How to Stop on Rollerblades (2026)
Confident stopping makes inline skating safer and more fun. Here's how to use the heel brake first, then the T-stop, plow and spin stops.
Stopping Methods at a Glance
| Stop | Difficulty | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Heel brake | Beginner | Learn first; uses the rubber brake |
| Plow stop | Beginner | Wide stance, toes in |
| T-stop | Intermediate | Drag one skate behind |
| Spin stop | Intermediate | Turn into a circle to stop |
| Hockey stop | Advanced | Sideways slide |
1. Heel Brake
- Roll in your ready stance, knees bent.
- Scissor the skate with the brake forward, about half a skate length.
- Bend your front knee and lift the brake skate's toe.
- Press the heel brake down and sit slightly, keeping weight centered.
- Increase pressure until you stop.
2. Plow Stop
At slow speeds, widen your stance, point your toes inward and push your heels out, pressing on the inside edges.
3. T-Stop
- Glide on your front skate with knees bent.
- Place your back skate behind it at a right angle, forming a T.
- Lightly drag the back skate's wheels, keeping most weight on the front skate.
4. Spin Stop
Turn your front foot outward and lead your rear foot heel-to-heel, so you spin in a tight circle until you stop.
5. Other Ways to Slow Down
- Run-out: roll onto grass and take a few running steps. Great for emergencies.
- Slalom: carve sharp left and right turns to scrub speed on a gentle slope.
- Stepping stop: lift and place each skate like small steps until you stop.
- Hockey stop (power slide): an advanced stop where you turn sideways and slide both skates. Learn it after the T-stop.
Practice Order
- Heel brake at walking pace.
- Plow stop on flat ground.
- T-stop, starting slowly.
- Spin stop and slalom.
- Advanced slides once everything else is automatic.
Stopping on Hills
Don't skate down a hill until you can stop reliably on flat ground. On slopes, control speed early with slalom turns and the heel brake rather than waiting until you're going fast. If a hill feels too steep, take off your skates and walk it.
Learning to Fall
When a fall is coming, bend your knees, get low and fall forward onto your knee pads, then slide onto your wrist guards and elbow pads. Avoid catching yourself with straight arms.
Common Mistakes
- Leaning back instead of staying centered.
- Straight legs: bend your knees.
- Not pushing the brake foot far enough forward.
- Trying advanced stops before mastering the heel brake.
Gear
Triple Eight Saver Series Pads
Knee pads, elbow pads and wrist guards in one set.
Check Price on AmazonLearn the basics in how to rollerblade, and for quad skates see how to stop on roller skates.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the easiest way to stop on rollerblades?
The heel brake, which most recreational inline skates have on the right skate.
How do you do a T-stop?
Glide on one skate and drag the other behind it at a right angle, forming a T, pressing lightly to slow down.
Why can't I stop with my heel brake?
Usually you're not scissoring the brake foot far enough forward or not bending your front knee. Practice slowly.
Does the T-stop wear out wheels?
Yes, it wears the dragging skate's wheels, so rotate wheels regularly.
Should I remove my heel brake?
Only once you can stop reliably with other methods.