How to Stop on Ice Skates [Beginner’s Guide]

For most new skaters, moving forward feels like the easy part. You step onto the ice, push off with one foot, and suddenly you’re gliding. The sensation is exciting, almost magical. But the moment you realize you do not know how to stop, that excitement can quickly turn to fear. 

Many beginners picture themselves crashing into the boards, colliding with another skater, or falling flat on the ice. These worries are common, and they can hold you back from enjoying the rink.

The good news is that stopping on ice skates is not nearly as intimidating as it seems. Like any skill, it comes with practice and the right technique. The first few attempts may feel awkward, but soon the motion becomes familiar. 

Our guide will help beginners learn how to stop on ice skates and develop the confidence to skate. 

Why Learning to Stop on Ice Skates Matters

Every beginner needs to understand one simple truth: skating without knowing how to stop is like driving a car without brakes. You may get by for a short time, but eventually, you’ll find yourself in a situation where you need to slow down safely. 

Without proper technique, that situation can lead to a collision, a hard fall, or frustration that makes you want to give up.

Ice skating stopping techniques matter for three key reasons: 

• Keeps you in control of your speed
• Prevents accidents with other skaters
• Builds confidence on the ice

What Is the Easiest Way to Stop on Ice Skates?

Skaters find the snowplow stop to be simple and reliable, and it does not require advanced skills. At first, it may feel awkward to angle your feet this way, but it soon becomes second nature.

1. Bend your knees slightly.
2. Angle your toes inward.
3. Push your heels outward.
4. Let the inside edges of your blades create friction to slow you down.

Once you learn how to snowplow stop, your confidence will likely grow. You’ll stop worrying about what will happen if you skate too fast or lose your balance. And you’ll find you can slow down at will, which frees you to focus on the fun of skating instead of the fear of falling.

Comparison of Common Ice Skating Stops

The snowplow stop is the best place for beginners to start, but it is not the only way to stop. Skating has a natural progression of skills, and knowing what comes next gives you goals to work toward.

• Snowplow stop: The go-to method for beginners. It is controlled, safe, and works best at slower speeds.
• T-stop: A common next step once you gain balance. One foot glides forward while the other drags behind at a right angle, forming a “T.” This method creates more friction but requires stronger ankle control.
• Hockey stop: A dramatic and powerful stop where both skates turn sharply to the side and skid across the ice, creating a spray of snow. The hockey stop is fast and effective, but it demands precise edge control, making it best suited for advanced skaters.

Stopping Technique	Skill Level	How It Works	Pros	Cons	Taught In U.S. Figure Skating Basic Skills
Snowplow Stop	Beginner	Bend knees, angle toes inward, and push heels out to create friction on both blades.	Safe, stable, and reliable; builds confidence.	Limited stopping power at higher speeds.	Basic 5: first stop most skaters learn.
Hockey Stop	Intermediate–Advanced	Both skates turn sharply sideways, skidding across the ice to create a spray of snow.	Fast, powerful, looks impressive; essential for advanced control.	Requires precise edge control; risk of slipping if balance is off.	Basic 5: introduced after snowplow stop.
T-Stop	Advanced	One foot glides forward while the other drags behind at a right angle on a single inside edge.	Develops edge strength and balance on one foot; smooth, controlled stop.	More technically difficult; requires strong ankle control.	Basic 6: taught after mastering two-foot stops.

Beginners sometimes feel pressure to learn the hockey stop right away because it looks impressive. 

However, the truth is that you do not need it early on. What you need is confidence and control, and that comes from mastering the snowplow first. The other stops can come later, once you are ready.

Technique & What Not to Do: Common Beginner Stopping Mistakes

Mistakes are part of the learning process, but knowing what to expect helps you avoid habits that slow your progress. Beginners often ask, What are the most common stopping mistakes skaters make? Three show up again and again:

1. Leaning back or locking knees. This throws your weight off balance and increases the likelihood of falling. The correct stance is to bend your knees and keep your weight slightly forward over the balls of your feet.
2. Pressing too hard, too quickly. Beginners sometimes dig their blades into the ice with too much force. Instead of stopping smoothly, the skates slip out. A safer method is to apply gentle pressure and increase it gradually.
3. Looking down at your feet. While it feels natural, this disrupts your balance. Your body follows your eyes, so when you look down, you pitch forward. Keep your head up and your gaze focused in front of you.

Each of these mistakes comes from fear and tension. When you feel nervous, your body stiffens and your movements become jerky. Relaxing into the stop, even if it feels strange at first, creates smoother results.

“How can I overcome the fear of stopping on ice?”

The answer is simple: practice, patience, and repetition. Fear fades each time you attempt the motion and see that you can control it.

Start slowly. Glide at walking speed and practice the snowplow. Bend your knees, angle your toes inward, and gently push your heels outward. Do not try to force a full stop at once. The goal is to become familiar with how your edges create friction.

Once you are comfortable slowing down, increase your speed a little. Each new attempt builds muscle memory and confidence. The more often you practice, the more natural the motion feels. Eventually, stopping will become something you do automatically, without thinking.

As you improve, experiment with variations. A small snowplow angle slows you gently, while a wider angle gives you a firmer stop. This control allows you to adjust according to your speed and the available space on the ice.

If you are still nervous, skate with a friend or coach. Having support nearby makes practice feel less intimidating. And remember: every skater falls. Even professionals hit the ice when trying something new. The goal is not perfection on the first try but steady progress over time.

Beginner Ice Skating Safety Tips

When kids are learning to ice skate, safety should always come first. Proper gear, the right environment, and a few simple techniques can help your child feel more confident on the ice while reducing the risk of injury.

• Wear a snug helmet and gloves for protection.
• Use skates that fit well and provide ankle support.
• Practice on smooth, less crowded ice to avoid collisions.
• Bend knees slightly and lean forward for better balance.
• Learn how to fall and get up safely, keeping sessions short to prevent fatigue.

The Right Equipment for Learning Stops

Equipment can make or break your progress. Skaters often ask, What type of ice skates are best for learning to stop? The best answer is skates that fit properly and give you balanced support.

What to look for in beginner skates:

• Snug fit (not loose or wobbly)
• Comfortable but supportive boot
• Good ankle support for edge control

If your skates are too loose, your ankles wobble, and you cannot press into the edges with confidence. If your boots are too stiff or heavy, every movement feels like a struggle. Neither situation helps a beginner.

This is why Riedell designs skates specifically for new skaters.

Riedell Recommendations:

• Casual Series – stable, comfortable, perfect for first-timers.
• Developmental Skates – firmer support and precision for learning advanced stops like the T-stop.

The Casual Series and hockey skates are a great starting point. These skates are comfortable and stable, making them perfect for first-time skaters who want to learn basics like the snowplow stop. 

As you grow more confident, developmental skates become the better option. They provide firmer ankle support and more precise blade control, which helps you as you begin trying skills like the T-stop.

When your skates fit correctly and support you properly, you trust your equipment. That trust allows you to practice stops without second-guessing whether your skates will cooperate.

Bringing It All Together

Learning how to stop on ice skates for beginners is not just about avoiding crashes. It is about gaining the control and confidence to enjoy skating to its fullest. The snowplow stop is the easiest and safest way for beginners to start. 

Mistakes like leaning back, pressing too hard, or staring at your feet are common, but they are easy to fix with practice. The right equipment, such as beginner-friendly skates from Riedell, gives you the support you need to learn without frustration.

Most importantly, stopping is a skill you build step by step. Start slowly, repeat often, and allow yourself to improve at your own pace. Each time you practice, the fear gets smaller, and your confidence grows stronger. Soon, the stop that once felt impossible will become second nature.

At Riedell, we believe that mastering the stop is the moment skating changes from something scary into something joyful. With the right technique, the right skates, and the right mindset, stopping becomes not just a safety skill but the foundation for every skating experience that follows.