How To: Plow Stop

Mastering the plow stop: A roller skating essential!

Roller skating is not just about gliding and cruising; it’s about mastering essential techniques that make your experience smoother and more enjoyable.

One crucial skill every roller skater should have in their arsenal is the plow stop. Are you struggling to learn the move? Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you nail this fundamental move: come try it at Midlands Roller Arena.

1. Gear up: Before hitting the rink, make sure you’re geared up with the right roller skates, knee pads, elbow pads, wrist guards, and even a helmet. Safety first, always!
2. Find your balance: Start by slowly skating and getting comfortable on your skates. Find your balance by keeping your feet shoulder-width apart and your knees slightly bent.
3. Turn your toes in: To initiate a plow stop, turn your toes inwards, creating a V-shape with your skates. This will naturally position your heels outwards.
4. Bend your knees: Lower your body by bending your knees. This will help you maintain stability and control throughout the plow stop.
5. Apply outward pressure: Gently push your heels outwards while keeping your toes turned inwards. This outwards presure creates friction between the wheels and the surface, slowing you down.
6. Gradual stop: Unlike an abrupt stop, a plow stop is a gradual process. Keep a steady pace as you apply pressure and come to a controlled stop.
7. Practice, practice, practice: Like any skill, mastering the plow stop takes practice. Start by developing your plow stop skills in a straight line and gradually incorporate them into your skating routine.

The best spot to practice: Looking for an affordable way to enhance your skating skills? At Midlands Roller Arena, we believe in providing the best learning experience for our skaters.

Join our skating lessons to receive expert guidance. Lucy, Mel, and Amy, our senior coaches, offer lessons covering essential skills, including the plow stop.

If you prefer one-on-one attention, book a private lesson with Mel on Tuesdays or Amy on Wednesdays and Saturdays. They’ll tailor the session to your skill level and focus on areas you want to improve.

If you enjoy learning in a group setting instead, our weekday courses run during term-time in block bookings, and are available on Mondays and Thursdays. Our courses cater to mixed ages and abilities.

Covering a range of skills from basic stops to forward crossovers and jumps, Lucy and Mel ensure each session is engaging and tailored to help you progress. Let the rink become your playground and develop your skating whilst having the time of your life at Midlands Roller Arena!