Transition back to front help

[polishedball]

Hi, first off I can't skate backwards well at all only can do it using in/out hourglass motion. Anyhow I can transition from front to back quite smoothly turning on my toe heel to heel then turnig out the front skate on the toes. I think I explained that right. Anyhow the issue is I can't get turned back arround smoothly. I have tried a multi step more dace/stepping count and that works at very slow stopped speed but not while moving. I have tried kinda the opposite going heel to heel again picking up one skate to get heel to heel then rotating out on the heel of the other. That has worked best, but any links or explainations done better than mine that can explain what to do?

Thanks

[zebra1922]

Originally Posted by polishedball

Hi, first off I can't skate backwards well at all only can do it using in/out hourglass motion. Anyhow I can transition from front to back quite smoothly turning on my toe heel to heel then turnig out the front skate on the toes. I think I explained that right. Anyhow the issue is I can't get turned back arround smoothly. I have tried a multi step more dace/stepping count and that works at very slow stopped speed but not while moving. I have tried kinda the opposite going heel to heel again picking up one skate to get heel to heel then rotating out on the heel of the other. That has worked best, but any links or explainations done better than mine that can explain what to do?

Thanks

I haven't got a video link but I believe one of the easiest transitions is just to step out forwards.

You are going backwards. Go onto your right foot, lifting the left, open your hips by beginning to turn anti clockwise (to the left!), then land your left foot in a forwards direction (does not have to be full 180 degrees), step out and skate on forwards. Reverse the instructions for a step out to the right side.

[Mort]

Theres a stepping pattern I often use to change from backwards to forwards. Maybe this weekend I'll get another skater to take a video of it.

Do you skate in a rink or outdoors?

If in a rink, going from backwards to forwards is usually easier if you rotate your body clockwise while skating in the normal rink direction(counter clockwise direction). If they are doing an "opposite direction" skate , going from backwards to forwards should be easier by rotating your body counter clockwise. This is even more so in a turn, as it will greatly cut down on the mount of rotation needed.

Stepping around also depends on one's hip flexibility. Edge work can help get you there too. Depending on which way you are rotating will depend on which foot you should initiate the transition with, and which foot you will be stepping onto first in the forwards direction.

Example would be if rotating clockwise, your initiation would be on the left foot, using the outer edge, with hard pressure on the blade of your foot to make it turn. This allows it to assist turning you around as you step around with your right foot.

[sk84luv]

Originally Posted by Mort

Theres a stepping pattern I often use to change from backwards to forwards. Maybe this weekend I'll get another skater to take a video of it.

Do you skate in a rink or outdoors?

If in a rink, going from backwards to forwards is usually easier if you rotate your body clockwise while skating in the normal rink direction(counter clockwise direction). If they are doing an "opposite direction" skate , going from backwards to forwards should be easier by rotating your body counter clockwise. This is even more so in a turn, as it will greatly cut down on the mount of rotation needed.

Stepping around also depends on one's hip flexibility. Edge work can help get you there too. Depending on which way you are rotating will depend on which foot you should initiate the transition with, and which foot you will be stepping onto first in the forwards direction.

Example would be if rotating clockwise, your initiation would be on the left foot, using the outer edge, with hard pressure on the blade of your foot to make it turn. This allows it to assist turning you around as you step around with your right foot.

I agree with all you said. Now here's a tip I learned from a professional. Get your head in the game because it is where the turn begins. Your feet will follow your head. To easily turn from backward to forward, with arm extended, point behind you and then step into the turn. The pointing allows the upper body to control the turn, not your feet.

[ursle]

Originally Posted by polishedball

Hi, first off I can't skate backwards well at all only can do it using in/out hourglass motion. Anyhow I can transition from front to back quite smoothly turning on my toe heel to heel then turnig out the front skate on the toes. I think I explained that right. Anyhow the issue is I can't get turned back arround smoothly. I have tried a multi step more dace/stepping count and that works at very slow stopped speed but not while moving. I have tried kinda the opposite going heel to heel again picking up one skate to get heel to heel then rotating out on the heel of the other. That has worked best, but any links or explainations done better than mine that can explain what to do?

Thanks

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aHBagetaL2c

This is a good visual.
I think you should get comfortable going forwards, all wheels down, just scissors, moving the legs around and doing tight turns, slowly, drop your butt, better balance and more leg movement, then start doing that going backwards, before you know it you'll forget about transitions.

Wrist Guards.

[polishedball]

Thank you all for the replies, i'll try the tips and review the video suggested.

I do skate indoors currently

[polishedball]

tried some of the pointing and head turn to get my body an hips correct, and wow the transition back to front smoothed right out. Thanks all

[zebra1922]

Now to try it whilst jumping

[rufusprime99]

Originally Posted by polishedball

tried some of the pointing and head turn to get my body an hips correct, and wow the transition back to front smoothed right out. Thanks all

A wide exaggerated arm movement can help too. It "commits" your body, and then your feet are obligated to do what is needed. I like doing that towards the end of session when I get tired. Take whichever arm, put it out in front of you. If you are going clockwise, right arm. Sweep the arm out to the side. When the arm gets to your side, locks in place, and that momentum starts to turn your torso as your arm continues to move on its' path. Now you are committed to the transition. I'll usually sweep my right toe back to follow the arm, and lift my left toe and pivot on my heel to complete the transition.