Level 3

WHAT YOU ARE LEARNING

Progress from Forward Marching into alternating pushes from one foot to the other.

COACH'S POINTS

1. Begin in your skating position with soft knees.
2. Think about the rhythm: bend, push, bend, push.
3. As you push to the right, transfer your weight onto the right skating leg.
4. As you push to the left, transfer your weight onto the left skating leg.
5. Aim to travel on a slight outside edge rather than collapsing onto the inside edge.
6. Extend the pushing leg behind you and point the toe at the end of the push.
7. The EDGE pick may touch during the extension, but do not deliberately use the EDGE pick to create the stroke.
8. Let each glide happen before beginning the next push.

WHAT YOU ARE LEARNING

Change from skating forward to skating backward by coordinating your head, shoulders, arms, and stepping foot.

COACH'S POINTS

1. Decide which direction you want to turn before beginning.
2. Rotate your arms and shoulders toward that direction.
3. Let your head follow the leading arm.
4. Step the leading foot into the new direction as your upper body rotates.
5. The stepping foot does not need to point completely backward.
6. Place the foot far enough around that the rolling skate can naturally curve into the backward direction.
7. Let the movement continue through the roll instead of forcing the skate around while it is planted.
8. Practice the transition in both directions.

WHAT YOU ARE LEARNING

Reverse the Forward Lemon movement to create controlled backward movement without lifting either foot.

COACH'S POINTS

1. Begin with your arms slightly forward.
2. Point the toes inward so the heels can begin moving apart.
3. Bend the knees as you guide the heels outward.
4. Allow the hips to move slightly backward with the bend.
5. Aim to stay on the center two wheels through the movement.
6. After the heels move outward, pull the legs back toward the center.
7. Stand slightly taller as the feet return together.
8. Repeat the sequence continuously: bend, heels out, return, stand.
9. If your weight moves slightly toward the rear wheel, use it for support without sitting backward into it.

WHAT YOU ARE LEARNING

Transfer your weight completely onto one skating leg before lifting the other foot into a controlled forward glide.

COACH'S POINTS

1. Start with both skates underneath you rather than spread too far apart.
2. Move your hips and weight over the skating leg before trying to lift the other foot.
3. Do not lift the free foot while your weight is still centered between both legs.
4. Keep the weight transfer controlled. You do not need to throw your hip dramatically to the side.
5. Aim to balance around the center two wheels rather than leaning too far toward the front or rear.
6. Lift the knee rather than allowing the free leg to hang straight beside or behind you.
7. If it helps, bring the lifted foot lightly toward the skating knee.
8. Practice the same weight transfer on both the left and right skating leg.
9. If you transfer too far, step down and regain your balance rather than trying to hold a position that is already lost.

WHAT YOU ARE LEARNING

Move both skates from side to side while traveling forward and begin coordinating the feet with your upper body.

COACH'S POINTS

1. Begin around the center two wheels while learning the movement.
2. Build a little speed with Forward Marching before moving into a two foot glide.
3. Keep the knees soft and bend as the feet move from side to side.
4. Move both skates together through each change of direction.
5. Imagine you are traveling around a line of cones.
6. Use your shoulders in opposition to the feet. As the feet move one way, the opposite shoulder comes forward.
7. A small push through each direction is fine while you are learning.
8. Aim to bring the feet closer together as your control improves, but do not force this too early.
9. Make the side-to-side movement larger only when you can keep your balance and rhythm.