Skating Games and Drills for Kids: 10 Fun Ways to Practise
Children rarely want to "practise". But give them a game, and they will skate for an hour without noticing they are learning. These ten games and drills work for quad and inline skates, and most need nothing more than a few shoes or bottles.
Start with the easy games for beginners, then add the harder ones as your child improves.
The games at a glance
| Game | Skill it builds | Level | What you need |
|---|---|---|---|
| Red light, green light | Stopping | Beginner | Nothing |
| Statues | Balance | Beginner | Nothing |
| Follow the leader | Control and copying moves | Beginner | Nothing |
| Glide contest | Pushing and gliding | Beginner | Chalk |
| Stop on the line | Accurate stopping | Beginner | Chalk |
| Slalom | Turning | Improver | Shoes or bottles |
| Duck, duck, glide | Changing speed | Improver | Nothing |
| Pick-up challenge | Bending low | Improver | Soft toys |
| Figure of eight | Turning both ways | Improver | Two markers |
| Obstacle course | Everything | Confident | Markers, chalk, a soft ball |
Games for beginners
1. Red light, green light
One person calls "green light" and the skaters move. On "red light", everyone stops. Anyone still rolling goes back to the start.
It is the best stopping drill there is, and children love it.
2. Statues
Skaters glide until you call "statue". Then they freeze in a pose, still on their skates. Ask for one-foot statues as they improve.
3. Follow the leader
You or an older child lead, and everyone copies. March, glide, crouch low, wave the arms. It builds control without anyone thinking about it.
4. Glide contest
Draw a start line in chalk. Each skater takes three pushes, then glides. Mark where they stop.
The longest glide wins. It teaches strong pushes and a steady glide position.
5. Stop on the line
Draw a line and ask your child to stop with their toes on it. Start from a slow glide and add speed as they improve. Our guide on how to stop on skates has the stopping methods to use.
Games for improvers
6. Slalom
Set out five shoes or water bottles in a line, about two big steps apart. Skaters weave in and out without touching them. Move the markers closer to make it harder.
7. Duck, duck, glide
Skaters move in a circle. On "duck", they take small duck steps. On "glide", they push and glide.
It trains changes of speed and rhythm.
8. Pick-up challenge
Scatter a few soft toys on the ground. Skaters glide past and pick them up without stopping. It teaches bending the knees and staying low, which also prevents falls.
9. Figure of eight
Place two markers a few metres apart. Skaters loop around them in a figure of eight, turning left and right. Most children have a stronger side, and this evens it out.
Games for confident skaters
10. Obstacle course
Combine everything: a slalom, a stopping line, a pick-up section and a tight turn. Time each run. Children will happily go round again and again to beat their best time.
Keep games safe
- Helmet and pads on, every game, every time.
- Choose a flat, smooth, traffic-free space. Our guide to the best surfaces for skating in Kenya helps.
- Match the game to the skill. Speed games come after stopping is solid.
- Mind the group size. With many children, keep the games slow and give everyone space.
Frequently asked questions
What are good skating games for beginners?
Good skating games for beginners are red light, green light, statues, follow the leader and the glide contest. They build stopping, balance and gliding at low speed.
How do I make skating practice fun for kids?
You make skating practice fun for kids by turning each skill into a game, keeping sessions short and celebrating small wins.
What skating drills help with stopping?
The skating drills that help most with stopping are red light, green light and stop on the line. Both make children stop on command, again and again.
How can my child practise turning on skates?
Your child can practise turning on skates with the slalom and the figure of eight. Both need only a few shoes or bottles as markers.
Can these games be played on quad and inline skates?
These games can be played on quad and inline skates. Some, like the slalom, feel easier on inline skates once a child is confident.
How many children can play skating games together?
Skating games work with two to eight children in most compounds. With more, keep the games slow and spread the children out.
What do I need for skating games at home?
You need a smooth, flat space, some chalk and a few shoes, bottles or soft toys as markers. Everyone needs their helmet and pads.
At what age can kids play skating games?
Kids can play simple skating games, like statues and follow the leader, from the first week of skating. Faster games suit children who can already stop with control.
Looking for skates for the whole group? Browse all kids skates, most with a helmet and pads included.
