# Backward Glide

Part of the Skating Merit Badge Digital Resource Guide: [Introduction & Overview](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/skating/guide/index.md)

*2. Option A — Ice Skating*

> **2a9.** Glide backward on two feet for at least two times the skater's height.

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.

> **Safety First!**
>
> Always check behind you before skating backward. Backward skaters are responsible for being aware of other skaters in their path — they cannot see forward.

## Official Resources

Video: [Skate Backward (video)](https://youtu.be/dZsfWfYxqzw)

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