Inline Skating Technique: The T-Stop
By Jim Safianuk
 Advanced
skaters sometimes prefer to use the T-stop as a quick way to slow down.
However, excessive use of this means of stopping can prematurely wear
out the inside edges and the profile of your wheels. If this isn't a
major concern for you, by all means use the T-stop when it's to your
advantage to do so. The T-stop is applied by forming a T-shape with your
skates.
Applying the T-Stop
To prepare to make a T-stop:
- Stand in the ready position.
- Move into a staggered stance.
- Make three or four strides to pick up speed.
- Keep your right skate out in front and facing straight ahead.
- Lift your left skate about 3 inches off the pavement.
 The skater's left skate has cleared the pavement and is positioned correctly
for the next step, which involves a quick movement of the left skate
to the outside. The skater needs to keep the right skate pointing straight
ahead. He or she is now balancing over top of his or her right skate.
This provides the lateral stability he or she needs. The hands are out
in front and the head is up.
To make the T-stop:
- Move your left skate about 1 foot back and out to your side. The
left skate is now positioned properly for the next step which involves
a quick, pivoting action.
- Pivot your left skate in the air until it make a 90-degree angle
with the heel of your right skate.
- Place your left skate back on the surface about 6 to 12 inches straight
behind you.
- At the same time as your back skate touches the surface, tilt the
inside edges of your back skate so they make a 15-degree angle with
the pavement.
- Drag all four wheels of your back skate to stop.
About this Inline Skating Technique
You have now formed a T-shape with your skates. The T-stop requires good balance
and a proper posture throughout owing to the amount of weight and pressure
you need to exert on the front skate. Notice the clearances that are specified
in the above step. It's important that you don't clip the back of your right
skate when you pivot your left skate behind your right skate.
In addition, you could also use the T-stop with your left skate out
front and your right skate behind you. However, this is more difficult
and cumbersome since your brake may get in the way when you attempt to
pivot and place your right skate down on the pavement.
Summing Up
Use the above maneuver when you need to stop in a hurry because of a crowded
trail or an obstacle in your path. Until next time, have a great season of
inline skating!
About the Author
Jim Safianuk is the writer and publisher of the three-part, inline skating
series entitled Skating Lessons , as well as the two-part, maintenance
series named Skate Maintenance . He is also the developer and owner
of the Inline Skating Center, a site which serves as a hub for the adult,
recreational, inline skating community. To visit their Skating Lessons site,
click here: http://skatinglessons.inlineskatingcenter.com/
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/
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