🚀 go-pugleaf

jnewborn@ecst.csuchico.edu (Gadget) writes:
> Anyone have any useful tips on stoping [sic] while going backwards 
> without using the rear brake?  

Yeah.  I think it's called a backwards T-stop.  You get down really low
on one leg and put your other leg straight out behind you, while
turning your upper body to the side.  You then lower the skate to the
ground such that the boot/frame will be the first to scrape (you don't
want too much friction at first).  By gradually standing up, more of
the wheels come in contact with the ground, increasing the braking
effect.  (Of course, the skate that isn't braking glides backwards
smoothly in the original direction of motion.)

I think that this is one of the most stable ways of quickly coming to a
stop at high speed.  I've seen one in-line hotshot using this stop
after going forward very fast.  He does a quick 180 in the air and
lands in the proper sideways T-stance which initiates the stop.  I can
do a feeble imitation at low/moderate speed.  If I had more
guts/confidence, I might use it as an alternative to that pesky heel
brake :-)

Good luck (your mileage may vary...),


--
                    _    _   _ _  
Ron Ueberschaer    (_`  |_)   |           "For every complex problem, there is a
ubi@unix.sri.com   ._)  | \  _|_      solution that is simple, neat, and wrong."
415 859 4399       International                                  --H.L. Mencken

In article <1k4n1sINNpa9@charnel.ecst.csuchico.edu>, jnewborn@ecst.csuchico.edu (Gadget) writes:
> 
> 
> Anyone have any useful tips on stoping while going backwards without using
>   the rear brake?  I've gotten pretty comfortable with skating backwards,
>   yet I ALWAYS find myself turning forward again in order to stop.  Besides,
>   I hate that feeling when I'm playing hockey, hit the puck away, and I'm
>   helplessly moving backwards away from the puck.
> 

Sure.  While rolling backwards, pick one foot, turn it into a T-stop shape, 
and shave the pavement (ouch, my wheels).  To get the best results, it's best
to really lean into the braking foot at a sharp angle (i.e., stick your foot
as far behind you as you can).

This is a great one for hockey and I use it often when I have to stop 
quickly.



							Ken