Learning to roller skate is exciting, empowering, and (let’s be honest) a little intimidating at first. Every skater remembers those first wobbly pushes and the thrill of finally rolling without holding onto a wall. But along the way, most beginners develop a few common habits that can slow progress (or make skating less fun).

The good news? With a little awareness and practice, you can correct these mistakes early and build strong skating skills that last.

Here are the five most common beginner mistakes in roller skating and how to fix them.

1. Skating Too Stiff

The mistake: New skaters often lock their knees and keep their body stiff, thinking it will help them balance. In reality, stiff legs make you less stable and more likely to fall.

The fix: Bend your knees! Aim to keep them bent like you’re sitting slightly in a chair, with weight centered over your skates. Stay loose in your ankles and hips. Think “bouncy and flexible” instead of “rigid and frozen.”

* Pro tip: Practice small knee bends while standing still in your skates, then try rolling with a soft bounce to feel the difference.

2. Leaning Too Far Forward (or Backward)

The mistake: Beginners sometimes pitch their weight onto their toes (causing a “runaway” feeling) or lean back onto their heels (which leads to falls).

The fix: Keep your weight centered over the middle of your skates, not too far forward or back. A good cue: imagine a string pulling your chest slightly forward, while your knees stay bent and stacked above your toes.

* Pro tip: Place your hands on your thighs when you bend your knees. It naturally keeps your weight centered.

3. Looking Down at Your Feet

The mistake: It’s tempting to stare at your skates to make sure they’re “doing the right thing.” But looking down pulls your balance forward and makes it harder to react.

The fix: Look ahead, not down. Keep your eyes up and focus on where you want to roll. Your body naturally follows your gaze.

* Pro tip: Pick a spot in the distance (like a tree, cone, or wall) and skate toward it. Resist the urge to glance at your feet.

4. Taking Tiny, Fast Steps

The mistake: New skaters often shuffle their feet quickly in small steps, which uses a lot of energy and doesn’t build real control.

The fix: Work on pushing out to the side in longer, controlled strides. Think of each push as a gentle “C” shape, letting your wheels roll before you switch legs.

* Pro tip: Count “push, glide… push, glide” in your head to slow down your rhythm and practice balance on one foot at a time.

5. Skating Without Learning How to Stop

• The mistake: Beginners often focus on moving forward but never practice stopping, which can be dangerous.
• The fix: Learn basic stops early (like the toe stop drag, plow stop, or T-stop). Even practicing one reliable stopping method will give you more control and confidence.

6. Forgetting to Practice One Foot Balance

• The mistake: Many beginners avoid balancing on one foot, but strong single-leg control is the foundation of smooth skating.
• The fix: Practice gliding on one foot for a few seconds at a time, switching legs often. It will improve turns, stops, and overall stability.

Final Thoughts

Mistakes are part of learning, and every skater has been there! The key is to stay patient, practice regularly, and make small adjustments as you go. Most importantly, make sure you ALWAYS wear protective gear! Falls are inevitable when learning to skate, and protective gear can prevent serious injuries. Wearing the right gear provides a safety net and builds confidence while you try new moves or build up speed. With time, your posture, balance, and control will all improve, and soon you’ll be rolling smoothly with confidence.