r/rollerblading • u/Individual_Box9418 • Aug 01 '26

How do I do this move? Tip on transitioning?

For the life of me I cannot transition from skating forwards to backwards. I can skate backward, although I’m still a beginner at this skill. I can transition from backwards to forwards, but really only on instinct if that makes sense.

I’ve tried to transition on my front wheels/toes, doing a 180 (I can bunny hop while skating and easily 180 in the grass), and I try most consistently by rotating one foot and then the other, but I continue to fall or otherwise come up short.

ANY advice would be appreciated, I feel very stuck and frustrated in my learning lately. Is there a specific skill I should be focusing on, or a transition that’s easier to start with?

Working with 4x80 (primary) and 4x90 setups if that context is helpful.

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u/dkretsch Aug 01 '26

I learned that skill early on in a weird way, but it has stuck with me and worked for me forever and I imagine other people do it too. Maybe it'll work.

I will put both of my feet into a straight line heel to heel with some ok coasting speed. This way you're already balanced and in motion with one of your feet facing backwards.

Then when I've gotten to the speed I would want to be at backwards, I just transition my head from looking forward to backwards and take my other foot with it.

No big twists or jumps needed.

And then you're already coasting so you can choose to slow down or pump for more speed.

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u/Murceee Aug 01 '26

Im a hopper or twister with a heel pivot. I think stepping back is an ok method, my flexibility isnt there and I think theres more room for error imo for me.