1. Home
  2. Sports
  3. Figure Skating

Discuss in my forum

Step-by-Step Beginning Ice Skating Lesson

By , About.com Guide

See More About:
There are certain things new skaters learn in beginning ice skating lessons. This article lists and describes those things.

1. Off the Ice - Make Sure Your Skates Fit and Are Laced Properly

Make Sure Your Skates Fit and Are Laced ProperlyPhoto by David Waldorf - Getty Images
After you have paid admission and for skate rental, go to the rink's skate rental counter and get a pair of skates. Make sure your skates fit properly and that you have tied your skates correctly. Don't be afraid to ask someone who works at the rink for help with this.

2. Practice Falling and Getting Up Off the Ice

  1. Bend your knees and squat into dip position.
  2. Fall to the side and lean a bit forward as you fall down.
  3. Put your hands in your lap.
  4. Turn over on your hands and knees.
  5. Take one foot and place it between your hands. Then take the other foot and place it between your hands.
  6. Push yourself up and you should be standing.

3. Go to the Rink's Entry Door

Go to the Rink's Enry DoorPhoto by JO ANN Schneider Farris

Most indoor ice rinks are surrounded by a soft mat or carpet that makes it possible to walk safely to the ice rink's surface. The mat also protects ice skate blades. If you own your own skates, walk to the ice surface with skate guards on. Remove the skate guards just before you step on to the ice. Do not walk on concrete or wood with your skates on.

You may find you need some assistance walking to the ice!

4. Get on the Ice and Hold on to the Rail

Hold on to the RailCopyright © Jo Ann Schneider Farris
Some skaters will be frightened when they step on the slippery ice surface; others will be excited.

5. Move Away From the Rail

Move Away From the RailPhoto by JO ANN Schneider Farris
Now, work up some courage. Move just a bit away from the rail. Bend your knees a bit. Don't let your hands and arms swing around.

6. Do a Dip

A Beginning Ice Skater Does a DipPhoto by JO ANN Schneider Farris
In a dip a skater squats down as far as possible. The arms and rear should be level. This is a great exercise to get the knees going. First, practice doing a dip from a standstill. Once you feel comfortable gliding forward on two feet, practice dips while moving.

7. Fall Down on Purpose

Fall on the Ice Without Getting HurtPhoto by Rayman - Getty Images
No one wants to fall while ice skating, but if you are going to skate, you are going to fall. So, it is best to practice falling as soon as you get on the ice for the first time. By doing so, you will find you are better prepared and you will be more confident on the ice.

8. Get Back Up

Getting UpPhoto by JO ANN Schneider Farris

Get yourself on "all fours" at first. Then, put your hands between your skates and push yourself up.

Some skaters will find that their blades will slip and slide as they try to get up. Use the figure skate's toe picks of the blades to keep the skates in one place as you try to pull yourself up.

9. Practice Gliding on Two Feet

Glide on Two FeetPhoto by JO ANN Schneider Farris
March or step across the ice and then "rest." Glide forward for a short distance on two feet.

10. Learn to Stop

Learning to StopPhoto by JO ANN Schneider Farris
Push your feet apart and use the flat of the blade to make a bit of snow on the ice and do a snowplow stop.

11. Move Forward

A Skater Skating ForwardPhoto Copyright © JO ANN Schneider Farris
After mastering falling down and getting up, it is now time to skate forward on the ice.

  1. First, march in place.
  2. Next, march and move.
  3. Now, do short "scooter" steps with one foot at a time. Pretend you are riding a scooter down the street. Arms can be kept in front on "imaginary scooter bars" for balance.
  4. Next, do alternating "scooter" steps. Take a step onto the right foot, rest on two feet, and then step onto the left foot.
  5. Try pushing from one foot to the other, and skate around the rink.

12. Have Fun Ice Skating!

A Young Recreational Ice SkaterPhoto by Stanislav Tiplyashin - iStockphoto.com
Remember that ice skating is fun. Enjoy your time at the rink. Smile and laugh. Once you master the basics, play games on the ice or try to spin, skate backwards, glide or one foot, or try to do forward or backward swizzles. Happy Skating!
Related Searches getty images skates waldorf admission
  1. Home
  2. Sports
  3. Figure Skating
  4. Get Started Figure Skating
  5. Beginning Ice Skating Lesson - Step-by-Step Basic Figure Skating Class

©2011 About.com. All rights reserved. 

A part of The New York Times Company.