Learning to roll is fun. Learning to stop is what keeps you rolling. If you only skate in big laps and stop by grabbing the wall (or another skater), it’s time to learn some real stops. Here are five quad skate stops, from beginner to advanced.
1. The plow stop (snowplow)
Level: Beginner
The plow is the first stop most coaches teach because it keeps both feet on the ground.
- While rolling slowly, widen your stance a little past shoulder-width.
- Bend your knees deeply and turn your toes slightly inward.
- Push your heels out, pressing into the inside edges of your wheels.
- Keep your weight centered and your chest up. You’ll slow down gradually.
Common mistake: Not bending your knees enough. The push comes from your legs, and you can’t push with straight legs.
2. The toe-drag
Level: Beginner
- Roll forward in your ready position.
- Put most of your weight on your front (supporting) leg and bend that knee.
- Extend the other leg straight behind you and lightly drag the toe stop on the floor.
- Press harder to slow down faster.
This one is controlled and gentle, which makes it great for slowing down in a crowd. It does wear your toe stops, so check them often.
3. The T-stop
Level: Beginner to intermediate
- Glide forward on your front skate with your knee bent.
- Place your back skate behind it at a 90-degree angle, forming a “T.”
- Lower the back skate so all four wheels drag across the floor.
- Keep your hips and shoulders facing forward — don’t let the back foot spin you around.
The T-stop works with any skate, quad or inline, so it’s worth mastering.
4. The turnaround toe stop
Level: Intermediate
- Roll forward, then turn your body so you’re skating backward.
- As you finish the turn, lift your heels and tip forward onto both toe stops.
- Keep your knees bent to absorb the stop.
This one looks sharp and stops you quickly. Practice the backward transition at slow speed first, and make sure your toe stops are tight.
5. The hockey stop (power slide for quads)
Level: Advanced
Derby skaters and jam skaters use this to stop hard and fast.
- Build some speed in your ready position.
- Quickly rotate your hips and both skates 90 degrees to the side.
- Sink low and lean back slightly against the slide.
- Let your wheels skid sideways across the floor.
Harder wheels slide more easily; grippy outdoor wheels make this tough. Learn the other four stops first.
Practice tips
- Start every stop at walking speed, then build up.
- Practice both sides. Most skaters have a “good” foot — train the other one too.
- Wear your full protective gear while learning stops.
- Never rely on the toe stop alone at high speed. Toe stops can catch and pitch you forward.
Once you can stop with confidence, you’ll skate faster, relax more and enjoy every session. That’s the real secret to looking smooth on eight wheels.
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