Ice Skating Drills for Beginners – Build Confidence & Skills
Ice skating can be magical, but for beginners, it’s all about learning balance, coordination, and smooth movement on ice. At Skateraati, we make your entry into the world of skating easier and more fun through simple, effective drills. Whether you’re aiming to skate for fitness, fun, or competition, these beginner-friendly drills help develop confidence and control on the rink.
Balance Stance Drill – Your First Step on Ice
Before you move, you must learn to stand. This drill starts with mastering the “ready position”: knees slightly bent, feet shoulder-width apart, arms extended for balance. Hold this stance while staying still, focusing on stability. Then begin slowly shifting weight from one foot to the other to build ankle strength and stability. Practicing this helps prevent stiff movements and builds a strong base to handle gliding and turning.
March-in-Place Drill – Feel the Blades Under You
This is your first movement drill. While maintaining your balance stance, gently lift each foot in place, as if marching without lifting your blades off the ice too high. It’s great for warming up and training your brain to adjust to the slippery surface. Over time, this drill helps with proper leg positioning and encourages natural weight transfer—critical for forward movement.
Glide Drill – Start Rolling Smoothly
Once you’re comfortable marching, shift into short glides. Push off with one foot while keeping the other straight. Hold the glide for as long as possible before switching. Focus on maintaining a straight line and steady body posture. This drill improves core engagement and gets you used to moving smoothly, which is the essence of ice skating. Add small distances each time to challenge yourself more.
Dip Drill – Build Leg Strength and Stability
Dips involve lowering your body into a semi-squat while gliding. Start by gliding on both feet and then slowly dipping down and rising up. This builds leg strength and balance, key to holding edges on curves and avoiding wobbles. It also simulates how your body will adjust during turns and transitions. Make it fun—dip to music or time your dips between cones!
Scooter Push Drill – Improve Single-Leg Control
Place one foot firmly on the ice and use the other to push like a scooter. After each push, bring both feet together and glide. This builds power in your push leg and coordination with the gliding leg. It helps you become confident on one foot, which is essential for crossovers, spins, and more complex footwork later. It’s also one of the best drills to teach rhythm and posture.
Swizzles – Learn to Use Inner and Outer Edges
Swizzles involve pushing your skates outwards then pulling them back together, forming an “hourglass” motion on the ice. It’s a staple beginner move that teaches edge control, power generation, and body alignment. Focus on keeping knees bent and movements controlled. As you grow more comfortable, try doing swizzles backward for a fun challenge.
Stopping Drill – Master the Snowplow Stop
For beginners, the snowplow is the safest and easiest way to stop. Point your toes slightly inward and gently press out with your heels while gliding forward. The friction slows you down without needing sharp turns. Practice this in short bursts and gradually try at higher speeds. Knowing how to stop confidently is crucial for rink safety and performance.
Edge Control Drill – Ride the Line
Using the rink lines or imaginary paths, try gliding along them using your inside and outside edges. Shift your weight slightly to one side to engage the edge of the skate blade. This improves directional control, balance on curves, and prepares you for spins, turns, and advanced maneuvers. Begin slow, and as confidence builds, make your turns tighter and more fluid.
Circle Drill – Build Turning Confidence
Draw or follow circles on the ice and try to skate within them without stepping outside. Begin with large circles and then work your way to smaller ones. This drill helps you become comfortable leaning into turns and strengthens your inner thighs and balance reflexes. It’s also a great setup for learning crossover steps in the future.
Get-Up Practice – Fall Like a Pro
Falling happens—even to pros. Practice safe falling by landing on your side or front, never your back. Then, push up from one knee, place your hands on your knee, and rise slowly. Practicing how to fall and get up properly builds confidence and helps you recover faster during real skating. It’s an essential safety skill, especially when you’re still building balance.
Glide into Confidence with Skateraati
Ice skating drills for beginners aren’t just about skill—they’re about developing the confidence and muscle memory that make skating feel natural. At Skateraati, our trained coaches and structured programs make it easy to learn, improve, and love every glide. Whether you’re on day one or looking to refine your basics, we’ve got the right support and environment for you.