Close the Gap: Mastering the Hydroblade Without Wobbling
Ever attempt a hydroblade and end up looking more like a spaghetti noodle on ice? Trust me, you’re not alone. The hydroblade is easily one of the coolest moves in figure skating, but it can also be one of the trickiest. The secret ingredient? Keeping your legs closer together than your phone and your hand. Yes, it really does matter that much!
Why Leg Position Is Everything
One of the biggest mistakes skaters make while practicing the hydroblade is letting their free leg wander off into no-man’s land. When there’s too much space between your legs, it’s nearly impossible to find the sweet spot for balance. Picture a flamingo trying to do the splits… probably not happening. Bringing that free leg in snugly next to your skating foot keeps your center of gravity stable, making it far easier to maintain that dramatic lean.
How to Fix It
🤗 Snuggle Up: Think about your free leg hugging your skating foot. It should feel like the two are besties that can’t be separated.
🐮 Lean Onto Your Calf: Aim to rest some of your weight on your lower leg. That gentle pressure provides a support system, helping you hold a strong, confident position.
✋ Arm (and Hand) Support: Your arms aren’t just for flair! They help you stay low and steady. Go ahead and place a hand on the ice if you need that extra bit of balance.
The Power of Practice
Let’s be real, hydroblades require loads of off-ice and on-ice practice. But don’t let that scare you off progress happens in small victories. Each time you inch that free leg in a bit closer, you’re training your body to remember the correct alignment. And before you know it, you’ll be gliding across the rink in that picture perfect lean.
Your Next Steps
So, grab your skates, hit the rink, and give these tips a whirl. Remember: keep those legs close, trust your calf lean, and don’t be shy about using your arms for support. Already seeing progress? Share your hydroblade hacks on social & tag us - let’s all level up together!
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