> |
> |
Recovery
Question
When I skate I have been keeping the recovery skate as close to the ground as possible. I also set the skate down a few inches ahead of the support skate. I discovered I really do not create the conventional "D" shape movement in recovery. It is more like a straight-out then straight-in movement. I feel good about it and I enjoy the gliding. Is this a problem or should I consciously make for of a ¡ pattern around the back during recovery?
Answer
You ask an excellent question, and touched upon an issue that many skaters have brought up in the past. The first thing to keep in mind is that classic inline technique takes its roots from ice speedskating. The problem is that while similar, ice and inline pose very different frictional forces to the skater. When comparing the relative duration of push to glide between ice and inline, it should come as no surprise that the glide on ice is significantly longer. The bottom line is that more time is spent bearing weight on the support/glide leg. In order to prolong the glide, minimize friction, and maintaining proper edge control, ice skaters use a fairly pronounced “D” shaped recovery around the back. This is the best method for maintaining stability, preparing for the subsequent weight transfer, and enhancing the glide phase.
On inlines, the glide phase is much shorter, predominantly because of the higher frictional forces between the asphalt and the wheels. The dynamics of balance differ greatly because of the elliptical shape of the wheels. The weight transfer is less dynamic, and a number of biomechanical elements differ. The bottom line is that the “D” shaped recovery of ice skating does little to truly benefit the mechanics of inline skating. In fact, because of the higher stride frequency of inline, there is some benefit to making the recovery more efficient, and this typically involves bringing the recovery skate directly back towards the support leg instead of ‘around the back’. The “D” recovery of ice technique may be more aesthetically pleasing, but it does little to enhance the efficiency of technique on wheels.
The recovery movement you are describing is what I refer to as a ‘snap recovery’. Historically, the characteristics of this recovery became more widely used when skaters began using the double-push technique (if you don’t know what this means, do a search on ‘double push technique’ on google.com). Snapping the recovery leg straight back towards the body more directly opposes (and counterbalances) the inward ‘pulling’ action of the support leg.
Even if you are not skating double-push, the snap technique is equally effective for regrouping the push leg and preparing for the weight transfer. Since the “D” shaped recovery does little to foster efficiency, logically the snap technique is more efficient and has the added benefit of facilitating a higher stride frequency. On inlines, recovery is one of the technical elements of the movement that you can add your own ‘flair’ or technical signature to, so if it feels natural I say keep on truckin’!
opyright © 2004 Barry Publow. All Rights Reserved.
