skating technique

Question
I've relatively new to roller blading. I'm having difficulty with my technique. When I'm pushing off, my opposite ankle that is gliding, rolls out. As my weight transfers back to that leg prior to pushing off, my ankle must roll back to vertical prior to rolling out for the push off. As you can imagine my ankles are taking a beating. My rollerblades are soft boot type. I have tried adjusting the blades to help but didn't stop the ankles rolling outward.

Answer
Fred,
It's difficult to analyze exactly what your problem is without actually seeing you skate & checking the fit of your skates. It sounds to me, however, that your stroke needs work & that perhaps your skates are too loose at the ankles.

When you push off your weight must be totally centered over the rolling foot. You achieve this by pushing that knee as far forward as your boot will allow, bringing your pelvis (your center of gravity) over the ball of your foot. Think in terms of pressing down the tongue of your boot by pushing your upper ankle firmly against it. I believe what is happening to you is that your weight is slightly back over your heel & that foot, by not having your weight totally over it, is veering off to its outside edge. Think about rolling that foot directly forward iin a straight line as the pushing foot (which must push from its inside edge) extends diagonally back (& do make certain that the boot is tight enough around the ankle). After you roll forward bring your feet parallel to prepare for the next push off, so you begin the next stroke with your weight over both feet. Then push your knee forward (think about breaking the plane with your knee as a runner does with his chest) as you push from the inside edge of the other foot which straightens back on a diagonal as the knee of the rolling foot pushes straight ahead.

Here is an important tip to follow - with skates off & your feet parallel, 2" apart - bend your knees as far down as you can, comfortably, keeping your body erect & pushing your knees forward - this is level 5. Straighten your knees completely - this is level 10. Then gradually, in even increments, bend to level 9, to 8, to 7, to 6 & finally back to 5. Your range of operation should be from 7 to 5. When you are about to push off you start at level 7 then push down to 5 - come up to 7 again as your feet come parallel, then push down to five as you begin the next stroke.
I hope this helps you find your center over your feet which should correct your problem.

If you are in the NYC area & want some instruction you can call my school at 212 777-3232 or contact me at [email protected] I'll be glad to help you. Roll on!............Lezly (Lezly Skate School - NYC   estab. 1979