Req 2a9 — Backward Glide

Backward movement is one of the most significant milestones for a beginner ice skater. This requirement focuses specifically on a controlled glide — not a full backward skate stroke, just a balanced coast backward on two feet. The distance needed is at least twice your height, so if you are 5 feet tall, you need to glide backward at least 10 feet.

How to Begin a Backward Two-Foot Glide

1. Start from a wall or boards. Push gently backward off the boards to give yourself initial momentum without needing to generate it yourself.
2. Feet parallel, shoulder-width apart. Keep both skates on the ice, parallel to each other.
3. Bend your knees. A deeper knee bend gives you more stability. Think of sitting slightly back, as if hovering over a chair.
4. Arms out for balance. Hold both arms out to the sides, slightly in front of your body.
5. Look over your shoulder. You cannot see where you are going when skating backward — glance alternately over each shoulder to check for obstacles and to navigate.
6. Resist the urge to lean forward. Leaning forward shifts your weight to the toe picks (on figure skates) or front of the blade, which digs in and stops you. Stay upright or lean very slightly backward.

Common Mistakes

Feet drifting apart or crossing. If your feet keep spreading or crossing, focus on keeping them parallel at all times. Think of rail tracks — parallel and constant.

Bending from the waist. Bend from the knees, not the waist. Waist-bending pulls your weight forward and makes balance much harder.

Stopping too soon. If you are only gliding a few feet, you may not be generating enough initial push, or you may be catching an edge. Practice pushing more firmly off the boards.

Official Resources