# Forward Slalom

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*

> **2b8.** Skate forward in a slalom pattern for at least 40 feet on two skates, then for at least 20 feet on one skate.

A slalom pattern means weaving side to side around a series of cones or markers — like a ski slalom course on wheels. This requirement tests your directional control: first weaving on two skates for 40 feet, then weaving on one skate for 20 feet.

### Two-Skate Forward Slalom

Set up cones (or use floor markers) in a straight line with even spacing, about 4–6 feet apart.

1. Approach the first cone at moderate speed.
2. Shift your weight and edge pressure to one side to curve around the cone.
3. Transfer edge pressure to the opposite side to curve around the next cone.
4. Continue the S-curve pattern through the remaining cones.
5. Keep your upper body relaxed and let your lower body steer — hips and ankles do the turning, not the shoulders.

For 40 feet, you will typically navigate 6–8 cones.

### One-Skate Forward Slalom

This is significantly harder: balance on one skate while steering through the same cone pattern for 20 feet.

1. Commit all your weight to one foot.
2. Use subtle ankle rolls to shift edge pressure and steer through each cone.
3. The free foot stays lifted a few inches — low enough for stability, not dragging.
4. 20 feet of one-foot slalom is approximately 3–4 cones at standard spacing.

> **Tip**
>
> Practice the one-foot slalom by first doing straight-line one-foot glides (from Req 2b5), then adding very slight edge shifts before attempting the full cone pattern. Build steering into balance, not the other way around.

## Official Resources

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

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