How to Get Better at Skating: Why You’re Not Progressing

Skating is one of the most rewarding skills you can master, but hitting a plateau is incredibly frustrating. You might feel like you’re putting in the work without seeing the results. The primary reason you aren’t progressing is likely a combination of neglected foundational posture and a lack of proper protective gear that prevents you from committing to new moves. By fixing your centre of gravity and upgrading your equipment, you can break through your current limits.

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1. The Gear Gap: Is Your Equipment Holding You Back?

You can’t progress if you are afraid to fall. Fear causes hesitation, and hesitation causes accidents. High quality gear isn’t just for safety; it’s a performance enhancer.

Why Quality Protective Gear Matters

If you know a fall won’t sideline you for weeks, you’ll push your limits further.

Certified Helmets: Don’t settle for a fashion helmet. Look for skating and bike safety certifications. The S1 Lifer Helmet offers dual certified protection and high rated comfort.

Wrist Guards: These are the most critical items for beginners. The Triple Eight Wristsaver is a the best for preventing hyperextension.

The Maintenance Checklist

If your wheels don’t spin freely, you’ll never feel the flow. Check your skates weekly.

Component	What to Check	Solution
Bearings	Are they noisy or slow?	Clean them or upgrade to Bones Reds Bearings.
Wheels	Is there flat spotting?	Rotate your wheels every few weeks.
Hardware	Are bolts rattling?	Tighten with a Zeato All-in-one Skate Tool.

2. The Foundation: Why Your Posture is Killing Your Progress

Many skaters jump straight into tricks or high speeds before mastering their stance. If your body isn’t aligned, every move becomes a struggle against physics.

Fix Your Center of Gravity

A common mistake is “looking at your feet.” When you look down, your chest drops, and your weight shifts too far forward.

• Keep your head up: Look 10–15 feet in front of you.
• Engage your core: This stabilizes your torso and links your upper and lower body.
• Bend your knees: This is the golden rule of skating. Deeply bent knees act as shock absorbers.

Avoid the Stiff Leg Trap

Stiff legs make you top-heavy. If your legs are locked, any tiny pebble or crack will send you flying. Focus on keeping a soft athletic stance at all times.

3. The Quality Over Quantity Problem

Just skating around is not the same as practicing. To get better, you need a structured approach to your sessions.

Master the Boring Basics

You might want to learn a kickflip or a power slide, but can you balance on one foot for 30 seconds?

1. One Foot Glides: Practice these until you can hold them comfortably on both sides.
2. Bubbles/Lemons: These build inner and outer edge control.
3. T-Stops: Mastering your brakes gives you the confidence to go faster.

Use Video Analysis

Record yourself for five minutes during every session. Compare your footage to professional tutorials. You will often spot mistakes like a leaning shoulder or a stiff hip that you can’t feel while skating.

Progress isn’t linear. You will have days where you feel like you’ve regressed. This is normal.

Pro Tip: Set Process Goals instead of Outcome Goals. Instead of saying “I want to land this trick,” say “I will spend 20 minutes practicing the footwork for this trick today.”

The Importance of Surface Selection

If you are struggling with balance, stop skating on rough asphalt. Find a smooth parking lot or a local rink. Consistency comes from practicing in an environment where you don’t have to worry about external hazards.

Conclusion: Take the Next Step

Getting better at skating isn’t about natural talent; it’s about physics, gear, and deliberate practice. Fix your posture, invest in gear that gives you the confidence to fall, and stop skipping the boring drills.