How to Fall Safely on Skates (and Get Back Up)
Every child who learns to skate will fall. That is normal, and with the right gear, most falls are nothing more than a bump. Teaching your child how to fall, before they pick up any speed, makes those bumps even smaller.
It also takes away a lot of fear. A child who knows what to do when they lose balance relaxes, and a relaxed skater falls less.
Safe falls and unsafe falls
| Fall | Safe or unsafe | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Forward onto knee pads | Safe | The pads take the impact and the body stays low |
| Forward onto knees, then wrist guards | Safe | The force spreads across padded areas |
| Sideways, rolling onto the hip | Fairly safe | Rolling spreads the impact |
| Backwards onto the bottom or back | Unsafe | The head can hit the ground |
| Straight-armed onto bare hands | Unsafe | Wrists take all the force |
Step 1: gear first
Safe falling depends on the gear. Make sure your child wears a helmet, knee pads, elbow pads and wrist guards, all fitted properly. Our skating safety tips for kids explain how to fit each piece.
Step 2: get low
Most falls start with straight legs and the body leaning back. So the first habit is to bend the knees.
When your child feels a wobble, they should bend lower, like sitting in a small chair. A low body has less distance to fall.
Step 3: fall forward, onto the pads
Teach this on grass or a rug first, without rolling:
- Bend the knees and lean slightly forward.
- Drop onto both knee pads.
- Then, if needed, put the hands down onto the wrist guards, with the elbows slightly bent.
- Keep the chin tucked so the head stays up.
Practise it five or six times until it feels natural. Then practise from a very slow glide on a smooth surface.
Step 4: avoid falling backwards
Falling backwards is the most dangerous fall, because the head can hit the ground. If your child feels themselves tipping back, they should push the hands and chest forward and bend the knees. That shifts the weight back over the skates or turns the fall into a forward one.
The helmet is there for the falls that still go backwards. That is why it is the one piece of gear that is never optional.
Step 5: getting back up
Getting up on wheels is a skill of its own. Here is the easiest way:
- Roll onto both knees.
- Place one skate flat on the ground in front, so your child is kneeling on one knee.
- Put both hands on the raised knee.
- Push up with the hands and the front leg, keeping the skates still.
- Bring the back skate forward and stand with the knees bent.
Make it a game
Children enjoy falling practice when it is a game. Call "fall" at random moments while they march on grass, and see who can drop onto their knee pads fastest. It builds the habit without the fear.
Frequently asked questions
What is the safest way to fall on skates?
The safest way to fall on skates is forward onto the knee pads, then the wrist guards, with the knees bent and the chin tucked.
Why should kids learn to fall before skating?
Kids should learn to fall before skating because it reduces fear and injuries. A child who knows how to fall stays relaxed and loses balance less often.
How do I stop my child from falling backwards?
You stop your child from falling backwards by teaching them to bend the knees and lean slightly forward. If they tip back, they should push the hands and chest forward.
Do wrist guards really prevent injuries?
Wrist guards help prevent wrist injuries by spreading the force of a fall across the splint. Children put their hands out when they fall, so wrists need protecting.
How does a child get up after falling on skates?
A child gets up after falling on skates by kneeling on one knee, putting both hands on the raised knee and pushing up with the front leg.
Should my child practise falling on grass?
Your child should practise falling on grass or a rug first, where the wheels do not roll. Then they can practise from a slow glide on a smooth surface.
Is it normal for kids to fall a lot when learning to skate?
It is normal for kids to fall a lot when learning to skate. Falls become much less frequent after the first week or two of practice.
What gear protects a child in a fall?
A helmet, wrist guards, knee pads and elbow pads protect a child in a fall. The helmet and pads option on our skates includes all four.
Want the gear in the box? See our skates with protective gear, with a helmet and pads for KSh 5,899.
