ONE ACADEMY · LEARN TO SKATE

Level 4

4 Lessons

EDGE CONTROL

Start controlling the curve.

Level 4 is where you begin using your edges deliberately rather than simply following the direction of the skates.

Focus on clean weight transfer, controlled curves and learning to hold your position as the skating becomes more precise.

IN THIS LEVEL

01 Forward Outside Edges
02 Forward Inside Edges
03 Backward Stroking
04 Forward Chasses

LEVEL 4 · LESSON 1

Forward Outside Edges

01

WHAT YOU ARE LEARNING

Hold a controlled forward outside edge on one foot around a curve.

COACH'S POINTS

  1. Begin with Forward Stroking around the circle.
  2. Keep your arms and shoulders following the circle.
  3. Transfer your weight fully onto the skating foot before lifting.
  4. Keep the free foot slightly forward.
  5. Balance on the center two wheels and practice on both feet.

PRACTICE THIS

Stroke around the circle, transfer onto one skating foot and lift the free foot slightly forward. Hold the outside edge, then repeat on the other foot.

READY WHEN

You can hold a controlled forward outside edge on either foot while following the curve.

LEVEL 4 · LESSON 2

Forward Inside Edges

02

WHAT YOU ARE LEARNING

Hold a controlled forward inside edge on one foot around a curve.

COACH'S POINTS

  1. Begin by skating around the circle on two feet.
  2. Stay more upright as you move onto the inside skating foot.
  3. Bring the feet closer together before lifting.
  4. Transfer your weight fully onto the skating foot.
  5. Balance on the center two wheels and practice on both feet.

PRACTICE THIS

Skate around the circle, bring the feet closer together and transfer onto the inside skating foot. Lift briefly, return to two feet and repeat.

READY WHEN

You can hold a controlled forward inside edge on either foot while following the curve.

LEVEL 4 · LESSON 3

Backward Stroking

03

WHAT YOU ARE LEARNING

Progress from Backward Marching into longer backward strokes with controlled weight transfer.

COACH'S POINTS

  1. Begin with the inward foot position used for Backward Marching.
  2. Bend before each push.
  3. Push with one foot as you transfer your weight onto the other.
  4. Extend the pushing leg and point the toe.
  5. Let each glide happen before repeating on the other side.

PRACTICE THIS

Start with Backward Marching, then add one push at a time. Focus on bend, push, weight transfer and glide.

READY WHEN

You can stroke backward continuously with controlled weight transfer from one leg to the other.

LEVEL 4 · LESSON 4

Forward Chasses

04

WHAT YOU ARE LEARNING

Connect forward outside and inside edges into a continuous chasse around a circle.

COACH'S POINTS

  1. Begin around the circle with your upper body following the curve.
  2. Push onto the forward outside edge and briefly lift the free foot.
  3. Bring the feet together before moving onto the inside edge.
  4. Transfer your weight and briefly lift again through the inside edge.
  5. Keep the rhythm: push, lift, push, lift.

PRACTICE THIS

Practice the outside and inside edge sections separately, then connect them as push, lift, push, lift around the circle. Repeat in both directions.

READY WHEN

You can perform continuous Forward Chasses around the circle in both directions with a controlled rhythm.

LEVEL 4 COMPLETE

Ready for Level 5?

Level 5 takes your edge control backward and introduces Backward Outside Edges, Backward Inside Edges, Backward Chasses, Forward Crossovers, and Forward Outside Three Turns.

CONTINUE TO LEVEL 5