4 Ways To Stop On Ice Skates - WikiHow

Skip to ContentQuizzes
  • Home
  • Random
  • Browse Articles
  • Quizzes & Games
  • All QuizzesHot
  • Love Quizzes
  • Personality Quizzes
  • Fun Games
  • Dating Simulator
  • Learn Something New
  • Forums
  • Courses
  • Happiness Hub
  • Explore More
  • Support wikiHow
  • About wikiHow
  • Log in / Sign up
Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow How to Stop on Ice Skates PDF download Download Article Author Info

Last Updated: February 19, 2026 References

PDF download Download Article
  • Perform the "T" Stop
  • |
  • Performing the "Snowplow" Stop
  • |
  • Performing the Hockey Stop
  • |
  • Practicing
  • |
  • Q&A
  • |
  • Tips
  • |
  • Warnings
  • |
  • Things You'll Need
|Show more |Show less X

wikiHow is a “wiki,” similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. To create this article, 37 people, some anonymous, worked to edit and improve it over time. There are 7 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been viewed 409,765 times. Learn more...

There are two main ways to stop on ice skates. The "snowplow stop" is a beginner technique that will get the job done, even if it isn't always graceful. The more advanced "hockey stop" requires balance and finesse, but it is much quicker and smoother than the snowplow if executed properly. Read on to learn how to stop on ice skates!

Steps

Method 1 Method 1 of 4:

Perform the "T" Stop

PDF download Download Article
  1. Step 1 Try using the "T" stop at first. 1 Try using the "T" stop at first. This is usually touted as the easiest way for pure beginners to learn how to stop on ice skates. Begin by skating slowly forward, on a straightaway, with no obstacles or turns before you.[1]
  2. Step 2 Drag one skate back. 2 Drag one skate back. As you glide, turn one skate at a 45 degree angle. Let it hang behind the other skate to create friction. Advertisement
  3. Step 3 Pull the back skate forward. 3 Pull the back skate forward. Bring the dragging skate up into the instep of the leading skate. Make sure to keep your dragging skate in contact with the ice as you do this. You may need to apply some pressure.[2]
  4. Step 4 Shift your body weight to the dragging skate. 4 Shift your body weight to the dragging skate. Lean back slightly, and tip your weight into the direction you're coming from. Keep your shoulders straight, pointing forward. Let your arms hang at your sides. Keep your weight on the rear foot, creating friction, until you slowly come to a stop.
  5. Advertisement
Method 2 Method 2 of 4:

Performing the "Snowplow" Stop

PDF download Download Article
  1. Step 1 Try pointing your toes to stop. 1 Try pointing your toes to stop. This beginner technique is sometimes called the "snowplow stop" because it relies more upon angle and stability than finesse. It is less graceful than the "hockey stop," but it will slow you down in a pinch.
  2. Step 2 Practice at a slow speed. 2 Practice at a slow speed. Skate forward on a straightaway, with no big turns coming up. Let yourself glide at a comfortable pace, and wait to stop until you are already slowing down. As you improve, you can practice stopping at faster and faster speeds.
    • If you feel out of control: don't panic, and don't try to stop right away. Try to find your balance. Wait until you slow down a bit before you try to stop.
  3. Step 3 Pigeon-toe your skates. 3 Pigeon-toe your skates. When you are ready to stop, point both of your toe picks inward. Your feet should form an upside-down "V."[3]
  4. Step 4 Grind to a stop. 4 Grind to a stop. Hold your feet at a steady angle as you slow down. The friction of the skates against the ice will gradually bring you to stop. Don't push your feet in toward each other, or you risk twisting your ankle.
  5. Advertisement
Method 3 Method 3 of 4:

Performing the Hockey Stop

PDF download Download Article
  1. Step 1 Work your way up to the hockey stop. 1 Work your way up to the hockey stop. As you build confidence and skill, you can learn to stop harder, at greater speeds. This is the technique that ice hockey players and other professional ice skaters use. It becomes necessary, at some point, as you need to stop quickly and efficiently in order to keep up with the competition. If you're a beginner, however, you don't need to worry about mastering this right away.[4]
  2. Step 2 Skate forward at a medium to slow speed. 2 Skate forward at a medium to slow speed. You can be gliding more quickly than you would for the "snowplow stop," but you should still feel as though you are in control. In certain high-performance situations—an intense hockey game, or a complex figure-skating move—you may need to come to a halt or change directions very quickly. In general, avoid trying to suddenly stop while flying across the rink at your top speed.[5]
  3. Step 3 Bend your knees. 3 Bend your knees. As you glide, go into a half-crouch, as though you're going to sit. Make sure to keep your knees shoulder-width apart. This is called un-weighting yourself. Then, turn your skates sideways not-quite-90 degrees from the direction that you were going before.
  4. Step 4 Shift your weight back. 4 Shift your weight back. With your knees bent, lean away from the direction you are heading. Focus your weight on the side of your feet that is away from the direction that you are moving.
  5. Step 5 Create friction. 5 Create friction. Slowly but firmly dig the edge of your skates into the ice. Hold fast, and dig harder as you slow down. Ride the friction until you come to a halt.Only a small portion of the skates should be in contact with the ice, thus minimizing friction and eventually allowing you to stop on a dime.[6]
  6. Advertisement
Method 4 Method 4 of 4:

Practicing

PDF download Download Article
  1. Step 1 Try stopping on a straightaway. 1 Try stopping on a straightaway. Find a long, open stretch of ice to practice on. Ideally, pick a time when there is not much skate traffic around you, so that you don't need to worry about colliding with other people. Make sure that there are no turns, holes, or other obstacles ahead of you. Put yourself in a space where you only need to focus on the act of stopping.
  2. Step 2 Consider wearing pads and a helmet. 2 Consider wearing pads and a helmet. If you are going to be stopping suddenly at high speeds, then safety is of the essence. This is especially the case if you are stopping in the midst of a high-intensity activity like a race or a hockey game. You can use hockey pads or non-ice skating pads – anything that will protect you from the ice! If nothing else, make sure to protect your head, your hands, your elbows, and your knees.
  3. Step 3 Watch videos. 3 Watch videos. Look online for videos of other people stopping on ice skates.[7] Watch hockey games, speed-skating races, or figure-skating competitions on television to get a feel for the motion. There may be other tricks and styles of stopping that pertain to specific types of ice skating.
  4. Advertisement

Community Q&A

Search Add New Question
  • Question How do I place my leg? Community Answer Community Answer For the T-stop, have one foot if facing forwards, and one is slightly behind, dragging on the ice. For the snowplow stop, bend your knees and both feet should be slightly facing inwards as you create friction. For the hockey stop, both feet should be parallel to each other, then lean back a little. For each of these methods, once you get the hang of them, you will be able to personalise them to your liking. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 6 Helpful 25
  • Question Do you have to play hockey to do the hockey stop? Undertale4141 Undertale4141 Top Answerer No! Figure skaters learn it too. And even if you only ice skate recreationally, it’s still a helpful move to know. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 5 Helpful 9
Ask a Question 200 characters left Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Submit Advertisement

Tips

  • To get used to the feeling, you can stand holding and facing the boards while pushing sideways and alternating sides. You should be able to slide your skates sideways. If you can't, you are pushing down too hard. Thanks Helpful 59 Not Helpful 17
  • Don't try to dig in with too much pressure, or your edges will catch. The goal is to move from coasting forwards to sliding sideways. This is easier to learn with skates that are not freshly sharpened. Thanks Helpful 15 Not Helpful 4
  • Keep practicing. This is not easy to learn with only one try. Ask a friend or someone around you to show you and teach you how to stop. Thanks Helpful 17 Not Helpful 5
Show More Tips Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review! Advertisement

Warnings

  • Make sure you have your skates on tight enough to give yourself good ankle support. This may help keep you from spraining your ankle. Thanks Helpful 24 Not Helpful 4
  • Tie your skates up all the way to the top! Thanks Helpful 12 Not Helpful 16
  • When you first try this you may fall. It could hurt. Thanks Helpful 13 Not Helpful 20
Advertisement

Things You'll Need

  • Skates (laces included)
  • Ice
  • Balance

You Might Also Like

Hockey StopHow toHockey Stop Stop on Roller SkatesHow to Stop When Roller Skating Stop on Inline SkatesHow to Brake and Stop on Rollerblades Learn Ice Skating by YourselfHow toLearn Ice Skating by Yourself Figure Skate (for Beginners)How toFigure Skate (for Beginners) Roller SkateHow toRoller Skate Ice Skate BackwardsHow toIce Skate Backwards RollerbladeHow toRollerblade Stop a SkateboardHow toStop a Skateboard Turn when SkiingHow to Turn When You're Skiing: Guide for Beginners Ice SkateHow to Ice Skate: Basic Techniques, What to Wear & More Alpine Ski if You Are a BeginnerHow toAlpine Ski if You Are a Beginner Inline SkateHow toInline Skate Turn on RollerbladesHow toTurn on Rollerblades Advertisement

References

  1. http://perthicearena.com/tips.html
  2. https://fitness.stackexchange.com/questions/3185/how-do-i-come-to-a-stop-while-ice-skating
  3. https://www.myactivesg.com/sports/ice-skating/training-method/ice-skating-for-beginners/how-do-i-stop-while-ice-skating
  4. http://howtohockey.com/how-to-hockey-stop
  5. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cC54A9c2dEE
  6. https://www.exploratorium.edu/hockey/skating2.html
  7. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fsrc5TX6Y5M

About This Article

wikiHow is a “wiki,” similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. To create this article, 37 people, some anonymous, worked to edit and improve it over time. This article has been viewed 409,765 times. 31 votes - 71% Co-authors: 37 Updated: February 19, 2026 Views: 409,765 Categories: Ice Hockey Article SummaryX

To stop on ice skates, start by turning one of your skates at a 45-degree angle so it's dragging across the ice. Then, bring that skate up to the instep of your other skate, and shift your body weight onto the dragging skate so you're leaning back slightly. Continue to keep your weight on your back foot until you slowly come to a stop. To learn how to stop on ice skates using other methods, like the hockey stop, scroll down! Did this summary help you?YesNo

In other languages Spanish German Indonesian Japanese
  • Print
  • Send fan mail to authors
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 409,765 times.

Reader Success Stories

  • Christian Linde

    Christian Linde

    Oct 2, 2017

    "I play hockey and I love it and this article helped me."
More reader stories Hide reader stories Share your story

Did this article help you?

Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy.

About This Article

31 votes - 71% Click a star to vote Co-authors: 37 Updated: February 19, 2026 Views: 409,765 Christian Linde

Christian Linde

Oct 2, 2017

"I play hockey and I love it and this article helped me." Claire Cawley

Claire Cawley

Jan 4, 2017

"I do skating lessons, thank you so much." Share yours! More success stories Hide success stories

Quizzes & Games

Traffic Signs TestTraffic Signs TestTake QuizHow Awkward Am I QuizHow Awkward Am I QuizTake QuizGuess the Emoji QuizGuess the Emoji QuizTake QuizFinish the Phrase QuizFinish the Phrase QuizTake QuizAm I a Good Kisser QuizAm I a Good Kisser QuizTake QuizWhat's My Fight Style QuizWhat's My Fight Style QuizTake Quiz

You Might Also Like

Hockey StopHow toHockey StopStop on Roller SkatesHow to Stop When Roller SkatingStop on Inline SkatesHow to Brake and Stop on RollerbladesLearn Ice Skating by YourselfHow toLearn Ice Skating by Yourself

Trending Articles

Do You Agree with These Hygiene Hot Takes?Do You Agree with These Hygiene Hot Takes?Tell That Your Crush Likes You BackHow toTell That Your Crush Likes You Back100+ Flirty Things to Say to a Girl & Boost Her Self-Esteem100+ Flirty Things to Say to a Girl & Boost Her Self-EsteemCat Sleeping Positions: 22 Common Poses ExplainedCat Sleeping Positions: 22 Common Poses ExplainedSigns a Woman is Sexually Attracted to YouSigns a Woman is Sexually Attracted to YouWhat Emojis Mean Sex?What Emojis Mean Sex?

Watch Articles

Calculate the Volume of a PyramidHow toCalculate the Volume of a PyramidThe Best Way to Exfoliate Your Scalp (Plus, What to Use)The Best Way to Exfoliate Your Scalp (Plus, What to Use)Save Money as a KidHow toSave Money as a KidPolish AluminumHow toPolish Aluminum2 Easy Renter-Friendly Options to Hang Your Window Treatments2 Easy Renter-Friendly Options to Hang Your Window Treatments Insert Slide Numbers in PowerPointHow to Insert Slide Numbers in PowerPoint

Trending Articles

Why Can't I Sleep QuizWhy Can't I Sleep QuizBe PrettyHow toBe PrettyThe Most Attractive Zodiac Signs & What Makes Each Sign BeautifulThe Most Attractive Zodiac Signs & What Makes Each Sign Beautiful24 Different Types of Bras Explained24 Different Types of Bras Explained Play the Concentrate Game (For A Little Scare!)How to Play the Concentrate Game (For A Little Scare!)What Does Your Rice Purity Score Really Mean?What Does Your Rice Purity Score Really Mean?

Quizzes & Games

How Good Are My Survival Instincts QuizHow Good Are My Survival Instincts QuizTake QuizWould I Survive a Horror Movie QuizWould I Survive a Horror Movie QuizTake QuizWould I Be a Good Super Spy QuizWould I Be a Good Super Spy QuizTake QuizSquid Game Sim: Season 1Squid Game Sim: Season 1PlayWhat Tarot Card Am I QuizWhat Tarot Card Am I QuizTake QuizWhat Age Is My Brain QuizWhat Age Is My Brain QuizTake Quiz wikiHow
  • Categories
  • Sports and Fitness
  • Team Sports
  • Hockey
  • Ice Hockey
wikiHow Newsletter You're all set! Helpful how-tos delivered toyour inbox every week! Sign me up! By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy.
  • Home
  • About wikiHow
  • Experts
  • Jobs
  • Contact Us
  • Site Map
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Do Not Sell or Share My Info
  • Not Selling Info
  • Contribute

Follow Us

×

Don’t miss out! Sign up for

wikiHow’s newsletter

Subscribe You're all set! X --569

Tag » How To Stop With Ice Skates