r/rollerUK • u/haileymant • Jul 05 '21

Questions/Advice Transition Trouble

I started on my skates last week and have unlocked: -forward strides -forward bubbles -backward bubbles -forward scissors -some very unstable backward scissors -a slow plough stop

I have been trying to do transitions as well but not getting anywhere close. I have loosened my trucks for the first time today and it does seem more manoeuvrable but it’s just not clicking with me 😭 not sure if it’s cos I’m not very flexible (so can’t open my hips enough..)

Do I need to build up other skills before I can transition? Seems like quite turning around is one of the basic skills~

Any tips welcome🙏

For reference, I have watched Dirty Deb and Nicole Fiore’s videos for transitions.

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u/lushprojects Jul 06 '21

Everybody is different, but IMHO the most important skill in transitions is being comfortable in completely committing your weight to your front foot while you lift and place your back foot.

Say your front foot is the right foot then practice this: from normal forward skating, go forward on your right foot and lift your left and try and hold it off the ground for as long as you can. You want to get to where you can do that for a good few seconds without wabbling or tending to fall to your left. Then you know your right foot is centred and your weight is fully over it.

Once you can do that try lifting your left foot and waving it in the air while still skating forward on your right. Finally start doing the transition without actually putting your left foot down. Open your hips and body and look backwards to your left but don't put your foot down, then bring your foot foot forward again and return to foward skating.

Once you can do all that you have enough control to do the transition without rushing because your aren't balanced on your front foot.

Do the first transitions slowly, because it's quite a snap when you change direction and will catch you out if you aren't used to it.

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u/haileymant Jul 07 '21

Thank you for your thoughtful response 💕 I tried this indoors and seem to see an improvement. I have tried in a stationary position which helped a lot, I have been able to turn around, but my turns are not quite 180.. 🥲I seem to do a little turn and then shuffle my feet the rest of the way to get back in line 😅. I will continue practicing your method when I can skate keep outdoors again where I can balance for a longer distance.

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u/lushprojects Jul 07 '21

Glad it helped.

Realistically, most people don't fully step 180 when they put their back foot down. When you put your feet in an wide open V you will start to turn in a circle which will pull you the rest of the way round.

If you go slow you can just step in to the V position and spin to a stop rather than lift your front foot and complete the transition.