Advanced skaters sometimes prefer to use the T-stop as a quick way to slow down. However, excessive use of this means of stopping can prematurely wear out the inside edges and the profile of your wheels. If this isn’t a major concern for you, by all means use the T-stop when it’s to your advantage to do so. The T-stop is applied by forming a T-shape with your skates.

To make a T-stop:

1. Stand in the ready position.
2. Move into a staggered stance.
3. Make three or four strides to pick up speed.
4. Keep your right skate out in front and facing straight ahead.
5. Lift your left skate about 3 inches off the pavement.



The skater’s left skate has cleared the pavement and is positioned correctly for the next step which involves a quick movement of the left skate to the outside. The skater needs to keep the right skate pointing straight ahead. He is now balancing entirely over his right skate, which is providing lateral stability. The hands are out in front and the head is up.


6. Move your left skate about 1 foot back and out to your side.



The left skate is now positioned properly for the next step which involves a quick, pivoting action.


7. Pivot your left skate in the air until it make a 90-degree angle with the heel of your right skate.
8. Place your left skate back on the surface about 6 inches straight behind you.



You have now formed a T-shape with your skates.


9. Tilt the inside edges of your back skate slightly.
10. Drag all four wheels of your back skate to stop.

The T-stop requires good balance and a proper posture throughout owing to the amount of weight and pressure you need to exert on the front skate.

In addition, you could also use the T-stop with your left skate out front and your right skate behind you. However, this is more difficult and cumbersome since your brake may get in the way when you attempt to pivot and place your right skate down on the pavement.

Summing Up

Use the above maneuver when you need to stop in a hurry because of a crowded trail or an obstacle in your path. Until next time, have a great season of inline skating!

The above article deals exclusively with the advanced maneuver dubbed the T-Stop. To find out how to master the Crossover method for turning around bends in the trail and the Short-Radius Parallel Turn for skating on steeper hills, as well as how to sprint to improve your aerobic endurance and stride and glide like a long-track speed skater, refer to Lesson #3 Advanced Trail Skating.

If you prefer, check out the Skating Module, which contains three skating lessons. Lesson #1 For Beginners Only, Lesson #2 Intermediate Trail Skating, and Lesson #3 Advanced Trail Skating are all included in this module.

About the Author

Jim Safianuk is the writer and publisher of the three-part series entitled Skating Lessons, as well as the two-part series named Skate Maintenance. He is also the owner of the Inline Skating Center, a site which was established to serve as a hub for the recreational, inline skating community. Click Inline Skating Lessons to visit their Skating Lessons site.

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