Figure Skating Backwards for Beginners! - 3 Skating Skills

Hello Skaters! I am so excited to bring you a backward skating tutorial for the very beginner skater! This video is perfect as your second backward skating tutorial, I have a video posted below for your first ever backward skating lesson! Plus, I posted a few other beginner skating videos that I think you might enjoy and will take your skating a step further...
Backward Skating for the First Time... • How To Skate Backwards...
Very simple forward Skating... • How To Ice Skate! The...
How to do proper forward stroking... • Learn Figure Skating F...
How to do backward stroking... • How to Ice Skate Backw...
How to stop in figure skates... • How to stop on Ice Ska...
Learn the helicopter spin... • Learn to Spin on Ice S...
Forward crossover tutorial... • How to do Forward Cros...
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My Figure Skate Blades are MK Gold Star Revolution
Coach Julia has been skating (first on roller and then on ice) for over 30 years. She was a competitive skater until she turned 21 when she got her first contract as a professional show skater. Julia has been a figure skating coach for 15 years, is a USFS Gold Medalist in Moves in the Field, and an ISI Gold Level certified judge. She has held positions as the Skating Director of the largest skating program in the United States, as well as Head Coach at two different skating clubs. Julia has now turned her skills towards a larger audience and is bringing her love and knowledge of skating to all of you!

[@stefaniaponitz5738]

The last time I went skating I was practicing going backwards from your other video, I was still a bit unstable. At some point, I was doing something else, and then by accident, I did a forward crossover without lifting my feet, you know the one where the outside foot slides across in front of the inside foot and I wasn't able to do that before. At that moment a lot of things clicked for me, I understood how I could make the same motion backwards, also "the scoop" you mentioned in another video. Everything clicked in that moment. I Can't wait to incorporate everything especially with these new exercises of today's video. It doesn't matter which exercise you do, you always make it look so elegant and pretty. Thanks, great job!!!

[@CoachJulia]

Awe, I am so glad that things 'clicked'. Good luck with your next practice session!

[@user-jy8zb2wc8l]

Thanks for sharing, I think picturing this adds another small piece of making things click for me too.

[@beatalogioco3990]

😄 funny how U learned by accident

[@stefaniaponitz5738]

@@beatalogioco3990 😂😅 yes, I had tried before and thought oh no that's really scary and this is also one that always goes through my mind, my legs are too short for that, I can't do it 🤷‍♀️🤷‍♀️🤣🤣 Very happy accident 😅🙏

[@JERSEYTOMATO]

FABULOUS-

[@karireed5942]

This is the best explanation of backward stroking I’ve ever heard. Looking forward to practicing them again. Thank you!

[@CoachJulia]

Oh my gosh, thank you so much!

[@KellyeR1970]

I'm stuck on doing backwards crossovers on my weak side . I can do right over left all day long but just can't get my feet to work left over right. Is there something I can do to fix it. Its like writing with your left hand . Forward is fine but something about backwards on that side my brain just won't compute .

[@icehockey5876]

Your explanations are always really good. I have never any questions left after watching your tutorials.

[@CoachJulia]

Glad to hear that!

[@dukeharveylagtapon5968]

This is perfect pace of teaching for me Coach Julia. I like this one the most. Not too fast, not too overwhelming. Thanks, Coach.

[@CoachJulia]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Bodtaib]

Strong quad and vertical! I do it! 15 years ago iv begin. But now i do backward skating! I'm happy!!! 🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗

[@CoachJulia]

That is awesome!

[@JessicaSToro]

Thank you, I always watch your tutorials before going to the rink, and really need to improve my backward skills so this is perfect 🥰 💞 👌🏻

[@CoachJulia]

You can do it!

[@garysimkins2179]

I have just started working with a great coach. I have always wanted to know how to really skate, and to do dance moves. My coach works like you do, but I just wanted to say how amazingly informative and supportive of what I am doing is right here in your content. I thank you for this because it changes everything every day. God bless you Julia!

[@porcelaintouch]

Thank you so much for being so clear about posture and balancing with the hands!! These little tips help SO much with overall stability on the ice as a beginner! So excited to try this!

[@CoachJulia]

You're so welcome! I hope the tips are helpful!

[@zeborahnz]

Thank you for talking so clearly about where your balance and weight should be. I've been struggling for a while with my backwards one-foot glides and in my head it makes no sense, I can hold a glide going forwards no problem so what's the difference? All I can think of is I must not have my balance right, so I'm going to try these tips next time I'm on the ice.

[@CoachJulia]

I hope these tips help you out! Try and keep your weight right in the middle, and both your edges even on the ice as you do the backward one foot glides.

[@TheRealPhantomsAria]

No other coach has ever explained things to me in a way I understood quite like this. And it's nice seeing my body shape for once. Thank you thank you thank you.

[@CoachJulia]

Great to hear!

[@sunminai8225]

I'm struggling going backward for weeks :/. I'll try next time I'll go to the ice. Thank you so much for your tutorials :D

[@CoachJulia]

you are welcome! I hope it helps.

[@TheLarryBrown]

2:40 Doing the teeter totter and making some backwards momentum, lifting the pushing foot off the ice with each push. That's a great exercise to force yourself to learn to shift all your weight to the gliding leg. That's going to be key for me because I have developed a bad self taught habit of having my weight on the pushing foot. I'm going to have to unlearn that and this exercise will be key.

[@tkd1054]

Finally an instructor explained the weight transfer concept clearly and slowly. That was the missing piece.😊

[@CoachJulia]

Glad it was helpful!

[@TheLarryBrown]

5:00 backwards two foot slalom...oh that's a great explanation and clarifies for me how to do that...can't wait to try your advice. However....after emphasizing that we need to keep our feet together and not work the feet independently, on many of her slaloms coach does not keep her feet completely together and she is working one foot more than the other. Therefore I learn that having good form on that move must be difficult, if even coach has trouble. So I won't be too hard on myself, I'll accept some slop.

[@lauraangelicarodriguezmung7650]

Me encantó la explicación, soy principiante y he descubierto que entiendo más viendo tus vídeos antes de mi clase, los estudio y practico, te felicito

[@morganwhitacre2868]

You taught me how to backwards skate! I could never do it in the 10 years I had been skating recreationally. Recently, I took adult lessons, and I am starting with private coach after the New Year. You have inspired me SO much! Your videos truly are the best online that I have found. Thank you for this invaluable service you provide to us skaters! ❤

[@donnabella1018]

This is perfect 👍 Thank you so much!! More beginner exercise tutorials please 🙏

[@CoachJulia]

You got it!

[@noorallawati5390]

Thank you so much for this! I can do backward swizzles only and started backwards c cuts. My left legs' non-existent xD but with my right I always stray from the circle! Now I think i know why xD

[@rooseveltdesrosiers5065]

I have been Ice-skating for 6 weeks. I am at basic level 1. I enjoy watching these videos. I think coach Julia is awesome. I am learning so much, even though I can't practice everything I see yet. Ideally, I would like to date an iceskater one day, and that's an important common interest to have in a relationship.😊😎🤫

[@maryannezupancic192]

I love your videos! So helpful Could you do a video on forward and backward Russian stroking and a sit spin?

[@CoachJulia]

Great suggestion!

[@AG-ur4dr]

Great tutorial, as always, it helped me so much!

[@chaoli1505]

You always bring us such perfect tutorial videos, thanks coach Julia.

[@CoachJulia]

Glad you think so!

[@skv1991]

Always great videos and technique, thank you so much!

[@CoachJulia]

Glad you like them!

[@josephmugisha4304]

Wow Julia!!! The backward tutorial was spot on. You helped me so much. Thanks for being a blessing to many

[@CoachJulia]

I am so glad you found it helpful!

[@NadiaPI]

Thank you coach your explain very well🥰🙏

[@CoachJulia]

Glad it was helpful!

[@jeannetteirwin5522]

Hi there! Thank you for your videos they are so helpful! Do you have a video for 2 foot turns? I was searching through and didn't see one but perhaps missed it! If not, would love to see one! Thank you!

[@ligitafly]

You are amazing! ❣️ Thank you! 🍓👌💐

[@CoachJulia]

Awe, Thank you!

[@tabithadehaan8405]

Thanks a lot! I am also working on my backward outside edges 😊

[@CoachJulia]

You're welcome 😊

[@phoebejose-balgobin8751]

Love these videos thanks !!!

[@CoachJulia]

I am glad you like them!

[@lollyttavegas7474]

Love the ice skating tips I love the way she does it

[@CoachJulia]

Thank you!

[@fatedbrain6326]

You explain the moves beautifully and easy to understand, thanks alot

[@CoachJulia]

Thank you for the lovely feedback!

[@annax7824]

I love your videos they are so helpful

[@CoachJulia]

Glad you think so!

[@mouxiaojie9132]

best tutorial!

[@natakozakova5961]

Thank you !

[@CoachJulia]

You're welcome!

[@777jastreb]

I love your videos !

[@CoachJulia]

I am so glad you like them!

[@davidperrii]

I didnt even realize you posted this recently wow! Right on time, headed to the rink tomorrow for practice

[@CoachJulia]

I hope your practice goes well!!

[@nanwijanarko1969]

I've always wanted to learn skating, and have had fun the two times I actually went to the skating rink (the entry ticket was pricey for me). I watched your videos for the first time, and managed to do forward slalom. The second time, something clicked and I can do the backward slalom too out of nowhere, I was so excited haha.

[@CoachJulia]

Oh that's awesome. I hope you get to skate more!

[@veronikapalikova2714]

My backward wiggle I tried last time was not a success. My knees appear stiff. I think next time I am going to try the no.1 from this video, perhaps I find it easier. At first I tried to just push myself to go backwards, so I get used to the movement. But the wiggle just didn't work. We'll see next time. Your videos are great!

[@SoMelancholy]

OMgosh thank you so much for this! :`) I've been struggling.

[@CoachJulia]

Glad I could help!

[@mimaskates8110]

when your talking at about 1:40 my coach always says bend at the ankle!!

[@Cbessette]

Hey Julia! I cant find in your videos a tutorial for the Cherry Flip.. its different from the half flip… Next video on the Cherry flip 😁? Thanks!

[@benxhhe]

This is nice Julia. Could you do a video on backward crossover?

[@CoachJulia]

I actually already have a backward crossover tutorial! It is my most watched video, so if you search by popularity, you will find it easily! 😀

[@ilariagirolami9426]

I started learning to ice skate this year at the age of 33 and I found your tutorials very useful!

[@edytadobrzanska2462]

I'm 33 and want to start too! Hoping to have 1st lesson next week 😊⛸️

[@1chienandalou]

You are probably too far forward on your skates and end up on your toe pick and stop. It’s not uncommon for adult skater especially to lose posture. Try taking a photo or video of yourself and see if you’re bending at the waist. If you do it will be both understandable from the perspective of the brain trying to get its center of gravity lower to the ground as it’s trying to do something scary like going backwards on a slippery surface, but it will make the Skating harder because you need to get your weight off your toe pics to be able to skate. Once you figure out to bend the knees but not break at the waist and hunch shoulders etc., Finding the right part of the blade that doesn’t lead to stopping in between your swizzles or pushes or crossovers getting stuck on toe picks etc. will become much easier. I’m an adult skater and older than you guys, And I can skate backwards and everything but every time I take a break and come back to the ice my posture goes bad again and I start going on my toe pics more and have to pay attention all over again and try to correct it. She shows the correct posture at the start of the video. Compare yours to hers and see if your hips are really under. If you see this hope it helps. Skating is really hard but also really rewarding. Good luck! ⛸⛸⛸

[@knoxieloxie7276]

Hey any tips for skating backwards and your toe picks constantly hit the ice and stop you

[@Anna-cu7iz]

Thank you for this video! I haven’t been able to go to the rink in almost a month because my garbage Riedell rec skates broke after less than 20 hours (like, the boot separated from the sole) and the skates the shop ordered for me apparently haven’t arrived yet even though it’s been a MONTH, so I’ll need to binge watch everything when I can finally go back lol

[@CoachJulia]

Oh no! I hope you can get out onto the Ice again soon!

[@Anna-cu7iz]

@@CoachJulia update, I’m finally back on the ice! I feel like I have no idea what I’m doing anymore but I’m sure I’ll get back to feeling more comfortable again pretty quickly.

[@CoachJulia]

@@Anna-cu7iz thanks for the update! Glad to hear you are at least able to skate again!

[@beatalogioco3990]

Love

[@CoachJulia]

Yay!

[@koraeikorkai3392]

Can you do a tutorial about spider lunge? ❤️

[@CoachJulia]

I think you are talking about the one we refer to as the 'Jonny Weir' lunge. If so, I have a tutorial planned for that this month!

[@cringemeister04]

srry if you said it in the video but I just wanna ask where approximately on the feet should your weight be because the times I have went backwards it always feels like I am going to slip and slide on my skates and fall forward (and I mean 'forward' the way my body is facing but not going towards) and I just wanna do it good anyways idk if it's about the being tucked thing tho I do usually try to do that too. I am gonna go skating on tuesday probably so I will remember this stuff and try it then lol

[@rnieIIe_lr]

Not coach Julia but this is currently my biggest struggle, when I feel like I’m going to slip forwards it usually means I’m bending too much at the hips (leaning forward) and that I need to align my shoulders over my hips. I think to bend more at my ankles which helps you ‘tuck’ rather than breaking at the hips! I think your weight should be a little more towards the back of your feet but having your weight forwards feel safer (when it’s actually not) which causes us to lean too much forwards and slip. hope this helps a little!

[@cringemeister04]

@@rnieIIe_lr very interesting thanks I will definitely think of this when I skate

[@CoachJulia]

Try and keep your weight right in the middle of your foot, through your arch. We rock to the front or the back during specific 'tricks' but for the moves in this video, keeping the weight centered is best.

[@winter_cakes1378]

Hi coach Julia, i have a problem with skating, (im 11 years old and started started at 10 and a half) and i feel like im the right level to complete when im 12 maybe, but my parents don't really take skating seriously... All the kids skating competitions in my country (uk) are on school days and i know my parents wont let me skip school because they say i need to get a good job. I really really want to compete though ☹️

[@jocelynwithsprinkles]

I can’t get my feet to stay together, they start separating and I start doing this crazy foot thing. I wonder if I need my skates more sharpened. I’m also an overpronator. Any tips if orthotics in my skates could help to keep my feet straight?

[@topazislost]

hi ! do you think youll ever do a tutorial for the johnny weir slide? I've been trying to learn for months LMAO

[@CoachJulia]

I actually have a tutorial for that planned later this month!

[@topazislost]

@@CoachJulia oh yay! cant wait :D

[@danieledalinskyte6840]

weird being so early (btw ur really helpful)

[@CoachJulia]

I am glad you find my videos helpful!

[@TheLarryBrown]

One important point you didn't mention: The stroking foot always remains slightly ahead of the gliding foot. When you are stroking backwards, your gliding foot stays pointed straight on the line, as you said. Your stroking foot makes a tear drop pattern. You said that but you described it as a D and it's better thought of as a teardrop. A D shape would mean you would turn the stroking blade crosswise to the direction of travel and bring the stroking heel directly towards your gliding foot, and that's not the motion you want, so instead think of it as a teardrop with the big end away from you and the small end where you are bringing your stroking foot back towards your gliding foot. The important point you didn't mention is that the stroking foot must remain slightly ahead of the gliding foot, thinking of your toes as pointing "ahead" even though you could say they are pointing "behind" since you are moving backwards. The stroking foot should start the teardrop stroke a little ahead of the gliding foot, and remain ahead of the gliding foot for the entire stroke until the feet are brought together.

[@moonlin7511]

Can’t find the link below of two beginning class?

[@susanafernandez3768]

After of this level in backwards, what it is the next exercises? I am doing a strange thing, a mix . I don't know, the people explain to me but they aren't preofessionals. I am lost and I don't advance. :-(

[@noorallawati5390]

what's the difference between back slalom & wiggles?

[@CoachJulia]

Such a great question! Wiggles focuses more on a sharp movement and turning the skates back and forth across the ice, but not on edge work. It is the foundation for slaloms. Slaloms is a more controlled motion, more of a swoop instead of a twist and instead of the blades twisting across the ice you are trying to get your edges to cut into the ice to create the swooping motion. I don’t know if that makes sense to you?

[@noorallawati5390]

@@CoachJulia it does thank you! I started with Wiggles and reached back slalom apparently xD

[@user-qx6qs4tu7u]

04:03 08:25

[@KellyeR1970]

I wish my coach taught like you do , I feel like being an adult and 51 yr adult coaches don't want to be as hard as they would on kids. I never get the really detailed instruction and I don't know how to ask my coach I feel like they know what they're doing . Would it be rude to show my coach one of your videos and ask for details like you teach ? I'm really getting frustrated because I'm stuck in my learning .

[@itscris01]

I think if you’re paying for these lessons, then it would be in your best interest to make sure that you’re getting the most out of them. I would let your coach know that you’d like them to explain things more specifically to you. Remember, there’s no such thing as bad students, only bad teachers. I can’t tell you how many times I pulled a video for reference when someone was teaching me something, whether that was at the gym, school, or an extracurricular club, and asked if they thought that method was good and if they could explain it to me another way. Thankfully, none of my teachers took offense, and sometimes I learned more than one way to do something. Other times I found a way that worked better for me. Tell your teachers not to take it easy on you just because you’re older than some of the other skaters on the ice: you’re there to learn!

[@harussubliminals4676]

I’m 12 and really want to start skating but everyone tells me I’m too old :(

[@CoachJulia]

You are definitely not to old! I started at your age!

[@harussubliminals4676]

@@CoachJulia wow really?? that’s so much more inspiring!!

[@Laritaliada]

Julia: "Very, very, very beginner... " Me: nah, there's must be something under this level 😅

[@JessicaSToro]

Backward swizzles I guess or just two foot glide

[@Laritaliada]

My level is: putting the boots on 😂😅

[@CoachJulia]

If you look at the description under this video there is a forward tutorial for the very beginner!

[@Laritaliada]

@@CoachJulia I know! I was just fooling around😅

[@TheLarryBrown]

2:19 Teeter-totter exercise. The way coach does this is just dumb. It's for two year olds. Just skip that, or....just do it a few times so that you can say you did it and then move on. Except.....I tried it today and couldn't do it at all. I worked at it some and did not get good. Coach makes this teeter-totter look like child's play, but it's not that easy, it's going to take me some work....I hate that. think we all lean on our inside edges and it's unnatural and uncomfortable to put weight on the outside edge. We normally stand with our weight centered between our two feet, so we are standing on our arches when we do that. If we put weight on the outside edge, and we start to lose balance, we will fall because we have no foot on that out side to catch us, whereas if we are putting weight on the inside edge we will start to fall towards the inside and then we have the other foot there. For that reason I think we all favor putting weight on the inside edge. For this teeter-totter, I am going to concentrate on putting weight on that outside edge, in order to get equal weight on both edges, I think that's necessary. When walking we do a similar weight shift with every step, in order to lift our rear foot and move it forward, we must have all our weight on the forward foot, so hmmm, in that sense this is like learning to walk. When we put all out weight on our forward foot, we must be putting more of that on the outside edge of the foot, since the arch prevents us from putting as much weight on the inside edge (if barefoot, shoes have arch support). Hmmmm, that gives me something to focus on, putting weight on not only the outside edge of the blade but feeling the weight on the outside edge of the foot, and maybe focusing on keeping that weight off the arch.