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Still Standing: Balance Basics for New Skaters

Updated: May 1



Standing still on roller skates sounds simple, right? Well, once you get those skates on, you will realize... things get real. When you aren't rolling, suddenly your balance will feel off and your feet will start slipping and sliding. 😅


Good news: standing still is a skill you can absolutely master (pretty easily)! Here are our best tips and tricks to help you stay rock solid on your skates:


First: Why It's Hard to Stand Still

When both your skates are pointing the same direction (straight forward), your wheels are ready to roll. No matter how strong your muscles are, skates are made to move — so they will naturally try to slide forward (or backward).

Solution: To stop rolling, you need to set your skates at angles or use your toe stops to create resistance. That's why standing still always involves changing your foot position a little — you’re building a "brake" with your own feet!






4 Ways to Stand Still on Roller Skates

T-Position

  • Place one skate straight forward.

  • Set the other skate perpendicular behind it, forming a T shape.

  • Press the back skate's front wheels lightly into the ground behind the front skate’s heel.


Why it works: Your skates brace against each other and block rolling.

V-Position (aka "Pizza Feet")


  • Point your toes slightly inward, forming a V shape.

  • Let your heels drift slightly outward.

    Why it works: Your toes grip toward each other, stopping the wheels from freely rolling.




Toe-Stop Down

  • Gently lower your toe stops to the ground.

  • Keep a soft bend in your knees and don’t lean heavily forward.


    Why it works: Your toe stops anchor you without relying on your wheels.




Use a Wall or Rail

  • Lightly touch a wall, rail, or pole to help balance.

  • Stay upright — don't lean your whole body weight onto it.


Why it works: A wall gives you extra support while you practice your balance positions.



Bonus Standing Tips (For Every Position)

  • Keep your knees soft and bent (NEVER locked!).

  • Keep your weight slightly forward (over the balls of your feet).

  • Make tiny micro-adjustments — little shifts are normal!

  • Breathe and stay loose (seriously, it helps so much).



You've Got This!

Learning to stand still on skates might feel like a tiny feat, but it builds BIG confidence... and makes it WAY safer to be on top of wheels.🌟


Want hands-on help perfecting your skills?

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