When it comes to stopping on inline skates, there’s a wide variety of techniques to choose from. Below is a list of some common stopping methods, ranked from easiest to most challenging (though, I’ll admit, this ranking might spark a bit of debate—because, of course, everyone has their own take on what’s easy and what’s hard, depending on their past experiences). But for now, let’s focus on the options, from which I’ll pick the Top 2 emergency stops (see below
- Heel Brake Stop
- Plough Stop
- Stepping Plough Stop
- T-Stop
- Spin Stop
- Lunge Stop
- Powerslide
- Soul Slide
- Powerstop
- Magic Slide
- Parallel Slide / Hockey Stop
The Easiest and Most Effective Emergency Stop: The Heel Brake Stop
Without a doubt, the most straightforward and efficient way to stop on inline skates is the Heel Brake Stop. This is especially true if you’re mastering the advanced version, where your trailing skate lifts onto just the front wheel, enabling an even faster stop. Unfortunately, many skaters remove their heel brake too soon, often before they’ve had the chance to fully appreciate its effectiveness.
My advice to all new skaters is simple: Keep the heel brake on. It’s an excellent tool for quickly and easily stopping in the early stages of your skating journey, and being able to stop with confidence is a huge boost to your overall skill development. Removing the heel brake too early is the best way to hinder your progress or have a nasty “can’t stop” accident early on in your skating life. This is the main reason people give up skating, so try to avoid that and use the heel brake until you have 2-3 other methods (that can stop you efficiently from your highest speeds). Then, take it off.
Next Best Option: The Powerslide
For skaters who don’t use a heel brake, the Powerslide is the best option. It’s a bit more challenging to learn, but once you master it, it’s an incredibly effective emergency stop—even when skating downhill.
What sets the Powerslide apart is its versatility. There are different ways to transition into the slide, with the most common being a mohawk transition from forward to backward. You can choose to transition to the right or the left, depending on your personal preference. Additionally, you can pick which leg you prefer to slide with, which makes the Powerslide achievable for a wide range of skaters—if they learn it properly, of course.
One thing to note: Performing a Powerslide too quickly without having the right technique for the skate to slide is a surefire way to trip yourself up and potentially cause a nasty fall. This can lead to a mental block when learning the move, which often makes skaters perceive it as much more difficult than it actually is.
At Skatefresh, we’ve had great success teaching the Powerslide to skaters who have never attempted it before. The key is starting with the skater’s preferred transition side, focusing on the most comfortable leg for sliding, and using speed as a progression tool. When skaters start slow and build up velocity gradually, they gain confidence and consistency, making the Powerslide easier to master.
Want to see for yourself? Check out the success stories of our students and get inspired to learn the Powerslide using The Skatefresh Method. Check out our range of stopping methods online trainings www.skatefresh.com/stops-slides/