from How To Inline Skate on 7 Nov 2018
Going at high speed? Or downhill? Make some sharp turns – that’s a very good way to control speed.I call this the slalom stop .. or slalom slowdown, I mean, this is a technique for speed control – not necessarily to fully stop.Anyway, anyone can do this. Beginner or pro – doesn’t matter. Pro’s may do it … I don’t know … going down a mountain. A beginner should find a safe flat spot and try to make some sharp turns to control speed.The clue is … when making a sharp turn, stay low, push on the outside leg … through the heel, then fall back on the inside leg … and repeat by making a new turn in the opposite direction. And so it goes … like slalom.Okay … So here I am, practicing at as high speed as feels comfortable down a slight hill. The aim is to first two sharp turns, then make the third one into a powerslide. I think I for the most part did okay, but I did make some mistakes …#1 – Fear Here I’m not comfortable, a little bit high speed and a little bit uncertain about the surface. The fear makes me stand a little taller – not good. Stiffing up – also not good, and movement are a bit choppy. Paradoxically, the fear, the instincts, just make everything more dangerous.The solution is simple. Practice more. Gain confidence. Just do it over and over again with gradually incresing the speed.#2 – SpinThe final slide may turn into a spin. When you’re like half way through the slide, try to counteract the rotation. Shifting some weight forward to the toe ball. That should do it. And by the way, a spin could be a cool thing, why not, but if it’s not planned, it becomes kinda of goofy. So, yea, better learn to control this.#3 – FallAhhhh, I had to include this. The surface was slippery, both the ouside and the inside skate lost grip … no recovery. But .. from the bright side … this should only happen on wet surfaces .. just have a look out for that.Alright, that’s all for now. It’s been a while since the last upload but I’m grateful you’re still here. Until next time … and I promise it won’t be that long … have a good one! Bye!