# One-Foot Glide

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

*2. Option B — Roller Skating*

> **2b5.** Skate forward and glide at least 15 feet on one skate, then on the other skate.

Gliding on a single skate tests your balance and weight transfer — skills that feed directly into crossovers, spins, and almost every advanced skating move. You need to sustain a 15-foot glide on each foot separately.

### How to Glide on One Skate

1. **Build forward speed.** Take several strong strokes to get moving comfortably.
2. **Bring feet parallel.** Coast on two feet briefly to settle your balance.
3. **Shift weight to one foot.** Smoothly transfer all your weight over one skate by leaning that direction from the ankles (not the waist).
4. **Lift the free foot.** Pick the other foot up a few inches and hold it just behind and beside your gliding foot.
5. **Hold the glide.** Keep your gliding knee slightly bent, both arms out for balance, eyes forward. Count out 15 feet or time yourself.
6. Set the free foot back down, build speed again, and repeat on the other foot.

### Balance Cues

**Center your weight over the middle of the wheel row.** If you feel like you are tipping to the inside wheel, try pressing the outer edge of your foot into the boot. If you are tipping to the outside wheel, press from the ball of your foot.

**Keep the free foot close to the floor.** Lifting the free foot high raises your center of gravity and makes balance harder. A few inches off the floor is enough.

**Avoid leaning from the waist.** All weight shift should come from ankles and knees, not from bending your torso sideways. Waist-leaning causes skate wobble.

> **Tip**
>
> Practice stepping onto one foot while standing still on a smooth floor before attempting the moving glide. Building the "what balanced feels like" sense at zero speed carries directly over to the moving version.

## Official Resources

*No official resources are listed in the requirements for this subrequirement.*

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