Characteristics of High-Performance Skating

Backward Skating

1. Acceleration
   • X-over starting technique may be faster than C-cut starting.
   • 2 - 3 x-overs, then use C-cuts.
   • Sideways arm movement appears to enhance performance.
   • Forward lean similar to forward skating.
   • Similar "ready position" as forward skating.
   
   
2. Backward Striding
   • C-cuts
   • Maintaining bent knees will enhance performance.
   • Slight forward lean.
   
   
3. Backward Turning
   • Game performance backward turning involves small changes in direction.
   • Game performance backward turning uses both gliding and cross-over turns.
   
   
4. Backward Pivoting (Backward Forward Skating)
   • Knees bent.
   • Externally rotate outside foot.
   • Push with gliding foot and stride.
   
   
5. Forward Pivoting (Forward Backward Skating)

   Stride, turn body, and plant both feet flat on ice. Followed by c-cuts (or x-overs) to maintain speed and position.
   
   

6. Stride, turn body, and plant both feet flat on ice.
   
   
7. vii. Followed by c-cuts (or x-overs) to maintain speed and position.
   
   
   Starting / Acceleration | Striding | Upper Body Movement | Gliding | Maturity
   Turning | Stopping | Backward Stopping | Backward Skating