Req 2a8 — T-Position Stroking

The T position is the standard ready stance for ice skaters — heels together, toes pointing outward so the feet form a T shape. Starting from this position teaches you to initiate forward movement correctly using the inside edge, not the toe pick.

Setting Up the T Position

1. Stand still on the ice with your heels touching.
2. Rotate both feet so your toes point outward — your feet should form roughly a 90° angle with the back heel of one foot touching the middle of the other foot’s arch (a “T” shape when viewed from above).
3. Bend your knees slightly and keep your weight centered.

Stroking Forward from the T

1. From the T position, push off with the back foot using the inside edge. This is your first push stroke.
2. As you begin to glide on the front foot, bring the back foot forward and set it down in parallel with the glide foot.
3. Shift weight to the other foot and push with the inside edge again.
4. Continue alternating — glide and push, glide and push — around the test area.

Avoiding the Toe Pick

If you are wearing figure skates, the toe pick is at the front of the blade. Using it to push off creates a choppy, inefficient stride and can trip you. To avoid it:

• Keep your ankle slightly extended (heel down, toe slightly up) during the push.
• Push from the mid-blade area, not the front.
• Listen for scraping sounds — the toe pick dragging on the ice makes a distinctive scrape. If you hear it, you are pushing too far forward.

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