In the air, quickly draw in your arms, almost like wings, cross the legs and rotate 1 ½ times in the air.
• Land in a backward position on the opposite foot, using the outside edge.
• Perform a check out extending the arms and the opposite leg. It can take some time to stick your landing but keep trying until you can do it. Over time, you’ll be able to generate more power so you can perform a double or triple axel.

Mastering the Jump

What makes the axle so difficult is that it requires an equal amount of speed uncontrol.

Too much speed leads to falls, and insufficient speed means you will not complete your rotation.

Combining the Waltz and loop jumps can help you get accustomed to mechanics.

Most coaches recommend learning the steps from a standstill position first before adding speed.

You’ll need to work on the Waltz/loop combo, your outside edge work, and your back scratch spin, as each of these moves plays a role in the final result.

Mastering the axel also requires a strong mindset.

You have to believe you can land it, as you’ll have lots of falls and failures.

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Why Do You Need to Master These Figure Skating Jumps?

If you’re figure skating for fun, jumps are not a requirement.

However, mastering your jump sequence increases your skill level.

It’s through trying, failing, learning, and finally succeeding that you also build strength, resilience, and confidence.

If being a competitive or professional figure skater is your goal, mastering these jumps is non-negotiable.

Figure skating is a fierce, competitive sport, with new skaters pushing the boundaries every year so mastering your jump elements is essential.

You can then add doubles and triples to your jumps to create a solid routine and get an edge on the competition.

How San You Improve Your Jumps?

Learning your jumps is just the start.

The feeling you get when you land one for the first time is indescribable, yet that’s just the beginning.

The hard part is to constantly improve your technique, which can take years.

You can do a few things to narrow the gap and improve your jumps in a shorter window.

1. Don’t Forget Those Arms.

It’s common to think that all you need to pull off jumps are powerful legs.

However, mastering figure skating jumps requires your entire body, and the arms are no exception.

Spreading your arms wide and making tucking them in at the right moment helps you to turn in the right direction and generate more energy.

It’s not uncommon for skaters to use resistance bands to strengthen their arms, which helps execute double, triple jumps, and possibly even quadruple jumps in the future.

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2. Practice Your Posture and Rotations (On and Off the Ice)

Figure skating jumps can be broken down into multiple stages.

Nailing your jumps requires you to adopt the right body position at every stage.

Spend time practicing just one part of the jump, both on and off the ice.

This includes upper body positioning, knee and leg position inside and outside edges, and arms.

Record yourself at home using your smartphone so you can break down the film with your coach.

Recording yourself also helps you identify and correct mistakes.

There are also tools you can use, like slide boards, spinners, and balance bills which can help you master your posture without applying pressure or force to your joints.

3. Try These Off-Ice Exercises

Strength and conditioning take your jumps to the next level.

This is why figure skaters have a detailed exercise program off the ice.

Even if you don’t have a strength coach, here are some helpful off-ice exercises:

• Plyometric jumping exercises will be your best friend. Depth jumps, broad jumps, and box jumps lengthen the muscles and help you generate more power by training you to press through your ankles and feet when taking off for a jump.
• Weighted squats, calf raises, leg raises, and leg lifts build muscle, helping you get airborne while protecting your ligaments and bones when landing.
• Don’t skip your rope work. Jump rope is excellent for figure skating as it improves stamina, jump height and power. Furthermore, incorporating moves like double-unders can significantly enhance your double moves like Double Axels.
• Stretching, especially before and after exercise, helps improve your flexibility and reduces the chances of injury. Stretching also helps you with nailing your technique. Invest in training or equipment to help you

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4. Consider At-Home Synthetic Ice

Sometimes you need to practice your figure skating jumps on ice, but you can’t get to a practice rink.

In that case, you can try a synthetic ice rink.

PolyGlide Ice is made of a special infused polyethylene you can skate on with your metal blades.

Each panel can connect like puzzle pieces, making the rink scalable and, in some cases, portable.

Here are a few to choose from:

• Portable Rinks (Synthetic Ice Tiles)
• Dedicated (Synthetic Ice Panels)

With synthetic ice, you can create your own mini-rink in your backyard, driveway, garage, or spare room.

You can then spend time practicing specific jumps or turns in the off-season, making you much more prepared for the real ice.

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5. Practice, Practice, Practice (Followed by Rest)

Jumps are difficult to master as they often go against what your body naturally wants to do.

Therefore, only through practice can you achieve mastery.

There should be time scheduled to practice your jumps, especially if you’re doing combinations or advanced jumps with multiple rotations.

While practice is key, rest is equally important.

Proper rest helps you avoid injury and takes the stress off of nailing every jump.

Conclusion

Learning jumps is an exciting part of figure skating that allows you to compete at a high level.

You can create combinations or add rotations once you master the basics in a single jump.

Becoming a pro almost feels like a full-time job and you’ll need time with coaches to correct your mechanics as you continue to train.

You'll need to allocate some time to work on the routines and get in some off-ice conditioning exercises as well.

As an up-and-coming competitive skater, the six jumps mentioned above are your priority.

Try your best to learn them in order of difficulty, and you'll start to notice one builds on the other.

Above all, be patient, yet have fun!

Never lose that joy!

As we all know..... ice skating is an exhilarating experience.

In due time, you’ll take flight, mastering the figure skating jumps and becoming the competitive skater you’ve always dreamed of becoming!

 So keep on Skating! .....(and Jumping!! ;-)

 

 

If you watch the NHL on TV or in person, you know how tactical, competitive, and exhilarating ice hockey can be. 

From time to time, you may have thought to learn to play hockey yourself.

Perhaps you have children who have expressed an interest in playing the sport, or you want to introduce them to a childhood pastime of yours.

Whatever the reason, learning the game of hockey is an exciting challenge and skating experience.

For many present or future ice hockey enthusiasts, there is the problem of finding rink rinks to practice.  

Some rinks take hours to get to and in some areas, rinks may be closed during the off-season.

Yes, you need ice to compete, build your skill level and perhaps join a hockey program.

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 Try Our At Home Synthetic Ice In Your Own Garage, Back Yard, Deck or Basement.

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But do you need it to learn the basic skills of the sport?

Yes and no.

To become a pro or even someone with high competence, you’ll need to spend your fair share of time competing on the ice.

However, if you want to learn the basics, you can do so without a natural ice rink. 

Let’s break down the steps you can take to get ice hockey ready and compete with friends or like-minded players quickly. 

Is it difficult to learn?

Ice hockey is hard to learn and harder to master.

On this ESPN list of difficult sports skills, hockey is only #2 to boxing.

That’s fair.

The guts it takes to step in a square and get your bell rung borders on insanity. 

The fundamental skills, dexterity, and tenacity you build as a hockey player are unmatched. 

No wonder it's #2.

Hockey requires you to stay upright on hard skates while holding an extension of your limb to chase and shoot a small puck.

All while trying not to get bodychecked in the process. 

The game has become safer, but there’s still a high level of skill, tactics, and luck involved.

It can take hundreds, even thousands of hours, to fully become a pro.

However, with consistent effort, the sport becomes easier to understand, and you learn to play hockey in short order.

Are you too young/old to learn ice hockey?

Age is just a number for many things.

For instance, you can learn to play golf (way down at 52 on the list BTW) or bowling at just about any reasonable age.

Kids commonly get introduced to the sport around 5 or 6 years old.

However, as kids are evolving, they need to work on playing safely and efficiently. 

Adults can pick up the sport at any time as long as they are a clean bill of health. 

We won’t recommend 60 and over due to the physicality of the sport and the potential of triggering underlying issues like rheumatoid arthritis, hip replacement, and osteoporosis.

If you or your kids are interested and you are physically healthy, why not go for it?

8 Steps to learn to play hockey (like a pro) without ice

If you have no ice, where should you start?

You can still learn to play by improvising on exercises that do not require ice.

Once you focus on the fundamentals and practices, you can become exceptional at hockey in a short time. 

These are 8 steps you should take to learn to play with the pros without the need to go to the ice every day. 

1. Earmark time to learn and play hockey

Learning ice hockey skills is all about practice and consistency.

If you’re learning without ice, you’re at a slight disadvantage from those learning at the rink. 

They’ll get more experience skating, shooting, and drills on ice and in similar conditions to an actual game. 

It’s essential, however, to get clear on when you’ll be practicing and what you’ll be practicing. 

We recommend at least 4-6 hours a week or about 45 minutes to 1.5-hour sessions a few times each week.

Building the habit is what will make the process and progress enjoyable. 

If you have kids, you’ll want to schedule time for a coach or to do drills at home.

Once they know that hockey happens on the weekends, for instance, they’ll be more interested and excited. 

2. Learn the rules of hockey

Your next step is to understand the basics of the game. 

The goal of ice hockey is to outscore your opponent before time expires (three 20-minute time frames and overtime, if necessary).

There are 6 players on each side; Your goalie, defensemen, wings, and center. 

You need to know several rules and jargon about where the puck can be, where players can be, and other nuances of the game.

You can use YouTube channels to get you up to date with hockey rules. 

Watch these videos for at least 10 sessions to fully understand the rules by heart. 

Here are some suggestions:

THE RULES OF ICE HOCKEY

  

 

BASIC HOCKEY POSITIONING

 

3. Gather your materials

While you’re learning the basics and strategies on YouTube University, it’s time to get the items you’ll need to turn that practice into action.

We’ll break this down into ‘off-ice' and ‘on-ice' equipment:

Off-ice Equipment

• Ice hockey stick (Size will determine by your height in skates and your future position). For now, look for a stick that’s 1-2 inches below or above the chin. Shorter sticks may be better for stick handling.
• Hockey pucks (aka biscuits)
• A pro goal and net. These are inexpensive on Amazon.
• Hockey gloves
• Shooting pad - These are small pads made of High-Density Polyethylene. The pads come infused with a slip agent to give you a feel like the actual ice. 

On-ice Hockey Equipment

• Ice skates – Buying ice skates is an integral part of hockey. The skater must feel confident and comfortable in the boot. Read this guide to choose your skates, as these should be hockey skates, not recreational or figure skates.
• Hockey Helmet
• Pads – You'll need shin guards, Hockey pants, shoulder pads, elbow pads, and eventually neck guards.
• Mouth guard – Prevent bad jibs from collisions and falls
• Clothing - shorts and hockey t-shirt

The off-ice equipment is enough to get started without ice. When your confidence and skills grow, you’ll want to have your on-ice equipment ready to go. 

4. Get comfortable skating (without the stick)

The best hockey players are the best ice skaters.

If you can’t ice skate, you’ll need to spend the beginning of your journey getting up to speed.

It would help to visit an ice rink weekly to learn how to skate. 

There are also some ways you can learn how to ice skate without ice, like slide boards, so mix up on-ice with off-ice practice. 

Your goal is to build balance, strength, and control with your skates. 

If you don’t have access to ice skates or an ice rink, inline skates can help develop the fundamentals of ice skating. 

5. Practice stick handling skills and shooting

Between your skating practices stick-handling is the next important step..

Your hockey stick becomes an extension of your arms.

An important part of learning hockey is using the stick to control the puck, 

Set up cones and other obstacles to help you navigate the right spaces.

The more you practice, the easier it gets. 

Place the shooting pad near the goal pad and jump into handling the puck and shooting. 

Here are some off-ice shooting and stick-handling drills

15 HOCKEY SHOOTING DRILLS (PERFECT FOR AT HOME) 🏒

How Connor McDavid Trains - Stickhandling Drills

6. Work on your strength and endurance

Ice hockey is an intense game that requires intelligence but also strength and endurance.

As part of learning, you’ll want to improve your body and basic skating skills. 

Earmark some time to work on exercises like shuttles, squats, lunges, and burpees. 

Spending time on an exercise bike, treadmill, or jogging improves your cardiovascular capacity, allowing you to skate faster for longer. 

You don’t want to be gassed 10 minutes into a game!

7. Find “pick up” games or join a club

So you’ve spent some time on your shooting pad working on your stick skills.

And you’ve spent time skating with your inline skates.

Now it’s time to take things up a notch.

Look for pickup games or a hockey club near you to test your skills.

Think about taking a hockey class to further advance your skills.

If you or your kid have been learning to skate and practicing your drills, everything will come together.  

These games will provide a lot of information on your strengths and weaknesses and your preferred position. 

You’ll also build community and get a gauge for if ice hockey is something you’d like to pursue long-term.

8. Invest in a home synthetic ice rink

After a few months of practice, if you want to continue on your trajectory, you’ll need a space to practice consistently.

It’s an excellent time to think about creating an at-home ice rink to get in some additional ice time.

There are options around the winter.

However, a synthetic ice rink is the easiest, most cost-effective way to set up a rink at home.

Synthetic ice rinks are tiles or panels made of the same materials as the shooting pad.

The ultra-dense, infused polyethylene material allows you to use your ice skates as you would on natural ice.

These connect like puzzle pieces to cover a particular square foot, depending on how many you get.

Measure a flat surface area, get the panels, and rink walls, install them, and keep practicing!

Invite friends and neighbors for some friendly competition so you or your child can remain sharp. 

Keep learning and investing in both off-ice and on-ice training.

Hiring a coach or joining a club should be the next step.

Conclusion

Ice hockey is a difficult sport to learn for first-time players, but it’s lots of fun.

It's great for physical fitness and builds leadership behaviors for kids and is good for overall mental health.

Through a natural progression, you can learn to play hockey without large ice rinks.

Start with getting the basic skills of skating like many beginner hockey players.

Then build strength and endurance while improving your skills on synthetic ice or shooting pads.

When you’re ready, join pick-up games or start competing.

Kids can also join leagues at their respective levels, fast-tracking their time to becoming pro.

We’ve been a part of ice skating and hockey for years, and we always remember to enjoy the process and have fun.

You should too!

 

 

Hockey is one of the few sports that maximizes the capabilities of the human body.

It requires strength, speed, dexterity, power, and intelligence.

 

To achieve that, you need the best equipment possible.

 

Undoubtedly, hockey skates is the most important tool for a hockey player.

 

Skates must be built for comfort and high performance, so finding the best hockey skates is crucial.

 

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Our Top Picks

Best Beginner Hockey Skates
Tour TR-750 Hockey Skate

Best Beginner Hockey Skates
Botas Draft 281 Hockey Skates

At the same time, hockey skates are also the most expensive piece of equipment you will buy.

The skates your favorite NHL forward wears, like the Bauer Vapor 2x Pro, can retail at $1000.

Customizable skates can cost much more.

If you’re a beginner player, or your kids are moving up in rank, this could be way outside your budget.

A common question asked by our synthetic ice customers is, “ What skates should we buy?”

That’s why we put together this short list of the 10 best hockey skates under $200.

At $200 - and just below (or above) - you can find a low-to-mid-tier skate that can provide an excellent fit, comfort, and protection.

These are also beginner skates, perfect for recreational players or those just getting into hockey.

When it’s time to upgrade, you (or your child) will have a feel for the fit and performance.

So it will be easier to transition to a pro-level skate.

When it comes to hockey skates, there are a few brands that you can trust for their experience and quality:

• Bauer
• CCM
• Graf
• Botas
• True

Some of these brands start well beyond our $200 ceiling, so you won’t see them on this list (we’re looking at you, True).

However, that does not mean they aren’t exceptional skates. 

Our mission is to keep coins in our pockets and excellent skates on our feet.

So, without further ado, consider one of these 10 hockey skates to help you crush it on the ice.

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Here Are Our Picks For The 10 Best Hockey Skates Under $200

These skates are perfect for any ice surface (natural or synthetic) and are often available in all sizes.

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Best Beginner Hockey Skate

Tour Tr-750 Hockey Skate 

 

Starting off the list is the Tour TR-750

The Tour skates are relatively unknown but are growing in popularity.

The Tr-750 are entry-level skates that are available for kids and adults.

The boot has a unique synthetic material with a hard-toe cap for added protection.

The inner lining is soft yet durable, providing the necessary support for hours. 

Key Features (Pros)

• Thick felt tongue to protect the upper foot
• Firm boot with a synthetic outsole that withstands moisture from the ice. 
• Comfortable for recreational skating or casual use

Possible Drawbacks (Cons)

• Synthetic materials can break down faster than other brands. 
• Stainless steel blades that require sharpening right out of the box. This could signify that the blades may not hold their edge over time.
• Sizing may be a challenge. The boot is for unisex adult sizes, but no other sizing chart information. 

Overall, this is a cost-effective entry-level skate that is comfortable and durable. 

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 Botas Draft 281 Hockey Skate

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This Czech-made skate is recommended for intermediate to advanced skaters and is available for kids and adults.

The boot can feel more like a stitched shoe, with two pieces of synthetic plastic that create the boot with a hard plastic toe cap.

Key Features (Pros)

• Botas provides solid ankle support without being too stiff
• A sleek, ergonomic tongue that provides comfort and protection. 
• The added padding around the ankles provides stability without stiffness.
• The boot has a sharp blade made of carbon steel.

Possible Drawbacks (Cons)

• Finding the right size can take time and effort. Make sure to follow sizing instructions. 
• Boot material may be less durable compared to other brands.

What makes Botas so appealing is its price point.

At less than $150 for their skates, you receive a competent entry-level boot while saving your hard-earned money. 

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American Athletic Ice Force Hockey Skate 

American Athletic is one of the best hockey skates at a competitive price.

The skate is great for indoor and outdoor use due to its strong, durable materials.

The light boot has a professional look but can still perform well. 

Key Features (Pros)

• PVC boot which improves speed but still provides durability. 
• A padded microfiber lining helps skaters with comfort while reducing moisture. 
• Unlike most brands, this one provides sizing that’s more true to your shoe size. 

Possible Drawbacks (Cons)

• Skaters with wider feet may struggle with comfort, even though the size guide attempts to correct that issue. 
• Stainless steel blades may need repeated sharpening to hold their edge. 
• The stiff boot can take some time to adjust when on the ice.

AA Ice Force is a highly-rated boot online for less than $80.

Of course, the materials aren’t mind-blowing, but you or your family will get fantastic use out of the skates with the proper care.

 

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Jackson Ultima Softec Sport Recreational Hockey Skate

Founded by world-class skaters, the Jackson brand has been around since the 1960s.

The Softec hockey skate is one of their premier offerings, a patented design that focuses on warmth and comfort without losing durability.

These skates are great for recreational hockey, so you don’t feel restricted by a rugged, rigid boot.

Key Features (Pros)

• Excellent style and colors not seen in hockey skates.
• Waterproof sole to prevent moisture, increasing the lifespan of your skate
• Heat moldable technology designed to keep your feet warm on cold rinks. 

Possible Drawbacks (Cons)

• Some skaters might prefer a stiffer boot. Reduced stability means the boot may take longer to break in.
• The softer material means reduced ankle support. However, there is a velcro strap for additional support.

Jackson provides the right mix of style and comfort.

The thick, warm material makes them ideal for outdoor skating and hockey.

Like most new boots, take some time to break them in and sharpen the blades before skating. 

 

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Botas Attack Men’s Hockey Skates

Another Botas makes this list. The Attack 181 is geared toward beginner and recreational skaters.

These lightweight skates have a hard quarter made of two parts, bringing additional stiffness to protect against pucks and stray sticks.

The plastic toe cap provides support to the front of the foot.

The runner and holder are standard, with the runner needing sharpening immediately to hold its edge. 

Key Features (Pros)

• Side ventilation reduces moisture, allowing you to skate longer. 
• A sleek design, with composite material to protect the foot.

Possible Drawbacks (Cons)

• The boot has comfortable inner padding but does not form to the foot like other models. 

• Blades are only possible to change with help from a professional.

This skate is excellent for testing your skills before upgrading to advanced skates.

You’ll get sufficient speed and durability.

For those with wide feet, the shape may require the boot to be worn with loose lacings. 

 

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TronX Stryker Soft Boot Hockey Skate 

TronX is known for its lacrosse and hockey accessories, but they’ve also ventured into skates with the Stryker hockey skates.

These boots look sleek and sturdy, but they’re soft boots for beginners or recreational skaters.

The soft shell also comes with a large tongue and padded lining, so you feel maximum comfort when you skate.

Key Features (Pros)

• Great entry-level skate at a competitive price. 
• Hard-toe cap for added protection from pucks and sticks.
• Comes with a size guide to help customers find the best fit.
• Blade comes pre-sharpened

Possible Drawbacks (Cons)

• Stainless steel blade may not hold its edge for long. It may need repeated sharpening based on use.
• Soft boots often lack added ankle support most skaters enjoy.

This boot is new to the party. However, the design, fit, and low price point will make it a mainstay. 

 

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Winnwell Amp 300 Hockey Skates 

Canadian-based Winnwell may be the best-kept secret when it comes to hockey equipment.

They provide everything from sticks, helmets, and nets and have recently included hockey skates in their offerings.

The Amp 300 has nylon and PU lining with molded toe cap designed for protection. 

Key Features (Pros)

• The NXT CleanSport technology helps these skates resist mold and moisture, leaving them fresher for longer.
• The comfortable felt tongue provides added protection and stability. 

Possible Drawbacks (Cons)

• Stainless steel runner must be sharpened before use, adding to the overall cost.
• Skate may not hold its edge with heavy use. 

The Amp 300 is available in multiple sizes for seniors and juniors, with the most expensive pair coming in at less than $120 CA ( about $90US).

With a 100% money-back guarantee, you can try these out with confidence. 

 

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CCM Super Tacks 9350 Senior Skates 

Along with Bauer, CCM is arguably the most well-known hockey skating brand.

Adults looking to restart hockey can consider the Super Tacks 9350 skates. CCM has the best hockey skates preferred by professional hockey players.

Even though this boot is less than $150, some of the high-end qualities apply to these tiers. 

Key Features (Pros)

• The 3-D designed quarter focuses on being durable while light, making it one of the faster skates on the market.
• It provides extra stiffness, which is appealing to more advanced skaters.
• The thick ankle foams and large felt tongue focus on comfort and support. 

Possible Drawbacks (Cons)

• The stainless steel runner is unchangeable, so you will spend time and money on sharpening rather than replacing the blade.
• This skate is best for recreational use only. The top of the boot can be uncomfortable in long sessions or excessive use. 

These skates are available for any age and are usable right out of the box.

They also maintain a medium-volume fit, so almost any foot type can use it. 

 

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5th Element Stealth Recreational Hockey Skates 

The 5th Element skates have been around for years and are popular among recreational hockey skaters. You won’t use these to get into a professional game, but they will do the job. They’re great for men and women and fit true to shoe size. This boot is a softer synthetic material, making it easier to break in than others. 

Key Features (Pros)

• The moisture-resistant liner helps with comfort and speed.
• Toe, ankle, and heel supports for more durability
• Usable straight out of the box.

Possible Drawbacks (Cons)

• While it's true to shoe size, the skate does not account for different foot shapes and lengths. Some skaters may struggle with comfort over long skating sessions.
• Stainless steel edge may lose its edge faster depending on the skate’s manufacture timeframe. 

This highly-rated skate brings style and function to recreational skaters. It’s also one of the cheapest on this list. 

 

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Erik Sports Men’s Canadian Hockey Skate 

 

Last on the list is the Canadian R50 skate by Erik Sports.

This skate provides the design and functionality hockey players look for.

The R50 is ideal for beginner to intermediate skaters.

It combines multiple materials for the quarters, including PU and nylon, as well as other synthetic parts.

Key Features (Pros)

• Thick 8mm tongue made of felt material that protects the instep from pucks and sticks.
• Reinforced toe cap and heel for added stability and protection
• Thermoplastic helps keep the feet warm during outdoor skating. 

Possible Drawbacks (Cons)

• Heavier skate can impact speed and agility
• Although there is a contoured toe bed, the boot may not cater to different widths. 
• Targeted to men, no junior or women’s sizes available.

 

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The #1 thing to consider when choosing a hockey skate

If someone told you that size does not matter, they have never worn an ill-fitting hockey skate before.

So your number one priority should not be price, but comfort.

If they don’t fit well, your feet hurt. ...A lot.

Then they swell and hurt even more. 

Finding the right fit can be difficult.

While we all wear the same shoe sizes, our feet take on different shapes.

Hockey skates aim to cater to different feet as balancing on blades for several hours can be uncomfortable.

Each brand has different styles that cater to narrow, normal, or wide feet.

It is recommended that you visit a skate shop first, so you can try on your skate.

If you can’t there are still steps you can take to ensure you have the best skate possible.

Get your skate size

As a rule, skates run big.

Manufactures make skates 1-1.5 sizes larger than your regular pair of sneakers.

In other words, don’t buy the same size as your (or your child’s) shoe as the boot will be too big.

Large skates mean slower skating, falls, and an overall poor experience.

Use the size guides of Bauer, CCM, or your provider of choice to find the right size.

Consider the skate volume

Boot size is the easy part, as that will just determine the length of the skates.

The volume is the total space inside the boot, which is even more important.

Volume takes into consideration the skater’s foot width in relation to its length.

There are several handy videos online to help you trace your size and calculate your volume.

Based on the results, you can find a High, Medium, or Low Volume skate.

Most people fall in the Medium category.

Choose your width

Skates also have additional width measurements which further help performance.

These measurements vary by manufacturer.

For instance, you can get a High volume skate with a more tapered look or a Low volume skate with a wider fit.

Like volume, most skaters choose the Standard fit but you can always adjust as you move onto other skates.

Check your brand of choice for their width measurements.

Your skates should be snug, with your toe just touching the toe cap (with your socks on of course. Make sure to measure your feet with socks).

There should be an inch off space in the back, just enough to place your finger.

Make sure to check your warranty or return policy.

If it’s not feeling quite right, do not hesitate to replace it.  

Skate measurements are fluid.

For instance, Bauer introduced the “1,2,3 Fit system” to simplify what can be a difficult process.

Should I buy hockey skates or recreational skates?

You may be tempted to spend much less on a recreational skate on the shelf at Walmart.

Some can look like hockey skates and are much cheaper.

Recreational skates are great for leisure skating a couple of times per month or just for the winter season.

Hockey skates provide more ankle support and protect the foot from the inevitable bangs and clashes from sticks, pucks, and opponents.

You can skate recreationally with your hockey skates but it’s not recommended you play hockey in your leisure skates.

It’s Time To Skate!

Finding the best hockey skates at a reasonable price can be a challenge.

Luckily, most of the best brands on the market have a tier that can provide excellent performance at a reasonable cost.

They should last at least one year with heavy use on both natural and synthetic ice.

The best ice skates don’t need to break the bank.

Focus on comfort and fit, then performance.

 

Should I learn ice skating as an adult? 

Ice skaters often get bundled into two categories.  

First, you have young children and teens learning the ropes of figure skating and ice hockey. 

Next, you have competitive groups of coaches and professional skaters.

They fight for all of skating glory: Nationals, NHL, Olympics, the list goes on.    

But what about the group in the middle? 

Hundreds of thousands of adults ice skate recreationally and many more are looking to start.  

Why are more adults interested in skating? 

Ice skating for adults has some fantastic benefits, and you should enjoy them whenever you lace up your skates.

One particular benefit is its ability to keep you active and fit.  

If you’re ready to glide towards better health, read on to learn the benefits and ways you can skate with and without ‘ice.’ 

Ice skating benefits 

When you skate for the first time, it can feel a bit unnerving, even for adults. 

At first, you’ll look like a newborn fawn walking on the ice. 

And you will fall—a lot.

Then walking will turn into gliding.

Once you do get the hang of skating, you’ll begin to enjoy these benefits:  

• Ease the stress: Our stress levels are higher than ever. We need different outlets to express ourselves and drop our cortisol levels. Skating takes you to another world thanks to the feel-good endorphins we release on the ice. The more you skate and have fun, the better you feel. You’ll also build up your confidence, which comes from achieving goals and becoming skilled in something you enjoy.

• Explore the different forms of skating: Ice skating is more than moving around the ice on metal blades. There are various disciplines you’ll discover over time. These include speed skating, synchronized skating, dance, and many others. It’s a great form of self-expression. Choose your niche and dive in!

• Build fantastic relationships: Ice skating has been around for over 100 years. Since then, it’s built a deep, passionate community that you now belong to. You’ll meet people from all walks of life and even build special bonds.

• Achieve better balance and flexibility: Ice skating looks easy, but it is one of the more challenging sports to start. It requires you to balance on blades 1-1.5 mm wide and about 20 inches long. When you do get the hang of it, you’ll realize that your overall balance improves, even when you’re not on skates. You can also improve your flexibility as you continue to play around with different moves and forms of skating.

• Low entry barrier: Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, more people have been searching for new sports-related hobbies.

However, some sports like golf, fishing, or rock climbing require significant upfront costs to enjoy or be competitive.

With ice skating, you simply need high-quality skates, skating lessons, and access to an ice rink. 

We recommend you invest in your own skates once you have decided to go all-in.

Visit a skate shop to get the right size for your needs.  

These are fantastic advantages, but the real kicker with ice skating for adults is the exercise and health benefits.  

Is ice skating good exercise for adults? 

Only 19% of American adults participate in exercise or other forms of physical activity.

These low figures are reflected in other statistics like obesity or lifestyle diseases.

A possible reason we don’t exercise is that it could sometimes get boring.

Heading to the gym to do the exact repetition of exercises for years takes more discipline than fun. 

Ice skating is suitable for adults because it does not feel like exercise. 

If you’re ready to glide into better health, read on to learn the benefits and ways you can skate with and without ‘ice.’ 

You get all the health benefits while learning a new skill.  

• Better heart/cardiovascular health: Ice skating can get your heart and lungs beating, even for a short period. Poor cardiovascular health is one of the biggest dangers to American health. Most cases are due to sedentary behaviors (sitting for long hours watching Netflix, for instance). Skating lets you stay active, reduces inflammation, and boosts your heart health.

• Manage your weight: Do you want to boost your calorie burn? Ice skating may be the activity you’ve been looking for. You can burn up to 850 calories per hour of ice skating. Achieving high-calorie burn is one of the best ways to manage your weight.

• Increase your endurance: Skating for an hour can leave you gassed after your first few sessions. Over time, you’ll skate for longer as you’ll build up your stamina and endurance. From age 35, you begin to lose lung capacity, especially if you don’t exercise.

• Get stronger: So, what muscles is ice skating good for? Ice skating is an excellent lower-body exercise. You can work out your glutes, hamstrings, and calves. Staying balanced also engages your back and core. With consistent skating, you will notice a more toned lower body

Ice skating for adults is more than a hobby.

For some, it can be a lifesaving activity.

In addition, the strength and energy you gain from skating pass on to other parts of your life.  

How long does it take an adult to learn how to ice skate? 

Adults of almost any functional age can learn ice skating.

It’s not unheard of for adults in their 50s or 60s to join the skate train! 

It should take the average adult about 4-5 skating sessions with a qualified coach to get the basics of skating, using figure skates or recreational skates first.  

Of course, different factors will speed up or slow down this timeline, including: 

• Your overall fitness levels, agility, and balance
• Private or group coaching
• How much time you missed between sessions.
• How many times you’ve skated between sessions.

You can move on to more advanced moves when you’ve learned the fundamentals of skating – balance, gliding, falling, and so on.  

Becoming an advanced skater can take years of practice, so be patient and don’t forget to have fun. 

In addition, the strength and energy you gain from skating pass on to other parts of your life.  

Can I ice skate at home? 

While ice skating has a low barrier to entry, you still need access to an ice rink to skate consistently.

This can be challenging as some states only have a handful of recreational rinks.

Coaches, hockey teams, and competitive skaters book these rinks, limiting your time on the ice.  

You can wait for more temporary rinks during the holidays, or you can ice skate at home.  

Ice skating at homing is growing rapidly, thanks to synthetic ice.  

Backyard rinks of various sizes are popping up.

People are converting their garages or spare rooms into ice rinks.

Synthetic ice allows you to skate all year without the hassle of scheduling time on a local rink. 

Synthetic ice is a unique, polyethylene surface that mimics natural ice.

These tiles or panels were previously used in commercial spaces but now come in customizable sizes. 

 You can create a large surface for recreational skating, figure skating, or even hockey.

Each tile has sides that connect to give a smooth, functional rink.  

You will barely notice the difference as you glide around with your skates on the tiles (the coefficient of friction is about 10%).

These tiles are infused with a slip agent that allows you to skate seamlessly.  

Synthetic ice is easy to maintain and lasts up to ten years based on use.

For an outdoor rink, you’ll also need rink walls, which can come in handy for the other newbie skaters in your home.

You’ll get an excellent return on your initial investment.  

It’s also perfect for off-ice drills in hockey and figure skating.

If you want to perfect specific skills when you’re not on the ice, a synthetic rink can help.  

Skating at home prepares you for even more fun when it’s time to hit the neighborhood rink.  

Conclusion

As we age, staying active is one of the best things we can do.

Ice skating is a practical yet fun way of achieving it.  

You burn calories, strengthen your body, and improve your cardiovascular health.  

Ice skating for adults can be challenging at first.

Even those who skated as a child and wish to resume as an adult will struggle.  

However, once you get accustomed to the ice, it’s one of the easiest ways to stay healthy.  

Best of all, you’re not limited to ice rinks near you.

You’re not limited to the winter months or even going to another state to skate.

You can keep practicing your skating at any time with an at-home rink.  

Are you ready to get started?

Search for a skating program near you.

There are several online resources that you can use to search for group or individual classes via zip code.

You can also find skating coaches and classes on Instagram or TikTok.

So get your ice skates and head over to your first class! 

At some point, you may be interested in synthetic ice for skating at home.

Our Home Ice Tile Starter Kit will set you up with a 32 sq ft. space to practice your moves.

Then you can expand your rink as you see fit. 

 So lace up your skates and start gliding toward better health!

 

There's no better feeling than lacing up some ice skates and gliding around with friends or competing in ice hockey or figure skating.

Ice skating has been around for over a century, yet less than 5% of Americans still know how to do it.

On a positive note, figure skating is more popular than ever and ice hockey is a great team sport that continues to grow in demand, so more people want to learn how to ice skate today than ever before.

Yet, there seems to be something holding even more people back and it may just be the perceived difficulty. 

The form of ice skating may look like this crazy feat as you see the best in the world figure skating, speed skating, or playing ice hockey. 

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 Learn How To Ice Skate At Home With Your Own PolyGlide Synthetic Ice Rink!

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 It's a challenging skill to learn but trust me when I say, If you can learn to walk, you can learn to ice skate!

The difficulty lies in consistent practice to learn the basics of skating, which can only happen with access to a frozen layer of water called ice.

Hey, even professional ice skaters needed to start somewhere!

We're not only going to break down the fundamentals of skating, but we will also cover learning the basics of ice skating without ice.

If that sounds too good to be true, read on to find out!

Benefits of ice skating

So why ice skate in the first place?

People initially created the form of ice skating out of necessity and was critical for transporting goods across miles of ice across bodies of water in frigid climates.

Now, it's part of hobbies, sports, and entertainment.

Skating is more than gliding on ice skate blades across a glorified ice block and in time skaters who practice will improve balance, agility, and lower body strength.

The form of Ice skating is a fun way to stay in shape, and you can build fantastic cardiovascular endurance.

Over time, your body and mind will thank you for investing in this fun, physical activity.

What we've enjoyed about skating over the years is its community.

With skating, friends and families come together to enjoy a shared experience.

It's a path for kids and adults to express themselves, learn a skill, and possibly pursue a skating-related sport or international competition.

Overall, it's just fun!

When winter rolls around, it's hard to find physical activities that will lift your mood.

If you've been thinking about learning the basics of ice skating, now's your time to get started.

Can you learn how to ice skate without ice?

You need three things if you want to learn how to ice skate:

• Ice Surface (you can buy fake ice here)
• Skates: Figure Skates or Hockey Skates
• Someone to teach you

But what if you don't have ice or a decent pair of skates can beginner skaters still learn how to ice skate?

How can it be done without figure skates, hockey skates, or any pair of skates?

It seems ridiculous to suggest you can skate without ice as it is called 'ice skating', after all.

The fact is that everyone does not have access to an indoor ice rink and in some states, the ratio of ice rinks to people is as high as 1 in 15,000!

That means you may need some other way to learn how to ice skate before opting for ice skating lessons.

Here are three options to consider:

1. Try cross-training in a similar discipline

You can learn the basics with inline skates, like rollerblades.

Inline skates are relatively inexpensive and provide another way to practice that's always been quite popular.

It's not the exact science as you can't practice your "edge work" but inline skates will emulate the balance and control that's required on ice skates.

You'll be able to skate with them on any hard surface like concrete, wood or sport court to get in a workout.

2. Get socks and a slide board

If you're looking to emulate a pro skater's positioning, balance, and technique, consider a slide board.

Slide boards are great for learning the basics of ice skating because they help you develop the motion, push, and muscle memory, plus they are easy to practice on at home

Slide boards are long, rectangular boards that are available in multiple sizes and have foot stops on each side of the polymer, flat surface.

This smooth, slick board allows you to push off and slide side-to-side emulating the skating stride that will strengthen your leg muscles.

All you'll need is a pair of socks or special booties, and you can begin improving your stride and deep knee bend.

You can purchase a Slide Board here. 

3. Invest in synthetic ice

PolyGlide Ice is perhaps the best and closest option for skating without 'ice,' and by far, one of the best ways to learn how to ice skate. 

PolyGlide is basically fake ice that you can set up in your garage, basement, driveway or other flat surface and have the experience of ice skating at your own home, any time of year. 

Skaters have been utilizing synthetic ice for off-ice training for many years using traditional ice skates with metal blades.

Synthetic ice is square tiles or panels made of special polymer material that can handle the wear and tear of hockey and figure skates.

The tiles or panels are infused with a special slip agent and connect like puzzle pieces to form a surface where you can use ice skates.

We have three size options for you to consider:

• Home Ice Starter Kit (4-per kit)
• 1/4" Thick
• 32 sq ft per kit
• 4 Panels per kit
• Pro-Glide Panel
• Full Size Pro Glide Panels
• 1/2" Thick
• 32 sq ft each
• Pro-Glide 1/2 Panel
• 1/2" Thick
• 16 sq ft each (Half-SIze)

While the friction is slightly higher than natural ice, this is as close to the real thing as it gets and makes for the ideal "ice simulator".

There are a significant amount of public skating rinks, backyard rinks, and commercial spaces that implement synthetic ice for off-ice training.

This option provides the ultimate training tool in helping you learn how to skate like a pro.

Learn How to Ice Skate Using these 5 fundamentals

To start off, it's important for us to cover some basics and for you to practice these core moves so you can get a feel for skating.

Before you do anything, make sure you're dressed for the occasion.

Wear warm but breathable clothing if you're outside during Fall or Winter.

Bundle up or strip down according to the situation as it's important that you don't have too many layers that restrict your movement.

If you're using ice skates or inline skates, make sure they are the right size so they fit comfortably.

Your next stop is to get on the surface without falling by steadying yourself on a wall or railing. From there, push off and start learning the following:

1. Learn to March

Marching is one of the more popular basic moves in skating.

As the name suggests, you'll be moving forward in a marching motion.

Keep the hands spread apart to form a 'T' with the knees slightly bent for balance.

Then raise one skating foot up and back (right or left foot), repeating the process until a smooth marching movement pushes you forward.

2. Practice falling and getting up

Falling is a significant part of skating and is inevitable so it's important to practice falling correctly.

(Tip: Having elbow and knee pads may help soften your fall and lessen your risk of injury)

If you feel like you're about to fall, bend your knees and place your hands in front of you to try to stop all movement and regain balance.

If that fails and you still fall, make sure to lower yourself and adopt a sitting position when you fall, if possible and be careful of the sharp blades.

Let your butt take most of the hit, and avoid falling on your knees or outstretched hands.

To get back up, move onto your hands and knees like a dog or cat and get one knee up (right or left foot), then place one foot on the surface (synthetic or roller)

Take both hands on that knee and apply a little force to hoist the rest of the body off the floor.

The more you practice falling and getting up, the less intimidated you become by the concept and the more fun you'll have skating.

3. Learning to Glide Forward

Gliding is an upgrade from the marching technique as you start off for a few steps, then glide with both feet on the surface (synthetic or roller).

The momentum will allow you to move and glide for a few feet and you can repeat the process until eventually, you'll march and glide on each foot.

This technique helps you to establish a smooth stroking movement by pushing off of one foot and gliding onto the other.

Keep your hands apart to maintain balance, with knees bent and torso upright.

4. Practice Turning

Turning will help you navigate the ice, especially when there are other skaters around or you're playing hockey with friends.

If you want to turn left, you'll bend your knees (a deep knee bend helps) and shift your weight to the left.

The outside edge of the left skate and the inside edge of the right skate will help with turning.

Then let the left skate drift in front to help steer your body in the right direction.

Turn your head and shoulders to help you naturally turn to the left.

The opposite strategy is needed for turning right.

5. Learning to Stop

Stopping is one of the coolest things you can learn, and is essential when learning the basics of ice skating, as there are many ways to do it.

Hockey Stop: While gliding with two feet, turn the hips to the side, bend and drive the feet into the ice. A great exercise at a skating rink is holding onto the rink wall and making clumps of ice by repeatedly sliding your skate away from the body.

Snowplow Stop: Hold your arms and hands out to the side for balance with both legs apart. When you're ready to stop, bend your knees and turn one foot inward to form a V position (you can also turn both feet inward slightly).

T Stop: When you're in a glide, place the feet in a T position (heel of one foot lined up to the middle of the other) and shift your weight to the back leg.

Stopping takes lots of time and practice to master so find the easiest one for you, get comfy, then move on to the next one. 

Now with the basics in mind, let's try to apply these fundamentals to scenarios where we don't have actual 'ice.'

How To Ice Skate Without Ice – Cross Training With Inline Skates

Inline skates can help with the feeling of balance, movement, and agility while building up your power and stamina.

Furthermore, confident inline skating can translate to a confident form of ice skating.

Inline skating surfaces have much more friction than natural ice also, the wheels constantly make contact with the surface, unlike ice skating.

You'll also need to learn to stop without the breaking mechanism that's built into these skates so be sure to add some protective gear.

If you already know how to inline skate, focus on turning, gliding, and stopping (without using the breaking mechanism).

For beginners, the marching and gliding techniques are a great starting point.

The goal of training for ice skating is to practice the same stances you'll use when gliding, turning and stopping.

Keep your knees bent and hands out to the side while working on maintaining your balance, especially on one leg.
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How To Skate Without Ice – Using A Slide Board

Slide boards are somewhat limited in what you can learn but you can still strengthen your stride and practice skills that will make you a stronger skater.

Here's what you can do with your slide board:

• Work on your balance: Start on one end of the slide board, facing the other end. Push off the edge, practicing a balanced stance. Keep your knees bents and your arms outward until you get to the other end. Turn around and repeat the exercise.
• Practice gliding: Keep your body in a low skier's pose and slide from one end of the board to the other. Repeat at many times as possible. Another great drill is to push off on one foot and glide to the other end, maintaining your balance. Try pushing off forward and backward with a focus on balance. Build up speed and strength by performing these exercises faster.
• Practice snowplow hockey stops: Start on one end and slide to the other before you reach the end, turn your body and practice the hockey stop or snowplow stop.

Slide boards are perfect for building strength and learning the fundamental stances and motions for skating.

Check out our Glide-Infused SLIP SLIDE BOARD - LOW IMPACT TRAINING

There will still be a learning curve when adding ice skates, but you'll have the basics.

As a bonus, you can get a slide board made with synthetic ice, then try these techniques with your ice skates.

How To Skate Without Ice – Synthetic Ice

PolyGlide Ice is the best way to train without 'natural ice.'

No refrigeration, no electricity, and no liquid water or layer of water is needed!

There's a slight difference in friction, but beginners won't feel the difference.

A big advantage is falling won't feel as painful or as uncomfortable on a cold layer of water or a hard icy surface.

Set up your synthetic ice rink by connecting the tiles or panels on a flat surface.

We have several articles and tutorials on setting up a backyard ice rink.

With portable synthetic ice tiles, you can create your own indoor or outdoor rink wherever you want! 

Start skating by practicing the earlier marching technique. March and glide to one side and back to the other.

When comfortable, move on to gliding and stroking from one side to the next.

Finally, practice different types of stopping and turning.

Because synthetic ice is the only ice simulator where you can use your ice skates with metal, curved blades, you'll learn the fastest!

How To Skate Without Ice – Sock Skating

If there's one thing we've learned here over the years is that people love to glide AND slide!

The newest fun and exciting sport that has been trending and growing in popularity is sock skating!

There's not a whole lot of explaining to do when it comes to this activity, just grab a pair of slick, slippery smooth socks and hop on a well-buffed floor.

The skating movement does not transition to actual ice skating but it will get your heart pumping while having a lot of fun getting a good leg workout.

Sock skating is also a great way to introduce skating to young toddlers who aren't quite ready to lace up and fall at the local, cold ice rink.

Many Children's Museums have added sock skating activities to their Holiday Winterfest schedule which continues to grow in popularity.

Conclusion

Ice skating is all about working on the basics that provide balance, strength, and confidence.

It also requires lots of practice to achieve some level of mastery, which can be difficult without access to a rink.

You don't need to use that as an excuse to hold you back from something you're interested in or enjoy.

Start with any of the options we mentioned; inline skating, slide boards or synthetic ice.

Ice skating is fun with company, so get friends or family to join in your journey.

Once you get gliding, falling, turning, and stopping down to a science, you can add neat tricks to really look like a pro or one day be ready for international competition!

If you need help sourcing slide boards, synthetic ice, or other helpful tools on your ice skating journey, feel free to connect with our team.

Most of all, have fun and keep practicing!