Game version
Skate follow-the-leader: one person leads a pattern of glides, crossovers and turns and the group copies. Swap the leader each time.
Fall Down, Get Up
Practice falling safely and getting back up fast, the first skill every skater needs.
By Coach Evan Waechtler Youth coach (U11, Cache Valley, Utah) and founder of SSTracker Updated October 30, 2026
Set up
Bend your knees and fall to the side onto your hip.
Core: Crossovers. Aim for smooth edges and compare only with your own last time.
- Ages
- 7 and up
- Time
- 8 min
- Players
- Just you
- Space
- Yard or field
- Bring
- Skates, ice
- Level · skill
- Beginner · Skating
The steps
How it works
- Bend your knees and fall to the side onto your hip.
- Roll onto your hands and knees.
- Put one skate flat under you, then the other, and stand.
- Do 8 falls, 4 to each side.
Coaching point
Chin tucked, up on one knee.
Safety: Wear a helmet with a full cage, a neck guard, a mouthguard and full gear on the ice.
Make it fun
Play it, don't drill it
Challenge
Pick a level: Less (glides), Core (crossovers), More (crossovers with a turn). Aim for smooth edges and compare only with your own last time.
Story
You are a figure skater drawing shapes on the ice.
My best
Beat your own count
Aim for smooth edges and compare only with your own last time. Only your own number counts: today against last time.
Practice makes progress
Print it now, or save it free
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