1. Keep your knees bent.
2. You shouldn't attempt crossovers while skating in a straight line, only do them on a curve.
3. Hold your abs tight while you skate.
4. The bent leg holds you up, it's called the working leg. The other is the pretty leg and may be straight with foot extended to point the toe. It is understood that each leg gets equal time being pretty and working.
5. When you transition from foot to foot, as in a crossover, rest a moment before setting the next foot down. This looks a lot more elegant than the herky-jerky quickleft-quickrightcross-quickleft.
6. To make a curved movement you must balance on your edges. Even a slight lean to one side will cause you to use edges and go in that direction.
7. Never use the toe-stop when going forward; you should employ a T-stop or snow-plow to stop or slow you in a forward motion. Toe-stops are only for stopping while going backwards.
8. Bend your knees. I know I've already said this but it is essential to doing just about anything on skates. It bears repeating and you'll hear it a lot. Strengthen those knees and the other moves come along gracefully.
9. The "and" position is when both feet are brought back together, side by side. This for proper stroking.
10. When going forward, lead the body from the sternum. Keep your neck straight and hold your chin up. Always keep posture in mind and you'll develop other skills properly.
1. It takes time and a lot of practice to master anything. Be patient with yourself even if you think you aren't making any progress. Bottom line is to have fun and enjoy yourself. Do give yourself credit just for being a good sport and not giving up.
2. Break it down. It's easy to become overwhelmed with the many components of footwork and balance. Focus on one small part of anything you want to learn before adding the next part or step of the sequence. You don't have to be perfect and there is no clock or calendar counting down the time. Play with it and enjoy the moment.
3. Don't listen to everyone.
4. Watch good skaters.
5. Learn how to take proper care of your boots, plates, wheels, bearings, cushions and laces.
6. Spend as much time as you possibly can skating.
